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Archontiko Papadopoulou
Cyprus
Taste one of the brands of Commandaria, the Cyprus sweet dessert wine.
The village of Kornos lies 27 kilometres west of Larnaca and is well known for its pottery making tradition and an exceptionally good restaurant... Archontiko Papadopoulou.
Archontiko means ‘mansion’ and refers to the fact that the restaurant is in an old stone mansion (dating from 1897) which is situated in the heart of Kornos, just 100 metres from the church. The mansion has three storeys and is very attractive with dark blue shutters at its windows and planters of brightly coloured flowers lining its balcony.
This beautiful house was once a family home that was completely renovated to capture its unique character and preserve all its original features which include its sizeable wooden beamed ceilings and various authentic antique ornaments and pieces of furniture.
Entering Archontiko Papadopoulou is like stepping into yesterday. The restaurant is divided into several areas. The taverna is decorated with old architectural implements including the large grain sieves that are suspended from the ceiling. The second room has rustic wooden shelves lining the walls filled with various red clay pots made in the village and different products used by older generations for their every day life in their original packaging! The dining room in the upper floor overlooks the village and is a truly elegant room with crisp white tablecloths and an impressive chandelier. Outside at the back of the mansion is a typical avli – courtyard with flower filled clay pots and rustic wooden tables where you can enjoy your meal in the Spring and Summer months. There you can see the pottery workshop that preserves the tradition of Kornos pottery making and an old traditional outdoor wood fired, clay oven.
Downstairs on the lower ground floor is the wine cellar which is a stunning private function room that is ideal for family celebrations as well as corporate events.
The ethos of Archonitko Papadopoulou owners' is to promote the very best in Cypriot gastronomy and wines.
Every dish is stylishly presented and generously proportioned, combining traditional local specialities with a hint of innovation. The dishes on the menu vary throughout the year to reflect the passing seasons and are made using local ingredients and herbs.
The wine cellar at the restaurant is comprehensive and showcases the full range of good Cypriot wines that are available, made from both the indigenous grape varieties and the many imported grape varieties that flourish in the island’s sunshine. There is a strong link between the building and the island’s wine because when work started on its renovation a pithari (large red clay wine storage jar) containing the oldest Commandaria ever found in Cyprus was uncovered. It is believed to have been 150 years old.
Budget
- Moderately Priced
Best For Whom
- All Ages
Best For What
- Lively Atmosphere