Best Restaurants in Cyprus 2026

Halloumi

Cyprus's most famous cheese, made from sheep and goat milk, is distinctive for its high melting point making it ideal for grilling. Served grilled or fried until golden outside and squeaky inside, it's eaten as a starter, in pita wraps, or as a side dish. The fresh version from village producers has a tangier flavor than commercial varieties.

Where to try: Everywhere in Cyprus - tavernas, souvlaki stands, cafes

Price: $4-8 for a grilled portion

Meze

The definitive Cypriot dining experience - 20-30 small dishes served in succession over 2-3 hours. Typically includes hummus, taramosalata, dolmades, grilled halloumi, grilled meats, seafood, village salad, fresh bread, and much more. Always ordered for a minimum of two people and constitutes a full meal.

Where to try: Traditional mezedopolia and tavernas in all cities - Zanettos in Nicosia, Agora Tavern in Paphos

Price: $18-28 per person

Kleftiko

Slow-cooked lamb traditionally prepared in a sealed clay or foil parcel in a wood-fired pit oven for 6-8 hours. The name means 'stolen' after shepherds who would cook lamb in hidden fire pits to avoid detection. The result is fall-off-the-bone tender meat with aromatic spices, lemon, and vegetables.

Where to try: Traditional tavernas across Cyprus, particularly village restaurants in the Troodos area

Price: $16-22

Souvlaki

Small cubes of marinated pork, chicken, or lamb grilled on skewers and served in pita bread with tomato, onion, parsley, and optional tzatziki. A quintessential street food eaten at any time of day, souvlaki stands operate until the early hours in every town. Sheftalia (hand-made herb-seasoned pork sausage) is a Cyprus-specific variation.

Where to try: Souvlaki stands and casual restaurants everywhere; Vregas in Limassol and Souvlaki House in Nicosia are local legends

Price: $4-6 per pita

Commandaria Wine

The world's oldest named wine, produced in the Troodos foothills since at least 800 BC. A rich, sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red) grapes with a complex caramel, dried fruit, and honey character. Richard the Lionheart declared it 'the wine of wines' in 1191.

Where to try: Wine shops, supermarkets, restaurant wine lists; KEO Winery in Limassol for production tours

Price: $8-35 per bottle

Loukoumades

Crispy honey doughnuts fried to golden perfection and drizzled with local thyme honey, cinnamon, and sesame seeds. Served hot from street vendors and traditional cafes, they are the quintessential Cypriot sweet street snack, particularly popular at festivals.

Where to try: Traditional kafeneion, pastry shops, and market stalls across Cyprus

Price: $3-5 for a serving

Pork Souvlaki in Pita

Char-grilled marinated pork cubes wrapped in fluffy handmade pita with tomato, parsley, and onion. Cyprus's most popular street food, available from dedicated souvlaki stands and hole-in-the-wall shops in every town.

Find it at: Souvlaki stands everywhere - particularly good along Nicosia's Ledra Street and Limassol's Anexartisias

Sheftalia

A uniquely Cypriot street food - fresh minced pork mixed with parsley and onion wrapped in caul fat and grilled on charcoal until crispy outside and juicy inside. Served in pita or as a plate with salad.

Find it at: Traditional souvlaki shops, particularly Vregas in Limassol

Loukoumades (Honey Doughnuts)

Deep-fried dough balls served hot and drizzled with local honey, cinnamon, and sesame seeds. Found at dedicated loukoumades stalls and traditional cafes, these crispy honey doughnuts are Cyprus's most beloved sweet snack.

Find it at: Traditional cafes, festival stalls, and sweet shops across all cities

Cheese Pies (Flaounes / Tyropites)

Flaounes are traditional Cypriot Easter cheese pastries filled with halloumi, kefalotiri cheese, and mint. Year-round, cheese-filled tyropites (cheese pies) in filo pastry are sold at bakeries for breakfast or a snack.

Find it at: Bakeries throughout Cyprus, particularly traditional ones in old town neighborhoods

Sesame Rings (Koulouria)

Ring-shaped bread covered in sesame seeds, baked until crispy. Sold by street vendors and bakeries as a portable breakfast or snack, eaten plain or with halloumi cheese. A staple of Cypriot street food culture.

Find it at: Bakeries, market stalls, and street vendors in all major cities

Nicosia Municipal Market

The historic covered market in the heart of Nicosia's old town houses 70+ vendors selling halloumi, olives, spices, herbs, seasonal produce, and local delicacies. The best place in Cyprus to taste and buy authentic food products.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fri until 6:00 PM

Limassol Saturday Market

A weekly open-air farmer's market in central Limassol drawing producers from across the Limassol district with fresh vegetables, local honey, eggs, homemade bread, and village dairy products. Prices significantly below supermarkets.

Hours: Saturday 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Kanari Street area

Paphos Covered Market

Traditional market hall near Paphos harbor with fresh produce, local olives, Commandaria wine, Geroskipou loukoumi, and artisan food products. A convenient market for self-caterers and food-souvenir shoppers.

Hours: Mon-Sat 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM