A Food Lover's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Paphos

Paphos, a coastal city in Cyprus, is a haven for food lovers. Its deep culinary heritage and varied dining scene make the search for top restaurants an adventure. Whether you want traditional tavernas or upscale eateries, there is something for every palate.

This guide covers authentic Cypriot tavernas, fresh seafood by the harbour, hidden gems in the Old Town and international flavours, so you can plan a memorable meal out.

Where can you eat at traditional Cypriot tavernas?

To experience the heart of Paphos's food scene, visit its traditional Cypriot tavernas. They serve genuine local food and offer a real taste of the culture.

What is meze?

The signature of a Cypriot taverna is the meze: many small dishes brought out one after another so you can sample a wide range of flavours. When locals eat out, they often order meze, filling the table with plates to share.

A typical meze includes fresh salads, starters and main courses. You will find tzatziki (a yoghurt-based dip), warm pitta bread and halloumi cheese. Also try stifado, a hearty beef stew that many consider a highlight of Cypriot cuisine.

Some tavernas offer themed platters, such as traditional, meat, vegetarian and fish meze. Fish meze may need to be pre-ordered.

Family-run establishments

Many of the best tavernas in Paphos are family businesses, some operating for decades or even generations.

One well-known taverna opened in 1979, when a family came back to Cyprus after years working in restaurants abroad. They made their dream of a restaurant in post-war Cyprus a reality, and the business still serves Cypriot dishes today.

In these family-run places, several generations often work side by side, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Authentic atmosphere and decor

Many tavernas have rustic-contemporary decor that feels like stepping back in time, with old books, vases and pots decorating the walls.

Some have unusual features. One restaurant has walls covered in marks left by visitors over the years, and another has painted locals on the walls who appear to be enjoying the meal with the diners.

Outdoor seating is common, and some establishments have views over Paphos town and the coast. The mood is relaxed and unhurried, encouraging you to take your time.

Koutourou Kafeneio Ouzeri

What are the hidden gems in Paphos Old Town?

The Old Town of Paphos, with its charming streets and historic atmosphere, holds some of the city's most delightful food finds. The area has changed significantly and is now a lively destination for diners seeking authentic experiences and inventive cooking.

Off-the-beaten-path eateries

One hidden gem is a cafe opposite Cafe Nero near the viewing area. Despite its central position, it is easy to walk past. Those who go inside find a traditional, quirky setting, friendly staff and a varied menu that blends Cypriot food with a Mexican twist.

Another favourite is Laona, a family-owned restaurant serving traditional Cypriot cuisine since 1986. It sits down a small side street in the newly renovated Old Town. Visitors praise its moussaka and meatballs.

Fusion and modern Cypriot cuisine

Koutourou Kafeneio Ouzeri has a cosmopolitan style and a tapas-style menu of modern Cypriot dishes. Its open kitchen lets diners watch the chefs at work, and its oven-baked halloumi is a must-try.

Casa Mespilea occupies a traditional townhouse and serves a gourmet menu built on fresh Cypriot produce. The bistro's hidden garden is a lovely place to enjoy it.

Honey Restaurant is set in a historic building that was once an inn. It pairs its dishes with local wines, and its octopus is highly recommended.

Charming courtyards and historic settings

Pallia Ilektriki is in an old electric building. It has modern decor and a peaceful courtyard away from the town's bustle.

Agora Tavern, on a corner of the Old Town, has views over the town and coast. Its rustic-contemporary decor suits its well-known meze.

For a special evening, try Muse Cafe Bar. It is technically outside the Old Town but only a short taxi ride away. It offers views over Paphos, especially at sunset, along with high-quality dishes and cocktails.

Nema's interior in Paphos

Where can you try international flavours in Paphos?

Paphos is known for traditional Cypriot cooking, but it also has a wide range of international restaurants, from casual daytime meals to fine dining in the evening.

Aphrodite Hills

The Village Square at the heart of the Aphrodite Hills Resort is a hub of culinary variety. Enjoy island food at the Greek Cypriot taverna Pithari Tavern, which has a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.

For Italian food, Zimi Trattoria serves Mediterranean dishes. For Indian cuisine, Gate to India offers a taste of the subcontinent. These restaurants give discounts to resort guests.

High-end restaurants and celebrity chefs

The Amavi, a couples-only hotel, worked with multi-award-winning Italian Michelin-starred consultant chef Theodor Falser. He designed the concepts and menus for two of its restaurants, Nocturne and Immenso.

Nocturne is a fine-dining restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine with a creative twist. Its six-course tasting menu was developed by Falser.

Immenso focuses on modern fusion cooking combined with Nikkei cuisine, drawing on Falser's travels in Asia and Latin America. Its menu blends Asian techniques with South American ingredients.

Mediterranean and global fusion

At Nema, a woodfired Mediterranean restaurant, you can try twisted Italian-Mediterranean flavours in a relaxed setting. The menu features light meals inspired by regional Italian traditions.

Some restaurants serve "fusion" meze, blending Mediterranean dishes with international influences. You might get lamb chops alongside Sicilian meatballs and Spanish-inspired patatas bravas, all in one meal.

Which restaurants suit particular needs?

Beyond the places described above, the guide also recommends the following:

• Seafood: Theo and Porto Antico, which offer fresh, locally sourced fish and seafood.
• Vegetarian and vegan options: Koutourou and Onar.
• Family-friendly: Sea Caves Restaurant, The Cliff and Sea You.
• Beachfront with sea views: Suite48, Porto Antico, and Sea You Beach Bar and Sea Caves Restaurant.
• More hidden gems: Agora, Porto Antico and Onar.
• Best time for a local feel: weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons are great for a relaxed, local dining atmosphere.

Is Paphos a good city for food lovers?

Paphos offers a culinary journey for every kind of food lover, from traditional Cypriot tavernas and fresh seafood by the harbour to Old Town hidden gems and international flavours. Its restaurants offer more than good food: sunset views, historic settings and unique experiences.