Best restaurants in Cyprus
Cyprus eats well, and the island's dining scene reflects its position at the crossroads of the Mediterranean: Greek-Cypriot tavernas sit alongside steakhouses, Italian kitchens, fusion spots, and seafood rooms by the water. Whether you're after a long mezze lunch or a proper night-out dinner, there's a strong spread across the main towns.
Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos each have their own cluster of standout addresses, from City of Dreams-adjacent fine dining in Limassol to the tightly packed restaurant streets of old Nicosia. Smaller towns like Pervolia and Polis Chrysochous also punch above their weight with consistently well-reviewed places worth the detour.
Use the directory and map alongside this guide to shortlist places by area and cuisine, then check ratings and reviews for the latest word from other travellers before you book.
Greek-Cypriot classics and tavernas
For traditional mezze and taverna-style dining, Nicosia's Piatsa Gourounaki and Εστιατόριο Μπέμπα are both consistently well reviewed and sit right in the old town, making them easy to pair with an evening stroll. In Limassol, Dionysus Mansion offers a Greek restaurant experience with a strong local following.
These are the places to go for slow-paced, shared-plate meals rather than a quick bite — leave time and come hungry.
Steakhouses and grills
Cyprus has a serious steak and grill scene. Prime SteakHouse - City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol is among the most talked-about names on the island, while Nicosia offers Salt & Fire and Texas Smokehouse for grilled and barbecue-focused menus.
- Limassol: Prime SteakHouse - City of Dreams Mediterranean
- Nicosia: Salt & Fire, Texas Smokehouse
Good for groups and for anyone prioritising meat-forward menus over lighter Mediterranean fare.
Seafood and coastal dining
With towns like Larnaca, Paphos and Pervolia right on the coast, seafood is a natural choice. Enalia and Red Pepper Restaurant in the Larnaca area, and Rum and Jam in Paphos, are all well-regarded options for a coastal meal. Crown Cafe Bar in Pervolia is a solid, highly rated choice if you're after something more casual near the sea.
Fine dining and international flavours
If you're after a dressier night out, Aliada in Limassol is noted as a fine dining restaurant, while Nicosia's dining streets bring in international styles — Bar Italia for Italian, BARRIO for fusion, and Rous Restaurant for a broader modern menu. These tend to suit special-occasion dinners rather than quick lunches.
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Frequently asked questions
Which towns in Cyprus have the best restaurant choice?
Nicosia and Limassol have the densest clusters of well-reviewed restaurants, but Larnaca, Paphos, and smaller towns like Pervolia and Polis Chrysochous also have standout options worth seeking out.
Should I book ahead at popular restaurants in Cyprus?
Specific booking policies aren't listed here, but well-reviewed and highly rated places such as Prime SteakHouse or Piatsa Gourounaki are popular, so it's sensible to check availability in advance.
Where can I get good seafood in Cyprus?
Coastal spots like Enalia and Red Pepper Restaurant near Larnaca, and Rum and Jam in Paphos, are good starting points for seafood-focused dining.
Is Cyprus a good destination for steak lovers?
Yes — the island has several dedicated steakhouses and grills, including Prime SteakHouse in Limassol and Salt & Fire and Texas Smokehouse in Nicosia.
What type of cuisine is most common in Cyprus?
Greek-Cypriot restaurants and tavernas are a mainstay, but the scene also includes Italian, fusion, Mediterranean, steakhouse, and barbecue options across the main towns.