A Taste of Cyprus: Discovering the Island’s Best Food and Taverns

🍽️ The Spirit of Cypriot Food

Food in Cyprus is more than just nourishment — it’s a way of life. Meals bring families together, friends to the same table, and strangers into the circle of hospitality.

Some key features of Cypriot cuisine include:

• Fresh, local ingredients: Olive oil, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and citrus fruits are staples.

• Mediterranean influence: The food blends Greek, Middle Eastern, and Levantine flavors.

• Community-style dining: Dishes are meant to be shared — one plate leads to another, and before you know it, the table is overflowing.

A Cypriot meal is rarely rushed. It’s about taking time, savoring flavors, and enjoying good company.

🍴 Dishes You Cannot Leave Without Trying

Halloumi

Cyprus’s culinary ambassador to the world. This semi-hard cheese is salty, chewy, and perfect when grilled or fried until golden. Try it fresh in the mountains or seared and served with watermelon in summer — a Cypriot favorite.

Souvlaki & Sheftalia

Two street-food classics often enjoyed together. Souvlaki are skewers of pork or chicken, while sheftalia are juicy sausage-like parcels made of minced pork or lamb wrapped in caul fat. Served in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce, they’re a must.

Kleftiko

Slow-cooked lamb, traditionally baked in a sealed clay oven, marinated with garlic, onions, and herbs. The meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. A dish full of history, once prepared by shepherds in underground ovens.

Louvi with Black-Eyed Beans

A humble but beloved local dish of black-eyed beans with greens, often served with olive oil and lemon. Simple, healthy, and full of flavor.

Meze

The ultimate Cypriot dining experience. A meze isn’t a single dish but a journey through Cypriot cuisine, with small plates arriving one after another. Expect dips like tzatziki and tahini, halloumi, sausages, souvlaki, stews, grilled meats, and desserts. A meze can have 10–20 dishes, so come hungry!

Sweets and Coffee

Don’t leave without trying loukoumades (honey-drenched dough balls), glyko tou koutaliou (fruit preserves served by the spoon), and of course, a strong Cypriot coffee boiled in a briki.

🏡 Tavern & Restaurant Recommendations

Cyprus has countless taverns, each with its own charm. Here are four that I truly recommend — places where you’ll eat well, feel welcome, and get a taste of the island’s authenticity.

Old Simos Tavern – Sotira

Hidden in the village of Sotira, Old Simos Tavern is a local legend. Known for its authentic meze, it offers endless plates of traditional food prepared with love. The atmosphere is casual, warm, and filled with laughter — you’ll feel like you’ve been invited to a Cypriot family feast.

• Must-try: Sheftalia, halloumi, kleftiko.

• Why visit: Generous portions, rustic charm, and the real village vibe.

• Tip: Combine it with a visit to nearby Ayia Thekla or Ayia Napa beaches.

Pyxida – Nicosia

For seafood lovers, Pyxida in Nicosia is unbeatable. Modern yet deeply rooted in tradition, it’s known for its fish meze, which is just as generous and varied as the meat version. You’ll taste everything from calamari and octopus to grilled seabass and prawns.

• Must-try: Fish meze, grilled octopus, fresh oysters.

• Why visit: It’s the capital’s go-to spot for seafood, offering fine dining with authenticity.

• Tip: Make it part of a Nicosia day trip — explore the old town, then unwind with a seafood feast.

Milidjis – Larnaca

Milidjis is a family-run tavern that locals swear by. Situated in Larnaca, it offers hearty homemade dishes in a relaxed setting. This isn’t a touristy spot — it’s where locals go for comfort food, making it one of the most genuine dining experiences in the city.

• Must-try: Souvlaki, moussaka, traditional stews.

• Why visit: Local atmosphere, affordable prices, and big flavors.

• Tip: Pair your visit with a walk along Finikoudes promenade or the Salt Lake at sunset.

Spartiatis – Near Cape Greco

If you want to pair excellent food with a stunning view, Spartiatis is the place. Located near Cape Greco, the restaurant specializes in fresh fish and seafood. Sit outside, order a fish platter, and watch the sun set over the Mediterranean.

• Must-try: Grilled fish of the day, seafood pasta.

• Why visit: The location is breathtaking — perfect after a day exploring Cape Greco’s sea caves and nature trails.

• Tip: Book ahead, especially in summer, as it’s popular with both locals and tourists.

🚗 Why a Rental Car Makes the Food Journey Even Better

One of the best things about Cyprus is that distances are short. With a rental car, you can easily:

• Drive from Nicosia to the coast for seafood in less than an hour.

• Visit Sotira’s Old Simos Tavern after a morning at Ayia Napa’s beaches.

• Combine Milidjis in Larnaca with a trip to the Salt Lake or Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque.

• Enjoy Spartiatis at Cape Greco as part of a scenic coastal drive.

Food and travel in Cyprus go hand in hand. Renting a car allows you to explore hidden taverns, discover villages, and experience authentic hospitality.

🛑 A Note from Me to You

I want to make something very clear: this post is not an advertisement. None of the restaurants or taverns mentioned here have paid me to include them. These are pure, personal recommendations from a Cypriot citizen with 25 years of experience living on the island.

I share them because I genuinely believe they represent the best of Cyprus — authentic food, real hospitality, and unforgettable memories.

✨ Final Thoughts

Cyprus is a land of flavors, stories, and traditions. From the smoky grills of village taverns to the elegant seafood platters of city restaurants, the island’s cuisine tells the story of its people — resilient, welcoming, and passionate about good food.

So next time you visit Cyprus, don’t just stick to the beach resorts. Hit the road, explore the villages, and sit down for a meal that will stay with you long after you leave.

👉 Planning your trip? Rent your car with us and combine your road trip with a culinary adventure through the best food and taverns Cyprus has to offer.