We recently had the pleasure of dining at @toellinikocy, located inside the Hilton Nicosia. From the moment you step into the dining room, you’re greeted by a sunlit, airy ambience that blends classical Greek warmth with contemporary elegance. The blue-and-white accents, earthy timber, and little olive-tree touches create a Mediterranean mood that immediately puts you in a relaxed, vacation-ready frame of mind. The aromas of oregano, grilled seafood, and zesty lemon drift through the air, hinting at the flavors to come. The staff handled our table with a perfect balance of warmth and professionalism. They welcomed us with a quick rundown of the menu, then offered thoughtful recommendations based on our tastes. The wine list leaned into Greek staples—Assyrtiko for seafood lovers and a supple Agiorgitiko for red enthusiasts—paired with light, attentive service that never rushed our dining rhythm. It felt less like a restaurant visit and more like an intimate Greek dining experience, curated to feel both festive and refined. We began with mezze that set the tone for the night: warm, pillowy pita bread brushed with olive oil, a bowl of cool, garlicky tzatziki, and a plate of briny olives that sang of the Aegean coast. The spread also included crisp spansakopita triangles with a delicate feta bite and a few dolmades that offered a fragrant herby finish. Each item arrived with its own personality—creamy, bright, and hydrating in all the right ways—so we kept nibbling our way through the platter, tracing the familiar flavors that instantly recall sunny Greek seaside tavernas. The star starter for us was a beautifully charred octopus, drizzled with olive oil and lemon, its tentacles yielding just the right amount of bite. The lemon offered a citrus brightness that cut through the olive oil richness, while a whisper of oregano tied everything together. It was a dish that felt both approachable and sophisticated, a reminder that Greek cooking can be simple in its components yet complex in its balance. For mains, we shared a classic lineup that showcased the restaurant’s range. The moussaka arrived in generous, comforting layers—tender eggplant, potato, and ground meat under a glossy béchamel that was rich but not cloying. Each bite carried a gentle spice and a satisfying creaminess, a testament to a chef who respects tradition while executing it with finesse. The grilled lamb souvlaki was grilled to juicy perfection, the meat kissed with smoke and brightened by a squeeze of lemon and a scatter of fresh herbs. On the side, herb-seasoned roast potatoes and a crisp salad provided a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the richer mains. We also tried a perfectly seared sea bass, its fillet flaky and delicately accented with a lemony herb sauce that didn’t overwhelm the fish’s natural sweetness. The dish felt light and elegant, a reminder that the Greek canon isn’t just about robust flavors but also about balance and proportion. To end on a sweet note, the dessert trio included honeyed baklava and a silky galaktoboureko, both finished with just the right drizzle of syrup and a handful of toasted nuts. A final cup of Greek coffee wrapped up the meal with a lingering, satisfying finish—bold, slightly bitter, and distinctively aromatic. The experience extended beyond the plate into the atmosphere: soft background music, comfortable table spacing, and a dining room that felt lively without losing its refined edge. The service remained consistently attentive—our server checked in with both timing and temperature (literally and figuratively), ensuring we enjoyed each course at the right pace and suggesting wine pairings that complemented the dishes without overpowering them. If you’re planning a visit, here are a few takeaways: - Start with a mezze spread to set the tone and give your palate a tour of Greek flavors. - Don’t skip the octopus—it’s a showcase of how simple ingredients, treated well, can deliver maximum impact. - The seafood and lamb mains offer a balanced view of Greek cooking—rich, comforting elements alongside bright, zesty notes. - Pairings from the wine list elevate the dishes; a crisp Assyrtiko is especially superb with seafood and olive-oil-forward dishes. - Save room for dessert or end with a robust Greek coffee to reinforce the culinary finish. Overall, dining at Toellinikocy in Hilton Nicosia felt like a well-curated escape to Greece without leaving the city. The menu honors Greek culinary heritage while delivering a contemporary dining experience—perfect for a refined date night, a celebratory dinner, or a relaxed evening with friends who appreciate authentic flavors presented with modern elegance. Highly recommended for anyone craving a genuine Greek culinary journey right in the heart of Nicosia.