I haven't actually eaten in restaurants in Protaras - went half board last year and the year before so didn't try them out. I think where we are staying this time round is going to be closer to Pernera anyway (it's a villa this time) so it will make sense to try out the restaurants there - bonus that it sounds as if they are better quality than Protaras anyway! I think we will definitely prefer the type of places Pernera has to offer, and I am completely with you on checking the loos! I have been know to walk out of places if the loos don't pass the test!

we are up at the Marlita Beach (pernera area I believe) ~ 1 adult and 1 fussy 5 year old ~ I like to eat traditional, he's traditional fish fingers kinda guy ~ any recommendations would be gratefully received

Thanks a lot for all your replies, one week to go now and counting the hours Will post an update on my return with all my recommendations. Many Thanks.

ClaireT
I was a kids rep at the Elamaris and your nephew will have to see what he thinks....in May there may not be that many other children his age (unless you are there over half term?). The kids club he will be able to go if he chooses to is for 9-12 year olds....it will probably depend on whether he thinks he is too old! Lots of 12 year old boys really enjoyed it though, especially when they all made friends and stuck together. I'm sure this years team will make as much effort as we did to cater for all.
The entertainers will run various activites in the days/evenings including football/pool competitions etc which were always popular with the 12-16's aswell as the adults! The football pitch is actually quite big compared to some other hotels and we had some good matches out there.
You asked, but I don't believe anybody commented on Bennigans...it does have nice food and HUGE portions! Obviously very handy being next to the Elamaris and they do good cocktails. However, it is quite pricey compared to some places and 'American style' - so depends if you want that kind of thing. There are so many places though, just have a look around and see what you fancy. Knights bar or Waterloo are good if you fancy a traditional english breakfast, pie or sunday roast!!
If you go to Davidos (directly opposite Elamaris) please say hello to Terry (the owner) from Helen and Phil! It's a fairly quiet bar compared to Knights etc but very friendly, with pool table and Terry is fab. My partner Phil loved this bar!!
The apartments are fairly basic but have the things you need and the maids are good and will keep it nice and clean.
Somebody mentioned Los Bandidos in Ayia Napa - it is fantastic!! Great food, great atmosphere - if you like mexican this is the place to go, much better than the mexican in Protaras. Do book in advance though, ask the reps for the phone number.
The Ophanides supermarket in Paralimni is good, but we normally used Kokkinos (also in Paralimni) which is even better! However, if you are only buying 'bits and bobs' I'd just use the Windmills supermarket rather than making a special trip.
I'm sure you will have a great time, I wish I was going to be there again!

Thanks a lot for your advice Helen. I will be checking out as many of the places recommended as possible. Really appreciate the info. on the hotel especially regarding the footie and pool as our nephew is daft on both of these. I would imagine it will be pretty quiet at this time as we are taking him out of school (we struggle to get time off during the school holidays) but I'm hopeful there will be some other kids there. Either way, I'm sure he will be able to occupy himself - if nothing else with the homework sent by the school !! Thanks again.

I'm sure there will be a few others there around his age, but it will be pretty quiet in May. By the way I'm sure you will have no trouble getting a sunbed either as the hotel will not be as busy as it gets high season so you shouldn't have to get up at a ridiculous time
By the way the snack bar by the pool is ok for lunchtime snacks but nothing special. If you can be bothered to get up and go for a walk, I'd go to Knights!
Don't know if you would, but I wouldn't bother eating in the hotel restaurant. Not that it is bad food, but there are places with much better and more choice for the same price.
Possibly irrelevant info, but if you are thinking of hiring a car at all don't book through the reps as it's very overpriced. The one over the road (I forget its name) is much cheaper and is reliable too.