From humble Cypriot tavernas to Michelin-starred marvels, here’s where to eat on this eclectic Mediterranean island
Cyprus is often referred to as being at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – and as such their time-served influences can be seen on the menus of countless tavernas across the island. But, don’t go thinking Cyprus is set in its ways. In fact, this forward-thinking island has embraced grand gastronomy from around the world, cutting-edge fusion cuisines and trendy plant-based dishes, which complement the more traditional Mediterranean fare of slow-cooked meat, lemon-drenched fish, olives and olive oil, vegetables, fruit picked fresh from the tree and nuts, perfectly. Of course, it is all accompanied by some fine Cypriot wines.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Cyprus. Find out more below or for further Cyprus inspiration, see our guides devoted to the island’s best hotels, things to do and beaches.
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Best all rounders
To Pantopoleio Kali Orexi
With its quirky interior of abstract panels, edgy lighting, blond wood furnishings and a wall of perfectly aligned wine bottles from almost floor to ceiling, plus a menu of classic Cypriot dishes given an inspired twist, To Pantopoleio Kali Orexi has become one of the trendiest places to dine in Nicosia. Psefdokeftedes are meatballs, which here are enhanced with feta cheese and oregano. Try this, followed by the local tenderloin pork marinated in aged whiskey and served with pitta. Round off the meal with the restaurant’s famous Trigona Panoramatos, which are beautifully presented phyllo cones filled to bursting with fresh cream.
Area: Nicosia
Website: pantopoleiocy.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Sentio
This super eatery in the heart of Nicosia has in many ways reinvented the definition of a bistro with its seriously haute cuisine served within a cutting edge minimalist ambiance. Here, Mediterranean cuisine fused expertly with Middle Eastern and Asian flavours by chef Andreas Giagoullas and his team is the deal. Dishes are designed to share with friends. Try its signature dish Lamb Fricassee sourced from Mitilini, which is delicately infused with lemon, topped and tailed by a starter of beef tartare, a pre-dessert of green apple ravioli and trio of chocolate mousse.
Area: Nicosia
Website: sentio.com.cy
Reservation: Recommended
Price: ££
Sage
Its easy elegant style created by a décor of soft creams and caramels, and its gastronomic cuisine has put Sage well and truly on the Cyprus culinary map. Executive chef George Kadis and his team take classic local and fusion recipes and give them a modern twist using locally sourced natural ingredients. The signature dish worth going for is Marennes oysters served with lemon and chilli sauce on crushed ice, which might be followed by pasta, fish, a vegetarian dish or a meat main like Sage’s beef fillet served with apple, pineapple and a delectable cream sauce. Each is presented as exquisite plates, and accompanied by fine local wines.
Area: Ayia Napa
Website: sagerest.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Novél
This former market hall has been reinvented as a gorgeous, design-led hotel, and now houses one of the island’s newest restaurants. On Novel’s local, creative and often organic menu, chefs apply their expertise to dishes like garlic prawns with sourdough, marinated baby chicken with orange miso dressing or homemade lemon tart served with chocolate ganache and pistachio. All dishes can be accompanied by wine pairings. The elegant space has inside and alfresco dining and music evenings where holidaying couples will find themselves mingling with locals.
Area: Lefkara
Website: theagorahotel.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Best Table: On the terrace next to the pool
Polo
Unless you’re staying in the Alasia Boutique Hotel, which is something of a landmark in Limassol having been in the same family of hoteliers since the early 1960s, the Polo restaurant could so easily be overlooked, but as seriously fine dining options go this is a place to seek out. The theme, as you might expect, is polo, and ornaments and art on the walls are of an equestrian nature. It’s sophisticated and cosy. Food-wise, the menu is primarily grills and Italian dishes, each creatively plated, while pre-dinner drinks, wines and cocktails can be enjoyed in the lounge. Here, nestled near a huge hand-crafted wooden bar, is a ‘wine library’. The Polo is famed for its wine pairings.
Area: Limassol
Website: alasiahotel.com.cy
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Best for families
To Kazani
Behind the dazzling white façade with its sky blue painted window frames and doors, and the prettiest of paved courtyards where tables with similarly coloured checkered cloths can be found in summer, lies this gorgeous taverna. It delivers the most sumptuous of classic Cypriot dishes, all of which are presented with a contemporary twist. Here, you are served one of the best mezes around, starting with Cyprus’s own cheese halloumi with salad, and continuing with multiple small dishes that might comprise koupepia (stuffed vine leaves), kolokouthkia me ta afka (courgettes with eggs), kleftiko (slow cooked lamb), afelia (pork cooked in wine) or souvlaki (skewered chicken).
