Happy Birthday to us – 12 years. Wow !

So it’s our Birthday, Happy Birthday. The Lodge Southern African celebrates 12 years on 13th July 2023

“Owners Anastasia and Peter Van Rijn opened The Lodge in Paphos with the intention of combining their passion for food with their South African heritage. Their aim is simple. To give customers a taste of South Africa with fresh, high quality ingredients in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. And to stand out as one of Paphos’ best restaurants.”

This was what we set out to do and we used this statement as our About Us section on our website, we would like to think we have achieved our aim but that said, it takes the hard work of the team around us to keep us where we want to be and we have to pay tribute to and thank every single Lodge team member we have had over the last 12 years… without them we would not be where we are today and we are so proud to call you all “Familie” – “The Lodge Family” , we thank you with all our hearts.

Our family is not complete without “you”. Every single person that has walked through our doors into our little piece of Africa , “our home from home”, and dined at our tables, we consider you all to be family and we are truly humbled by the support you have shown us over the last 12 amazing years. Thank you all, and we are showing you our appreciation in July, with random giveaways, freebies and prizes in the restaurant. Feel free to join us for a meal, call in for a cocktail or just say hi, we don’t mind, we would just love to see you.

Where it all began.

Having designed and opened Dubai’s first ever 5* Cypriot restaurant, YiaYia, we were keen to build upon on our culinary expertise when we relocated to Paphos in 2011. This time, however, we drew on Peter’s background growing up in South Africa and his experiences as an executive grill chef. And so The Lodge was founded.

The look and feel of The Lodge also builds on our knowledge running a boutique hotel, also in Dubai. Both of us have worked tirelessly to recreate the look and feel of South African game lodges. With unique décor and amazing artefacts, the result is one of Paphos’ most beautifully designed restaurants, where you feel relaxed and welcome as soon as you enter.

Our Food

We take pride in standing out from the crowd of restaurants in Paphos by virtue of our use of fresh ingredients. As a steakhouse, the quality of our meat is of the utmost importance. We use superior Limousin beef, dry aged for 21 days, and also Black Angus beef from Ireland, Uruguay, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, all flame grilled on a charcoal Braai to your taste. Our homemade 100% mince burgers are made from Sirloin, Rib Eye, Fillet and Rump and our west coast inspired seafood will delight the fish lovers amongst you. The menu also features some South African favourites, like homemade Boerewors sausages. Underpinning the whole of The Lodge’s menu are our signature homemade “Sauces d’Afrique”. A heavenly selection of sauces and chutneys to delight your tastebuds.

All this is complemented by an excellent range of South African wines, as well as a wide selection of cocktails and other beverages.