A few years ago, a new Nicosia restaurant that had quickly become the ‘place to be’ began splitting its evenings into two-hour time slots, and the idea has since spread: book for 8pm and you have to leave by 10. Bars have started holding tables for reservations too, but some places still leave room for a spontaneous night out.
Nicosia
7 Kleidia is a small kafeneio-bar in old Nicosia with a wide range of Cypriot wines by the glass and craft beers, and an atmosphere that favours company and conversation over a strictly organised evening.
Spin is a small pizzeria serving sourdough pizzas, wine and music, and works on a walk-in basis.
BrewFellas takes no reservations and runs on a first come, first served basis. It pours draught beers from around the world and has a large selection of bottles and cans.
Swimming Birds is a café by day and a bar in the evening, serving wines, cocktails and Cypriot craft beers, with music. You can turn up and decide there whether to stay for one drink or make a night of it.
Limassol
Cinema is set in an old open-air cinema in Limassol’s historic centre, and you can go without booking. It serves signature drinks and small sharing plates by Jack Giannakou, with projections on the walls changing the atmosphere as the night goes on.
Freehouse Spritzeria offers a spritz on the pavement to start the evening.
Gypsy’s Western Saloon makes its own margaritas, which are reason enough to drop in and see how long you stay.
Sto Dromo, on Genethliou Mitella Street, is a bar suited to an evening that starts with one drink and takes it from there.
Tria Poulakia, a little further along, serves cocktails to music ranging from jazz and blues to funk and indie. It works without reservations and without a door policy.
Tzins is a denim-themed bar with cocktails inspired by iconic jeans, as well as wine and beer. You walk in, find a spot and order, and it is geared towards after-work drinks.
