If you’re planning your trip to Paphos, one of the first things you’ll want to discover is where to find the best food in town.
After all, enjoying delicious meals is an essential part of any great travel experience—at least, that’s always the case for me!
Over the past several years living on this beautiful island, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out countless restaurants and food in and around Paphos.
In this guide, I will share what are the authentic Cypriot dishes, and where you can find the best Cypriot food in Paphos.
Cypriot Food: All About Meze
Food in Cyprus is more than just a way to satisfy hunger; it’s an integral part of the island’s culture and way of life.
Cypriot cuisine is a vibrant mix of Mediterranean flavors, heavily influenced by Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
What makes the food here so special is the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and the communal nature of dining.
I can confirm that you won’t find more fresh vegetables and fruits anywhere else – they are also the cheapest thing you can get from the supermarket because most of them are grown locally.
At the heart of Cypriot cuisine is the concept of meze—a selection of small dishes that are shared among friends and family.
Meze can include anything from grilled halloumi cheese and freshly baked pita to succulent souvlaki and creamy hummus.
It’s a feast of flavors, textures, and colors, and it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly, over good conversation and finished with a shot of ouzo, which helps the digestion process.
Another staple of Cypriot food is souvla, which is similar to souvlaki but with larger chunks of meat, usually pork or lamb, slowly cooked over a charcoal grill.
The slow cooking process gives the meat a tender, smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible. Almost everyone – myself included – has a traditional Cypriot BBQ with rotating skewers which make cooking the meat much easier.
Vegetarians will also find plenty to love in Cypriot cuisine, with dishes like gemista (stuffed vegetables), spanakopita (spinach pie), and ladera (vegetables cooked in olive oil) taking center stage.
The island’s abundant use of olive oil, herbs like oregano and mint, and fresh produce like tomatoes, zucchini, and lemons means that even the simplest dishes burst with flavor.
And of course, no meal in Cyprus is complete without a sweet treat. Baklava, with its layers of flaky pastry, honey, and nuts, is a popular choice, as is loukoumades—small, fried dough balls soaked in syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Restaurants for Traditional Cypriot Flavors
You won’t struggle to find authentic local restaurants in Paphos, as long as you stay away from the tourist traps around the coastline, especially the area around Paphos Harbour.
For the best experience, it’s a good idea to find a local tavern in a village near you, which will give you a taste of the local life, along with some delicious flavours.
These local places also offer the best value for money and the most friendly service. I loved my old local place in the village called Konia, in a small family tavern O Firis, check the location here.
Here are a few options for restaurants where I’ve been many times.
1. Ouzeri Restaurant at Almyra Hotel, Paphos
Located within the luxurious Almyra Hotel, the Ouzeri Restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Cypriot cuisine.
With its stunning sea views and stylish ambiance, this restaurant is the perfect spot for a leisurely meal.
The menu features a variety of meze—small, flavorful dishes that are meant to be shared. Highlights include grilled halloumi, tzatziki, and octopus cooked in red wine.
Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, I recommend my favorite winery – Kolios, or ouzo for the complete experience.
2. Koutourou Ouzeri
For a more traditional and rustic experience, try Koutourou Ouzeri located just a few minutes walk from Paphos town hall.
The menu is a celebration of Cypriot culture, offering an array of meze dishes that showcase the best of the island’s produce.
From grilled sausages and lamb chops to stuffed vine leaves and fried calamari, each dish is prepared with love and attention to detail.
The ambiance at Koutourou Ouzeri is warm and welcoming, with a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual night out with friends or family.
The portions are generous, so come hungry and ready to indulge in a true Cypriot feast.
3. Muse Restaurant
Muse Restaurant is one of the most popular places in Paphos, and my Greek teacher recommended it to me. The restaurant is high up on the hill overlooking Paphos, so in addition to great food, you can also enjoy great views and some of the best sunsets!
The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and international flavors, with dishes like grilled sea bass, beef fillet, and risotto taking center stage.
The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines, including local Cypriot varieties.
5. Oniro by the Sea
If you’re looking for a more laid-back setting, Oniro by the Sea is the perfect choice.
Located on the outskirts of Paphos in area called Peyia (sea caves), this seaside restaurant is famous for its stunning views of the shipwrecked EDRO III, which adds a touch of drama to the already picturesque setting.
The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with seafood being the star of the show.
Dishes like grilled octopus, seafood pasta, and seared tuna are expertly prepared and beautifully presented.
Oniro by the Sea offers a relaxed and unpretentious dining experience, with friendly service and a chilled-out vibe. It’s the ideal spot for a long, lazy lunch or a romantic dinner by the water.
6. Worth the Drive: Kolios Winery
If you’re happy to venture further out of the town, I promise this place is worth it!
Kolios winery is located at the edge of Agios Fotios village, high up in the mountains, offering stunning views of the countryside. From Paphos, it’s only about 40 minutes drive, so not too bad!
The owner of the winery runs a daily tour combined with wine tasting, and you can also book a meze lunch prepared by his wife from locally sourced ingredients. I’ve been there for meze lunch countless time and the food is always delicious!
With the lunch you also get a free bottle of wine (not sure if they still do that)!
Make sure you book your spot here as it’s really popular, and they won’t be able to serve you if you don’t book. The booking also applies to the winery tour, they normally start around lunchtime, followed by the meze lunch.
7. Hidden Gem: Viklari, The Last Castle
This is another place that’s definitely worth the drive – Viklari, the Last Castle is a rustic restaurant at the edge of Akamas National Park, and has been attracting crowds of tourists and locals alike.
Famous for their BBQ and, of course, the spectacular views, this restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience, away from the crowds.
You absolutely need to book your table, even if you’re visiting in the winter!
The restaurant has modest chairs and tables, and you will be dining under the shade of vines and grapes hanging over your head.
It’s one of the places where I always take my guests and everyone has loved it so far.
You can check their opening hour and book a table here.
Final Thoughts
Paphos is a fantastic place for anyone who loves food, and not only the Mediterranean!
Whether you’re craving traditional Cypriot dishes or something more international, this city has plenty to offer.
So, as you plan your trip, make sure to explore the local food scene. I’m sure the delicious meals you find here will make your visit to Cyprus even more memorable.
Enjoy your food adventures!
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