Cyprus Meze – The best Cyprus taverns you will find in the villages!

Last Updated on May 15, 2023 by Tia

Cyprus meze – so much YES in two small words!

We Cypriots are known for our delicious food and of course, the Cyprus taverns that serve us the all-mighty Cyprus meze, practically famous all over the world!

Cyprus meze is the equivalent of Spanish tapas…but bigger. This is a set menu, that consists of over 20 Cyprus dishes in smaller plates arriving at your table each one more mouthwatering than the last!

Whilst filming my online travel show Tia Does Agrotourism I got to eat at some of the finest Cyprus taverns in the mountains and villages of the island.

And seeing as it is my most asked question from you guys, I thought id write a post about it!

So without further ado, let’s explore Cyprus Meze, and the best Cyprus taverns on Cyprus’s fascinating agrotourism scene.

Cyprus Meze – Limassol Villages

Symposio Tavern – Pelendri Village

At Symposio you can try 18 hr slow-cooked Kleftiko with koumantaria cooked in the traditional wood-fired oven, ‘’Antikristo’’, smoked ribs, and a lot of locally sourced, organic seasonal produce from the family’s small farm.

Although the traditional meze is the star of the show, a la carte, vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

The seasonal menu changes all the time so be prepared for surprise additions to the menu, like ”Morchelles” – a rare mushroom that grows in the area!

For Bookings, Call +357 99 404348 

Cyprus taverns – Takis Tavern – Vouni Village

Takis Tavern serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I tried both the Cypriot breakfast and Cyprus meze too, and I totally recommend both!

Takis Tavern: 25 943631

Cyprus Meze -Ampelothea Tavern – Omodos Village

 At Ampelothea, I have to say, I probably ate the best Cyprus meze in a while! The kind of food that even if you have already eaten yourself into a comma, you are sad to stop eating!

It is Cypriot Meze at its finest with well-cooked food, and true Cypriot recipes that go far beyond souvlaki and tzatziki! Arrive, hungry, relax, and enjoy!

Bookings are essential! Book a table at +357 25421366

Cyprus taverns Kafe Arsos – Arsos Village

You probably think I wrote this down by accident… NOP! Don’t be fooled by the sign that says ”cafe”.

Want to eat incredible Cyprus meze? ? Drink cold beer? Then book a table – and thank me later!

Located right in the center of the square, you’ve got lunch with a view too. Yum!

Bookings are essential – call 99 277277

Kyperia Tavern – Kyperounta Village

A tavern and bar, Kyperia serves meze alongside other gorgeous dishes too!

Everything is served fresh out the pan, so it arrives when it’s ready – and not a minute before.

Definitely recommend trying the Pork with apples and koumantaria sauce (sweet port wine) – it was phenomenal!

For Bookings: +357 99 358167

Ouzeri Ayia Marina – Kyperounta

When a man who is born and raised in Paphos moves to Kyperounta village…you get fresh fish in the village!

In fact, he is so commited to providing only the freshest fish, that he drives the 96 km to Paphos four times a week to buy the best, seasonal fresh fish for his restaurant.

The fish is fresh, tender and cooked to perfection! Great salads, fresh Cypriot potatoes, and plenty of ouzo to wash it all down.

Arrive hungry, as the portions are literally huge!

Ouzeri is open 7 days a week, from 12 am to 12 pm. For bookings: Call +357 99 655890

Tia’s Special Addition – Skylight Restaurant – Platres Village

Skylight is not a Cyprus tavern – it is a fine dining restaurant that ALSO offers meze – which I did not personally try.

I had the steak Diane, mussels, pork in koumantaria sauce and they were excellent. So I’m adding it here as I think its worth a mention!

Skylight is located in the heart of Platres Village. For info about the restaurant and all there is to do in Platres, click here

Cypus Meze – Nicosia Villages

Ais Giorkis Tavern – Kakopetria

A beautiful and successful mix of Cyprus and Cretan Cuisine that is worth a visit!

Every mouthful is a culinary journey through Greece’s and Cyprus’s incredibly history and food culture.

The snails, feta saganaki in tomato marmalade, Cretan «antikristo», and the homemade orange pie dessert steal the show.

For bookings: +357 99646310

Stou Zoppi – Kakopetria

A large tavern with a beautiful garden that immediately feels like home!

The food is delicious, with the almighty Cyprus meze being elevated beautifully, and no dish left unserved, from Cyprus souvla, to keftedakia (fried meatballs), vine leaves, and more!

A quick inspection of the inside, reveals treasures from generations past – in the form of a huge collection of Cypriot household vintage memorabilia, that are as good as any museums!

Palio Cinema – Kalopanayiotis

Palio Cinema ( Old Cinema) incredible Cyprus Meze with indoor and outdoor seating. The homemade pastitsio dish is to die for and definitely not a dish you find in all Cyprus meze Cyprus taverns, so it deserves a mention!

For more information call +357 99 130275.

Cyprus taverns – Aristotelio Hotel – Pedoulas

One of my absolute favorites, I have been singing Aristotelio’s praises all over my Instagram, and for good reason too! 

I had breakfast and lunch at Aristotelio, and they were both lavish affairs.

But what impressed me the most was the taste and quality of the food – I am telling you, it is perfection. Such warm hospitality from the hotel’s owners too – which makes everything so much more enjoyable!

Make sure you book ahead at +357 22 953334

Cyprus Meze – Ierampelos – Farmakas Village

Ierampelos Restaurant is a la carte on Fridays and Saturdays, then turns into a Cyprus meze hotspot on Sundays!

The food is definitely delicious – from meze to steaks, fish and so much more. There is a bakery on the premises too, that serves incredible Cypriot desserts – if you have any room left!

Cyprus Tavern – Larnaca Villages

Paliomoucharos – Agios Thedoros

Paliomouxtaros was recommended to me by a few people (you guys are legends!) and now I know why!

The fireplace was burning inside, the staff was super professional but friendly, and the restaurant is spacious and full of light.

They do a lot of their dishes by hand, and are rightly proud to be putting their own traditional spin on the much loved Cyprus Meze!

The macaroni is made by hand, the sausage is marinated in wine, and every item served is freshly cooked and utterly delicious. Nice desserts too, if you can bear to eat another mouthful that is!

10/10 for the food, and the service.

For bookings (essential) +357 24 323323

Cyprus Meze – Paphos Villages

Cyprus taverns – Sofias Traditional House – Letymbou

A must experience for sure! Sofia and Andreas own a traditional home that is a tavern, folklore museum, and Cyprus culture heaven!

They welcome you with open arms – bake their own bread, cook their own halloumi cheese all of which you can observe in the gorgeous courtyard.

Scrumptious meals are prepared fresh on the wood fire oven in the courtyard and served with a smile and the kind of Cypriot hospitality we are known for. Love!

For bookings, call 99 995961

Cyprus Meze – Viklaris – Peyeia (Avakas Gorge)

Not so much a Cyprus meze tavern, but this HAS to be mentioned as it is hands down the best souvla I have ever eaten in Cyprus (Sorry Uncle Takis!).

The food is simple – souvla, potatoes, and Cyprus salad – and my goodness it is a 10/10 for me!

Viklaris is next to the parking for Avakas Trail – so it is definitely convenient and can easily be combined.

You could either hike in the morning or afternoon, but I would suggest trying to catch the sunset at the restaurant – it is truly magical!

Tel: 26 991088

Opening Hours: 11am- 5pm. Closed on Mondays

Address: Avakas Gorge Rd, Peyia

Cyprus taverns – Steratzia – kathikas

A new tavern in the village – with a large outdoor seating area, good prices, and excellent food.