Area: Larnaca
Website: linktr.ee/tokazani
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Muse
Muse is a favourite of Paphos’s trendy young things in the evening and fans of long lunches, but is equally ideal for a family outing. Inside, its contemporary black and white décor enhanced by pink lighting gives it a vibe, while outside its enormous terrace covered in sails has big comfy chairs and tables that look right out over the coastline of Paphos. Muse is known for its range of smoothies and exotic cocktails. Its food menu is bistro in style and offers creative salad combinations, sizzling dishes and healthy eating options. Try the heavenly chicken souvlaki (kebab) drenched in yogurt and herbs, and served with Muse’s own take on chip medallions. The flair continues through to the gooey desserts. Fine wines complete the picture.
Area: Paphos
Contact: facebook.com/musecafekitchenbar; 00 357 26 94 19 51
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Best Table: On the terrace overlooking the Paphos coastline
Aura
This large, bright restaurant is one of a quartet – Anaïs, Prime Steakhouse and Amber Dragon – within the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel, casino and entertainment complex in Limassol. Here, families can enjoy a wide-ranging selection of cuisines buffet-style or à la carte. Children have their own menu, plus a kosher family menu is available. Aura’s focus is on sustainability and they carefully select suppliers on account of their ethical farming and fishing practices or cage-free eggs. Waste is also kept to a minimum and power is generated by solar. Offerings range from prime beef burgers and salads to mains of salmon with a black olive crust. For the youngsters, there are chicken fingers with fries or pizza.
Area: Limassol
Website: cityofdreamsmed.com.cy
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Meze Taverna
This wooden-beamed taverna decked out with rustic furnishings is every inch a family-orientated eatery. Combining heritage with modernity, quaint artefacts like traditional Cypriot wine jugs and baskets adorn the place. Yet the menu puts a modern twist on its classic dishes. Take its fish meze – there’s baby kalamari, mussels and octopus, sea bream and prawns with lashings of garlic butter. Vegetarian dishes include iman bayildi (aubergines with tomato and garlic), while desserts feature hot chocolate soufflé, fried ice cream (highly recommended) and banoffee pie.
Area: Limassol
Website: mezetaverna.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Flamingo
Children will love the chance to visit Pafos Zoo with its lizards and turtles, crocodiles, iguanas, elephant and the cheeky meerkats. When tummies begin to rumble, head for Flamingo, where a range of traditional Cypriot dishes can be enjoyed with a glass of wine for grown-ups, and smaller portions with fresh juices for the little ones. On the menu you’ll find souvlaki (skewered chicken), kleftiko (slow baked lamb), homemade moussaka and anari cheese filled ravioli. Bread is baked fresh on the premises in clay ovens.
Area: Paphos
Website: pafoszoo.com
Reservations: Not necessary
Price: £
Best for cheap eats
Hondros Taverna
Established in 1953, Hondros Taverna has been a landmark in Kato Pafos for a good few years and is still going strong. It sits on a prominent corner with views of the harbour area and serves a lengthy menu of Cypriot classics; cuts fresh from the barbecue and moussaka served with the tavernas’ renowned halloumi and pesto salad. Ticks all the boxes for families looking for a quick, authentic meal that’ll be easy on the wallet. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Area: Paphos
Contact: facebook.com/HondrosTaverna; 00 357 26 93 42 56
Reservations: Not neccessary
Price: £
Best Table: On the terrace
Aldente Cucina Italiana
Located right in the heart of Larnaca along its landmark tree-lined Finikoudes (Phinikoudes) esplanade, this cosy, characterful restaurant promises flavoursome antipasti, fresh salads and some of the finest wood-fired baked pizza, pasta and risotto this side of Italy – helped hugely with the import of genuine Italian ingredients. Signature dishes include its Greca pizza with tomato, olives and halloumi. The penne al tartufo bianco (penne pasta with white truffle and gourmet mushrooms) is another highlight. There’s a kid’s menu, a dessert collection featuring Italian ice cream, and an impressive selection of cocktails, mocktails and wines.
Area: Larnaca
Website: aldente.com.cy
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £
Sushi La
This bright, contemporary restaurant, with displays of tempting sushi creations and endless salad bars, is the place to head for inexpensive Asian fusion cuisine in Larnaca. Bold combinations are everywhere. Try tuna and lemon sashimi tacos or shrimp and melon ceviche – or go All You Can Eat and attempt the whole lot. Main dishes include steak teriyaki and pork yakiniku (charcoal-grilled in bite-sized chunks). Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available too, along with a lengthy cocktail menu.
