The 13 best restaurants in Cyprus

Cyprus is often referred to as being at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – and as such their time-served influences can be seen on the menus of countless tavernas across the island. But, don’t go thinking Cyprus is set in its ways. In fact, this forward-thinking island has embraced grand gastronomy from around the world, cutting-edge fusion cuisines and trendy plant-based dishes, which complement the more traditional Mediterranean fare of slow-cooked meat, lemon-drenched fish, olives and olive oil, vegetables, fruit picked fresh from the tree and nuts, perfectly. Of course, it is all accompanied by some fine Cypriot wines.  

For further Cyprus inspiration, see our guides devoted to the island’s best hotels, things to do and beaches. 

Meraki is a modern Greek word meaning “to follow your passion with flair and creativity” – and the team behind Meraki Market Café certainly do this by the bucket load. Expect an inspired matching of plant-based creations chalked up daily on blackboards, and a delightful cottage-chic interior complete with a mish-mash of brightly coloured wooden chairs plus continental-style pavement dining. The creative vegan/vegetarian menu is lengthy with gluten-free and dairy-free options. Try its signature Smokehouse Burger made from black beans, quinoa, mushrooms and oats topped with jalapeno cheese sauce and served with a seriously inspired salad.

Contact: merakimarketcafe.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £

If the thought of dining on fresh, innovative fish and seafood creations with the breeze in your hair and views out over the ocean fires your imagination, then head for the effortlessly stylish Captain’s Table at Zygi. Mahogany-panelled walls and tables clothed in crisp white linens set the scene for inside dining, or head out onto the cool blue-and-white themed terrace overlooking the marina. Here you can gaze at fishing boats that catch the menu’s fish bobbing in the waters. Lobster stuffed with seafood cream, mushrooms and brandy as a main, topped and tailed with a starter of grilled halloumi and glyko tou koutaliou (spoon sweets) for dessert will leave you with a treasured memory.

Contact: captaintable.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Best Table: Inside for an intimate dinner or outside for marina view

The menu at this effortlessly romantic restaurant, with its rich ruby coloured walls and classic-styled velvet chairs, swathes of curtaining, crisp linens, wooden floors and outside terrasse and garden is a gourmet’s delight. Focusing on authentic French cuisine that has garnered it many prestigious international awards, you can enjoy oysters drenched in Champagne and snails with garlic, scallops and lobster, wild boar, hare, veal and grouse all freshly delivered from France. Each dish is plated as if it is a work of art. Don’t miss the drama of crêpes flambées à la Maison Fleurie to complete your meal and, of course, all accompanied by exquisite French wines. 

Contact: Christaki Kranou 18, Limassol; 00 357 25 32 06 80
Opening Times: 12.30pm-22.30pm
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££

With its quirky interior of abstract panels, edgy lighting, blond wood furnishings and a wall of perfectly aligned wine bottles from almost floor to ceiling, plus a menu of classic Cypriot dishes given an inspired twist, To Pantopoleio Kali Orexi has become one of the trendiest places to dine in Nicosia. Psefdokeftedes are meatballs, which here have had their taste enhanced with feta cheese and oregano. Try this, followed by the local tenderloin pork marinated in aged whiskey and served with pitta. Round off the meal with the restaurant’s famous Trigona Panoramatos, which are beautifully presented phyllo cones filled to bursting with fresh cream.

Contact: pantopoleiocy.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££

A relative newcomer to the growing top-notch Cyprus gastronomy scene, Matsuhisa Limassol can be found in the luxurious Amara hotel on the seafront at Agios Tychonas. Step inside and you are transported to a world of cutting edge design with moody hues for the décor, heavy wood furnishings and subtle lighting. The centerpiece is a shiny new open kitchen where exquisite Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine is created. Outside, an equally elegant terrace overlooks the sea. The restaurant is the brainchild of legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa whose signature dishes include black cod with miso (try it with a baby spinach and truffle salad), along with shrimp tempura, sashimi and sushi. Sake and cocktails complete the deal. 

Contact: amarahotel.com 
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££
Best Table: On the terrace overlooking the lit swimming pools

Muse is a favourite of Paphos’s trendy young things in the evening and affluent fans of long lunches. Inside, its contemporary black and white décor enhanced by pink lighting gives it a vibe, while outside its enormous terrace covered in sails has big comfy chairs and tables that look right out over the coastline of Paphos. Muse is known for its exotic cocktails. Its food menu is bistro in style and offers creative salad combinations, sizzle dishes and healthy eating options. Try the heavenly chicken souvaki (kebab) drenched in yogurt and herbs, and served with Muse’s own take on chip medallions. The flair continues through to the gooey desserts. Fine wines complete the picture.

