Last night I joined friends for a fantastic dinner at Ventuno Aperitivo in Limassol, lured by the buzz around a newly launched menu crafted by chef Giannis Zacharopoulos (ex Birdman Athens chef) in collaboration with Ventuno’s in-house kitchen. From the moment we arrived, the place exuded a lively yet intimate energy: warm lighting, a chic modern interior, and the soft murmur of conversations weaving with the clink of glasses. We tucked into a long, relaxed evening that felt both celebratory and effortless. The dining concept at Ventuno is built around sharing plates and the joy of coming together over a variety of flavors. We kicked off with a round of aperitifs and small bites designed to wake the palate and set the tone for what was to come. The first notes were bright and inviting—a tangy citrus kiss on a delicate seafood bite, followed by a perfectly charred vegetable crostini that offered smoky depth without overpowering the freshness on the plate. The balance between acidity, richness, and aroma impressed us early on, signaling the chef’s confident command of the menu’s new direction. The new menu, a collaboration between Giannis Zacharopoulos (ex Birdman Athens) and the in-house team, unfolded as a thoughtful journey through modern Mediterranean flavors. The courses were presented with a sense of narrative—each dish linking to the next while still standing strong on its own. We felt the influence of Giannis’s background from Birdman Athens in the technique and precision, tempered by Ventuno’s local ingredients and sensibility. The result was a menu that felt both adventurous and accessible, with a clarity of technique that made every bite interesting. One standout course was a seafood preparation that showcased a beautiful balance of brightness and depth. The focal protein arrived with a gentle char, complemented by a crisp citrus note and a whisper of fennel that lifted the dish without masking the sea-sweetness of the fish. Another plate highlighted the kitchen’s playful side—a vegetal option that emphasized texture and contrast: soft, creamy elements paired with a crisp, almost snappy finish. The vegetarian dishes, too, demonstrated that vegetables could carry as much character as seafood and meat when treated with thoughtful seasoning and composition. Between courses, the pacing was impeccable. The kitchen kept a steady rhythm, giving us time to savor each plate and discuss the direction of the flavors without feeling rushed. The in-house team handled service with warmth and attentiveness, checking in with knowing smiles and just enough explanation to appreciate the dish’s concept without interrupting the flow of the meal. The ambiance—soft music in the background, a gentle buzz of conversations on the terrace—made it easy to linger over the conversation as much as the food. To complement the tasting, we explored Ventuno’s beverage offerings. The cocktails and wine selections anchored the menu in a Mediterranean frame, with options that paired nicely with the evolving courses. The cocktails carried refreshing citrus and herbal notes that mirrored the brightness of the dishes, while the wines offered clean acidity and mineral leanings that kept the flavors crisp and expressive as the night progressed. It felt clear that the drink program was chosen to enhance, not overpower, the nuanced plates. Dessert provided a satisfying close that reminded us of the entire dining concept: modern restraint with a nod to comfort. A dessert course arrived with a balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness—a nod to the menu’s overarching theme of clarity and refinement. It was the kind of finish that invites you to linger a moment longer, chatting with friends and reflecting on the night. Overall, Ventuno’s new menu is a testament to the power of collaboration. Giannis Zacharopoulos brings his refined, technique-driven approach from Birdman Athens, while the in-house team grounds the experience with local style and flavor profiles that feel true to Limassol. The result is a dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming, designed for sharing and conversation as much as for appreciating the craftsmanship behind each plate. If you’re in Limassol and you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a culinary celebration rather than a routine meal, Ventuno Aperitivo is a must-visit. The new menu offers a cohesive journey through bright, modern Mediterranean flavors, brought to life by a team that clearly loves what they do. We left with full bellies, vivid impressions, and a plan to return soon to explore more of the menu and the thoughtful wine and cocktail pairings. For fellow food lovers, this is a dining destination worth trying, especially if you want a taste of how Limassol is evolving on the culinary map. And yes, do tag along with @ventuno_aperitivo to keep up with the latest from their ambitious lineup.