The ancient, bucolic island country of Cyprus has been divided since 1974; the Turkish part (North) and Greek (South) is a contentious one. But today we put politics aside, and focus on the cuisine coming from the land where Aphrodite, "Goddess of Beauty" rose from the sea . . . that being the Greek side. The restaurant, Zenon Taverna located in Astoria, is owned and operated by the ruggedly handsome, high-spirited Stelios Pappageorgiou. Since 1985 he has been true to his Cypriot roots in turning out authentic delectable dishes in an atmospheric rustic setting.

Zenon Taverna has an arresting cozy quality, and a smart creative decor that is highly atmospheric. There are fifteen high-quality large oil paintings done by the the Cypriot artist George Christophi, which completely encircles the restaurant. Each of the paintings displays a special Cypriot setting and mood. The restaurant comfortably seats about seventy, and with the handsome hard wood floors, white stucco walls, and wooden beamed ceiling, you can imagine that you are in a taverna in a rural hill-setting of Cyprus. Zenon Taverna has a way to make you feel transported, this is a unique and very attractive quality.

Though the restaurant does serve Greek dishes, I instructed my waitress, Maria (a native of Cyprus) to point out the classic Cypriot dishes. My appetizers began with Kypriaki Salad (Cyprus Salad), similar to Greek Salad, however it contained capers which gave it an extra little bite which I enjoyed. This was followed by the very tasty Keftedes Kypriaki (Cyprus Meatballs), though not shaped in the typical meat ball style; but in the shape of a sausage, and the dish of fried chopped pork and shredded potatoes, seasoned with onion, parsley, black pepper and mint was busting with big-time flavor. 

And yet, another appetizer. Of course, how could I not have one of the very most recognizable of all Cypriot foods . . . Halloumi Cheese. Grilled sheep and goat milk cheese. Tastes especially great when plied with lots of lemon.

Yes, it looks like leftovers . . . but I was in absolute heaven with this dish!! This entree is called Kleftiko (Spring Lamb), yes, I know that Greeks do lamb all the time, but this Cypriot dish was different than any lamb I had ever had at a Greek restaurant. It arrives at the table with aluminum foil cresting over it - and then you slowly open the foil, and my gosh, such an aroma, I nearly passed out from it!  And the taste, the lamb is sooo succulent, it almost melts in your mouth.  The Kleftiko is comprised of large pieces of bone-in-lamb with celery, carrots, onions and potatoes wrapped in foil and baked in the oven. The foil is never opened after the cooking process to maintain its moisture, and only opened by the customer. This is a dish not to miss! Please note however, that Kleftiko is ONLY available on Tetarti (Wednesday), and Kiriaki (Sunday), as this was one of the "special dishes" of the day. Each day the Zenon Taverna offers seven "specials" of the day, and studying their menu closely the dishes looked mouth-watering.

The Zenon Tavera has terrific food, and the setting is attractive, but what brings it together, and makes it a truly unique and special place, is the restaurant's owner, Stelios Pappageorgious. He has wonderful "Zorba" quality about him, a joy of life, and this is felt throughout the Zenon Taverna. This can be witnessed in his genuine attention to the customers making sure all are enjoying to the fullest. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him as he spoke the  early days of creating the restaurant, (31 years ago) and how the entire family was involved. I found his story most inspirational. Regarding the name of the restaurant, Stelios informed me that the name comes from "Zeno of Citium," he is considered the founder  of the Stoicism school of philosophy, and was born in Cyprus around 335 BC.

Cyprus (Greek) language lesson - "Hello" (Yassou)  "Thank you" (Efharisto)  "Good Appetite"  (Kali Oreksi)

Interesting fact about Cyprus - More than 45 beaches are in Cyprus and the country has been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety. 

Address - Zenon Taverna  34 - 10 31 Avenue   (718) 956 - 0133