It also boasts one of the best sunset views in the village so do try to catch the sunset if you can!

We opted for the meze – and devoured each freshly made dish as it came! The staff is polite, fast, and welcoming, and the chef and owner came out to greet the customers several times throughout the evening – always a nice touch!

Carry a light cardigan or a pashmina to cover up – it gets a bit windy at night!

For bookings, call +357 99 256469

Other must Cyprus Meze taverns in kathikas

• Giannis Tavern
• To steki tou Panai
• Araouzos Tavern

Cyprus Meze – Larnaca Villages

Cyprus taverns – Retro Tavern – Kalavasos Village

You will find Retro Tavern in the center of Kalavasos village.

It’s a favorite with both visitors and locals alike, primarily because of the quality of the food and the modest prices!

This isn’t just a ”simple” tavern serving meat meze alone. There is also a rather sizeable a-la-carte menu and fish meze too.

Most importantly, I adored their willingness and ability to change dishes on the spot to suit vegetarians and lactose-free eaters! Highly appreciated, as we had celiacs, lactose intolerants, and a vegetarian on our table!

Bookings:  99 649476

Save this post for later

I apologize for making you all hungry and I thank you for reading through my Cyprus meze in the mountains issue!

I will keep updating this, as I visit more Cyprus taverns that I believe deserve a spot in this article!

Love, Tia

Related Cyprus Articles

Tia Does Agrotourism Series – Discovering Cyprus

• 1. Episode 1 Wine Villages in Paphos – Cyprus Agrotourism in Pano Panayia, Letymbou, Lemona and Amargeti (And Video)
• 2. Episode 2 Culture, Nature and Wine in Kathikas, Arodes and Akamas Peninsula in Paphos (And Video_)
• 3. Episode 3 Omodos, Arsos and Ayios Amvrosios – the most picturesque villages in Limassol (And Video)
• 4. Episode 4 Vouni, Lofou and Koilani Villages – exploring Limassol Province (and Video)
• 5. Episode 5 Kalopanayiotis, Kykkos, and Pedoulas – Nicosia’s hidden village gems! (and Video )
• 6. Episode 6 Agrotourism in Cyprus – Farmakas, Palaichori, and Askas – Wine, Safari, and Nature! (and Video )
• 7. Episode 7 Tochni, Choirokitia, and Kalavasos – Basket Weaving, history, and cycling activities! (and Video)
• 8. Episode 8 Lefkara, Kato Drys, and Vavla – Lefkara lace designs, wineries, brunch, and bees! (and Video)
• 9. Season 2 Episode 1 Pelendri and Agros Cyprus – Rose factories, wineries, brunch, and religious tourism ( and Video)
• 10. Season 2 Episode 2 – Platres Cyprus and Pera Pedi – A nature lover’s paradise (and Video)
• 11. Season 2 Episode 3 – Paliometoxo and Nikitari – A gorgeous farm and religious tourism (and video)
• 12. Season 2 Episode 4 – Lympia, Skarinou, and Agios Theodoros – Street Art, donkey farms, and hiking trails (And Video)
• 13. Season 2 Episode 5 – Kakopetria and Galata – Nature, traditional architecture, and fantastic food (And Video)
• 14. Season 2 Episode 6 – Kyperounta – Wineries, hiking and religious tourism in Limassol (and Video)
• 15. Season 2 Episode 7 – Akamas and Paphos – Safari, nature and incredible landscapes ( and Video)
• 16. Season 2 Episode 8 – Phini Village – waterfalls, nature and haunted hotels ( and Video)

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• When to Visit Cyprus – A guide to choosing the season to visit Cyprus
• Where to stay in Cyprus – The Best hotels And Cottages In The Villages
• Cyprus Meze – The best Cyprus Taverns in the Villages and Mountains of the island!
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• Alasia Boutique Hotel- Luxury and elegance. Elegance and understated luxury in the quiet part of Limassol