Most of us know Cyprus as the place to be when we want a warm summer Mediterranean climate and mild winters. Also, it’s the place to be for its sandy beaches and its beautiful blue sea. And over 30 years of Cyprus living tells it is definitely a fantastic place for the best places to eat.
This blog post explores the best places to eat in Cyprus and shows personal unique fine dining eating places in each of the three Cyprus cities. Certainly, notable examples of traditional Cyprus mezze taverna restaurants alongside more mezze eating places for those who wish to eat traditionally/culturally. Village eating is a personal favourite, and Cyprus now has more street food type offerings too. Examples of all these best places to eat in Cyprus follow.
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Why do foodies love Cyprus?
Cyprus food isn’t just Cyprus food. It’s a blend of Cypriot, Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. Certainly, Cyprus food per se takes pride of place in Cypriot taverna restaurants. All local produce defines Cyprus’s eating places from signature fine-dining to street food. And the dishes have the finest locally produced ingredients, be it olive oil, grilled local meat, delicious fish/seafood and seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables.
Also, Cyprus values the art of slow eating and relishing plated flavours as much as using high quality ingredients. And many restaurants, especially those located in hotels that are open to non-residents too, employ highly-qualified chefs and sous chefs.
Best places to eat in Nicosia
As the capital, Nicosia offers one of the islandโs most authentic food scenes, mixing modern dining with traditional local favourites.
Rous Restaurant
Rous doesn’t disappoint. Its special occasion menu serves unique Mediterranean dishes using seasonal Cypriot ingredients.
Piatsa Gourounaki
Piatsa Gourounaki is a well-established restaurant in Nicosia and many Cypriots visit to taste its huge mezze servings and cultural Cypriot food like grilled meats, sheftalia and a fresh, healthy salad.
To Anamma
To Anamma restaurant is expert in charcoal grilling! It offers charcoal-grilled meats alongside Cypriot comfort food like “Macaroni in the oven” – a dish consisting of pasta, a creamy sauce and mincemeat/tomato filling. It’s delicious! It’s popular with Cypriots and there’s a relaxed atmosphere. Think of homemade cooking!
Best restaurants and tavernas in Limassol
Only a few years ago Limassol’s restaurants amounted to little more than traditional mezze tavernas. Now, it definitely competes with Nicosia as a special, unique food provider.
La Maison Fleurie
La Maison Fleurie is a welcoming French-Mediterranean restaurant that shows care towards its customers and it serves lovingly prepared French, Mediterranean and Cypriot flavours.
Matsuhisa Limassol (AMARA Hotel)
Matsuhisa is luxury within the hotel’s ambience. It offers Japanese-Peruvian cuisine known the world over for its gold standards. A great choice for a different food type and it makes a change from Cyprus’s traditional food. It shows that Cyprus can also accommodate preparation of food from other countries.
Anaรฏs
Anais is an upmarket establishment that turns regular Mediterranean/Cypriot dishes into new creations with modern twists while still retaining the seasonal traditional elements.
Traditional Limassol tavernas
Cyprus’s tavernas are its traditional eating places that strictly serve Cypriot food. It’s here where the Cyprus mezze is at its very best.
Meze Taverna Restaurant serves a very substantial Cypriot mezze along with traditional individual Cypriot dishes. It has a relaxed atmosphere.
Karatello Tavern provides true Cypriot tastes situated with a view of the historic Limassol Castle as a backdrop. It has an unmissable wine selection!
Dionysus Mansion is very popular for its local mezze/Mediterranean influences. It has a unique, outdoor garden dining experience too.
Best places to eat in Paphos
Paphos combines history and a laid-back coastal vibe, reflected in its relaxed food scene.
Oniro
Oniro is a fantastic restaurant in Paphos. it has excellent Cypriot, Mediterranean and international food, and there’s a casual, social ambience here.
Melania Restaurant
Melania is a solid, reliable restaurant serving both traditional Greek and Cypriot recipes. It offers grilled meats and fresh seafood too. A very good food range.
Antasia Beach Club
The best time to eat at Antasia Beach Club is during the daytime. Cypriots eat there after a day at the beach because it serves light Cypriot/Mediterranean food surrounded by sea views.
Traditional village tavernas in Cyprus
Some of the best food in Cyprus is in mountain villages and rural areas.
Militzis Traditional Taverna โ Kakopetria
Militzis is a classic village taverna with a hearty mezze, grilled halloumi and slow-cooked meats.
Prodromi Village Tavern โ Polis Chrysochous
A favourite classic village taverna is Prodromi Village Tavern. Prodromi is a cute hill village near Polis and has a family-owned/run taverna. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a very traditional menu. It offers huge mezze portions including grilled halloumi, slow-cooked meats and other such dishes. A typical homemade feel, perfectly combining with the local village wine making for leisurely eating.
Street food and quick eats
A relatively new addition to Cyprusโs food scene, street food offers some very good, flavoursome options and is ideal for a quick bite.
- Souvlakia Orfanides (Limassol) is a popular place for classic souvlaki wraps.
- Fytos Souvlaki (Paphos) sells large pita-wrapped souvlaki portions.
- Salonikios (Nicosia) is one of the capitalโs most popular street food spots for Greek gyros and Cypriot souvlaki served fast inside the restaurant.
Cyprus offers every kind of dining experience, from city fine dining and beachfront restaurants to traditional village tavernas and quick street food. Meals are often shared and enjoyed at a leisurely pace, reflecting the islandโs relaxed approach to eating with family and friends.
