A beautiful stone house in Ayia Anna, just a few minutes outside Larnaca, has been given a new lease of life as December 9, a new Italian restaurant combining the building’s traditional character with a contemporary approach to Italian cuisine.
Open for just a few months, December 9 has transformed the old property into a distinctive dining destination where much of the menu is made from scratch.
15 years of experience in Italian cuisine
The kitchen is led by chef Fotis, who has 15 years of professional experience in Italian gastronomy.
At December 9, he takes familiar Italian flavours and techniques and gives them a modern touch, with particular emphasis on the quality of the ingredients and preparing as much as possible in-house.
The same attention has been given to the restaurant itself. After years of work, patience and dedication, the old stone building was renovated with respect for its original architecture, retaining features that reflect its history.
Red-framed windows and a picturesque courtyard complete the setting, creating the feeling of a brief escape from the city.
Pizza dough made with time, not yeast
The philosophy at this Italian restaurant near Larnaca is straightforward: if something can be made in the kitchen, it should be.
Its pizza dough contains no preservatives or yeast, using only flour, water, time and plenty of care. The lengthy process gives the pizzas their distinctive texture and flavour.
The kitchen also serves handmade focaccia, bruschetta on sourdough bread with fresh mozzarella and basil, crispy halloumi with tomato jam, and sandwiches filled with slow-cooked pork or chicken.
From Margherita to Tartufo and Carbonara
The pizza menu includes Italian classics such as Margherita, Capricciosa and Diavola alongside some less conventional combinations.
The Tartufo combines black truffle cream, Portobello mushrooms and caramelised onion, while the Carbonara is topped with pancetta, Parmesan and egg yolk.
For those looking for something richer, the Five Cheese combines five cheeses with homemade fig jam.
Even the ice cream is homemade
The made-from-scratch approach continues through to dessert, with everything prepared at December 9, including the ice cream, using local ingredients.
Desserts include chocolate lava cake, Pavlova with red fruits and cheesecake ice cream, as well as sweet pizzas topped with either lemon cream or a combination of Nutella, mascarpone and banana.
With its restored stone architecture, inviting courtyard and focus on handmade food, December 9 is a new arrival worth discovering for anyone looking for an Italian restaurant in the Larnaca area with plenty of character.
December 9
Ioakeim kai Annis 6, Ayia Anna, Larnaca
Tel: 97479999
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