Cyprus 'a new culinary hotspot'

Travellers looking for things to do in Cyprus have been encouraged to seek out some of the island's gastronomic offerings.

According to the local tourist board, talented young chefs and sommeliers have turned the destination into a new "culinary hotspot".

Limassol is home to a number of restaurants operating under the 'paddock to plate' philosophy, serving up dishes such as mushrooms flashed in Commandaria wines and rocket-wrapped smoked pork with strawberry coulis and fresh pepper.

Visitors can head to the Old Limassol market, where television chef and author Roddy Damalis regularly sources ingredients for his Little Plates restaurant.

Another popular dining venue is the Fat Fish, a beachfront taverna whose menu includes crispy crab cakes, scallops simmered in tomato and herb-packed sea bream.

Holidaymakers planning to hire a car and explore Cyprus can stop off at the village of Kornos on the Nicosia-Larnaca highway, which is home to award-winning young chef Savvas Savva's Archontiko Papadopoulou.

The restaurant specialises in contemporary takes on classic dishes using locally sourced meat and fish, which can be combined with Cypriot wines.

Other recommendations from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation include visiting Anogyra village to sample local halloumi cheese and driving to the Vouni Panayia winery for a tasting session.

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