No frills pub food a comfort and joy

I love comfort food and the places that serve it, restaurants that evoke a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction, reminding us of home-cooked meals or special moments. Comfort food doesn’t need to be gourmet or complex; it’s all about bringing cosiness and contentment to the table.

Knight’s Pub in Pernera embodies comfort in every sense. What makes it so appealing? Pretty much everything, the food, the vibe, the way it’s true to itself. Knight’s Pub isn’t aiming for haute cuisine, but rather for consistency. It’s a place you can count on to deliver a satisfying experience, even before the food hits the table.

I’ve visited Knight’s countless times over the years, with friends, with my faithful dining companion, and often after a day at the beach. On my last visit, we went to celebrate a birthday, a perfect excuse to order generously and share, my favourite way to dine.

For starters, we tried the daily special: fried courgettes stuffed with feta and drizzled with balsamic vinegar, alongside a simple salad.

The salad was exactly as expected, no frills, just fresh. The courgettes, however, were a delightful surprise. Light and crisp with a batter almost tempura-like, they were creamy on the inside and came with a tangy tomato-based sauce, a pleasant way to begin.

Being at a pub, I couldn’t resist the sizeable rack of spare ribs, served with coleslaw and BBQ sauce. Weighing in at a hefty 600 grams, it was a hearty choice, and while I feared it would be a meal in itself, I’m glad to say it didn’t spoil my appetite.

Unlike other places that add sauce after cooking, Knight’s dry rubs the ribs first, then cooks them, finishing with the sauce to retain a smoky flavour. The ribs were tender and satisfying, though the coleslaw could use some thickening, it was a bit watery.

Other dishes on the table included the Mexican burger, worth a try for its guacamole and jalapeño sauce, and a creamy lasagna that, while definitely not traditionally Italian, offered rich béchamel comfort, a true guilty pleasure.

For dessert, I went with my favourite: sticky toffee pudding with homemade custard. As someone who’s loved sticky toffee pudding since my first trip to London years ago, I rarely find one this good outside the UK. It was a perfect end to a comforting meal.

Knight’s Pub is a fixture for both tourists and locals, thanks to its prime location near the sea and its inviting, laid-back vibe.

Whether it’s the airy patio, cosy interior, or cheeky and kitschy decor, something here feels uniquely welcoming. Most likely, it’s the food, satisfying, straightforward, and surprisingly rare in how true it stays to its purpose.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY: Pub food

WHERE: Knight’s Pub, Pernera Avenue 58, Protaras, Paralimni

WHEN: 12 pm–1 am daily (closes for the winter season)

CONTACT: 23 831497

HOW MUCH: €5-10 for starters, €10-35 for mains, €6-8 for desserts