Area: Larnaca
Website: sushilabar.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £
Best for fine dining
La Maison Fleurie
The menu at this effortlessly romantic restaurant, with its rich ruby coloured walls and classic-styled velvet chairs, swathes of curtaining, crisp linens, wooden floors and outside terrace and garden is a gourmet’s delight. Focusing on authentic French cuisine that has garnered it many prestigious international awards, you can enjoy oysters drenched in Champagne and snails with garlic, scallops and lobster, wild boar, hare, veal and grouse all freshly delivered from France. Each dish is plated as if it is a work of art. Don’t miss the drama of crêpes flambées à la Maison Fleurie to complete your meal and, of course, all accompanied by exquisite French wines.
Area: Limassol
Contact: facebook.com/lmfcy; 00 357 99 672219
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££
Matsuhisa Limassol
A relative newcomer to the growing top-notch Cyprus gastronomy scene, Matsuhisa Limassol can be found in the luxurious Amara hotel on the seafront at Agios Tychonas. Step inside and you are transported to a world of cutting edge design with moody hues for the décor, heavy wood furnishings and subtle lighting. The centerpiece is a shiny new open kitchen where exquisite Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine is created. Outside, an equally elegant terrace overlooks the sea. The restaurant is the brainchild of legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa whose signature dishes include black cod with miso (try it with a baby spinach and truffle salad), along with shrimp tempura, sashimi and sushi. Sake and cocktails complete the deal.
Area: Limassol
Contact: amarahotel.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££
Best Table: On the terrace overlooking the lit swimming pools
Brasserie Au Bon Plaisir
This cosy, pleasingly rustic and welcoming sort of place with its colourful walls adorned with art reminiscent of French life is run by a family who relocated from France and can be found a few minutes’ walk from the famous Ledra Street in Nicosia. Meat in all forms – braised, roasted or prepared as a delicious terrine – is celebrated with considerable flair, including the family’s signature Soupe à l’oignon gratinée (onion soup with cheese) and main of matured French Charolaise steak. The family likes to keep things healthy with the use of fresh, local produce to complement the ingredients from the regions of France, and pay particular attention to customers’ food intolerances. It offers an excellent French and Cypriot wine collection.
Area: Nicosia
Website: aubonplaisir.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££
Best for walk-ins
Captain’s Table
If the thought of dining on fresh, innovative fish and seafood creations with the breeze in your hair and views out over the ocean fires your imagination, then head for the effortlessly stylish Captain’s Table at Zygi. Mahogany-panelled walls and tables clothed in crisp white linens set the scene for inside dining, or head out onto the cool blue-and-white themed terrace overlooking the marina. Here you can gaze at fishing boats that catch the menu’s fish bobbing in the waters. Lobster stuffed with seafood cream, mushrooms and brandy as a main, topped and tailed with a starter of grilled halloumi and glyko tou koutaliou (spoon sweets) for dessert will leave you with a treasured memory.
Area: Zygi
Contact: captaintable.com
Reservations: Recommended although not essential
Price: ££
Best Table: Inside for an intimate dinner or outside for marina view
Knight’s Gastropub
Loaded pulled pork nachos, burgers and steaks bursting with flavour or fish and chips with a decidedly upmarket twist (sea bass with an orange and thyme sauce for example) is the deal at this lively gastropub in the centre of Protaras. Topping and tailing mains are starters of citrus-cured salmon or grilled halloumi with tomato chutney, and desserts such as freshly baked chocolate lava cake or pavlova. Each dish is plated with flair – think edible flowers, sugar art and herbs fresh from the gastropub’s own organic garden. Vegetarian dishes are available as is a special menu for children, and a plentiful collection of drinks.
Area: Protaras
Website: knghtsgastropub.com
Reservations: Recommended although not essential
Price: £
Meraki Market Café
Meraki is a modern Greek word meaning “to follow your passion with flair and creativity” – and the team behind Meraki Market Café certainly do this by the bucket load. Expect an inspired matching of plant-based creations chalked up daily on blackboards, and a delightful cottage-chic interior complete with a mish-mash of brightly coloured wooden chairs plus continental-style pavement dining. The creative vegan/vegetarian menu is lengthy with gluten-free and dairy-free options. Try its signature Smokehouse Burger made from black beans, quinoa, mushrooms and oats topped with jalapeno cheese sauce and served with a seriously inspired salad.
Area: Paphos
Contact: merakimarketcafe.com
Reservations: Recommended although not essential
Price: £
How we choose
Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller’s taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Carole French is Telegraph Travel’s Cyprus expert. She was captivated by the island two decades ago and lives in a village surrounded by her own olive groves near Paphos. When not exploring archaeological sites she’s probably sipping Brandy Sours.