Contact: Andrea Ioannou, Mousallas, Paphos; 00 357 26 94 19 51
Opening Times: 6.30pm-10.45pm
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££
Best Table: On the terrace

Its easy elegant style created by a décor of soft creams and caramels, and its gastronomic cuisine has put Sage well and truly on the Cyprus culinary map. Executive chef George Kadis and his team take classic local and fusion recipes and give them a modern twist using locally sourced natural ingredients. The signature dish worth going for is Marennes oysters served with lemon and chilli sauce on crushed ice, which might be followed by pasta, fish, a vegetarian dish or a meat main like Sage’s beef fillet served with apple, pineapple and a delectable cream sauce. Each is presented as exquisite plates, and accompanied by fine local wines. 

Contact: sagerest.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££

Andreas Mavrommatis is a man who knows his food and if you head down to Vivaldi by Mavrommatis at the Four Seasons hotel, you’ll see why he has a Michelin star. Here, the highest standard of gastronomy fuses harmoniously with the flavours of the eastern Mediterranean in dishes like octopus encased in pastry with olives and grape jus, followed by mains of veal with zucchini, or lamb from the Pyrenees with olives won’t disappoint. The restaurant’s sumptuous decor of rich neutral hues mixed with the colours of the Mediterranean add to the experience.

Contact: fourseasons.com
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££

This cosy, pleasingly rustic and welcoming sort of place with its colourful walls adorned with art reminiscent of French life is run by a family who relocated from France and can be found a few minutes’ walk from the famous Ledra Street in Nicosia. Meat in all forms – braised, roasted or prepared as a delicious terrine – is celebrated with considerable flair, including the family’s signature Soupe à l’oignon gratinée (onion soup with cheese) and main of matured French Charolaise steak. The family likes to keep things healthy with the use of fresh, local produce to complement the ingredients from the regions of France, and pay particular attention to customers’ food intolerances. It offers an excellent French and Cypriot wine collection. 

Contact: aubonplaisir.com
Opening Times: 7pm-11pm
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££

Behind the dazzling white façade with its sky blue painted window frames and doors, and the prettiest of paved courtyards where tables with similarly coloured checkered cloths can be found in summer, lies this gorgeous taverna. It delivers the most sumptuous of classic Cypriot dishes, all of which are presented with a contemporary twist. Here, you are served one of the best mezes around, starting with Cyprus’s own cheese halloumi with salad, and continuing with multiple small dishes that might comprise koupepia (stuffed vine leaves), kolokouthkia me ta afka (courgettes with eggs), kleftiko (slow cooked lamb), afelia (pork cooked in wine) or souvlaki (skewered chicken). 

Contact: 28th October, Aradippou, Larnaca; 00 357 99 31 32 36
Opening Times: 6pm-1am
Reservations: Recommended
Price: ££

The moody decor of red and black hues, a wall of fine wines and floor to ceiling windows that provide a view right out over the new, shiny marina at Ayia Napa sets L’Atelier Robuchon ahead of the rest. Add an innovative menu of classic French gastronomy dishes prepared by head chef Mathieu Desbat and his team under the inspired cuisine of renowned chef Joel Robuchon and you have a serious contender for a memorable meal. All dishes are works of art, from the bright red starter of le gaspacho de cerise to a duck main of le canard aux mirabelles. Delectable desserts and fine wines complete the offering.

Contact: jrobuchone.com 
Reservations: Recommended
Price: £££
Best Table: Try to secure a much sought after table with a view of the marina.

This super eaterie in the heart of Nicosia has in many ways reinvented the definition of a bistro with its seriously haute cuisine served within a cutting edge minimalist ambiance. Here, Mediterranean cuisine fused expertly with Middle Eastern and Asian flavours by chef Andreas Giagoullas and his team is the deal. Dishes are designed to share with friends. Try its signature dish Lamb Fricassee sourced from Mitilini, which is delicately infused with lemon, topped and tailed by a starter of beef tartare, a pre-dessert of green apple ravioli and trio of chocolate mousse. 

Contact: 13 Mediterranean Stassandrou, Nicosia. 22322343
Reservation: Recommended
Price: ££

Unless you’re staying in the Alasia Boutique Hotel, which is something of a landmark in Limassol having been in the same family of hoteliers since the early 1960s, the Polo restaurant could so easily be overlooked, but as seriously fine dining options go this is a place to seek out. The theme, as you might expect, is polo, and ornaments and art on the walls are of an equestrian nature. It’s sophisticated and cosy. Food-wise, the menu is primarily grills and Italian dishes, each creatively plated, while pre-dinner drinks, wines and cocktails can be enjoyed in the lounge. Here, nestled near a huge hand-crafted wooden bar, is a ‘wine library’. The Polo is famed for its wine pairings.

Contact: alasiahotel.com.cy
Reservations: recommended
Price: ££

Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller’s taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.