Ultimate Guide to Going Out in Cyprus: Restaurants, Bars and More
Going out most popular places in Cyprus:
Cyprus is a vibrant island known for its rich culinary traditions, buzzing nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for traditional taverns, modern fusion restaurants, beachside bars, or hidden gems, this guide will take you on a journey across the island, exploring the best places to eat, drink, and relax. Here’s a detailed breakdown by region:
Nicosia
Restaurants
- Zanettos Tavern – A cozy spot famous for its traditional meze. Perfect for those seeking authentic Cypriot flavors.
- Special Dish: Kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb).
- Ambiance: Rustic and nostalgic.
- Piatsa Gourounaki – A must-visit for hearty souvlaki and juicy pork chops.
- Price Range: Affordable.
- Peak Time: Busy during lunch hours.
- Il Forno – A favorite Italian eatery with wood-fired pizzas.
- Recommended: Truffle Pizza.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly.
- Artisan’s Burgerbar – Famous for gourmet burgers and craft beer.
- Unique Feature: Vegan burger options available.
- Evohia – A fine dining spot offering Mediterranean dishes with a twist.
- Special Dish: Grilled octopus with fava puree.
Bars
- Lost + Found Drinkery – A globally acclaimed cocktail bar.
- Must-Try: Signature cocktails like the “Cyprus Mule.”
- Madame – A chic wine bar with an extensive selection.
- Vibe: Sophisticated and relaxed.
- 7 Monkeys – An open-air bar with live music and creative drinks.
- Special Event: Live DJ on weekends.
- Switch Bar – Known for its vibrant decor and inventive cocktails.
- Bibliotheque – A charming cafe-bar that transitions into a lively spot at night.
- Ambiance: Cozy and intellectual.
Additional Going Out Recommendations
- Dessert Spot: Anamma – Known for its Baklava with rosewater syrup.
- Coffee Shop: Get Fresh – Trendy cafe with great cold brews.
Limassol
Restaurants
- Columbia Steak House – Premium steaks and an upscale ambiance.
- Signature Dish: Ribeye steak with truffle butter.
- Meze Taverna – Traditional meze served in generous portions.
- Best For: Authentic Cypriot experience.
- Fat Fish – Specializing in seafood by the water.
- Dish to Try: Grilled seabass.
- Artima Bistro – Elegant Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Ambiance: Upscale yet welcoming.
- The Garden – A lush outdoor dining experience.
- Unique Feature: Vegan and vegetarian options.
Bars and Beach Venues
- La Isla Beach Bar – Trendy and chic, perfect for sunset cocktails.
- Highlight: Weekly beach parties.
- PlusSea Lifestyle Bar – Beachfront elegance with Mediterranean-Asian fusion.
- Ambiance: Relaxed yet stylish.
- Library Bar – A quirky spot for literary lovers.
- Special Cocktails: Book-themed creations.
- Rumours Bar – Popular for its lively atmosphere.
- Thalassaki Beach Bar – Known for its day-to-night beach vibes.
- Music: DJ sets and acoustic performances.
Additional Going Out Recommendations
- Family-Friendly: Ouzeri by the Sea – Offers kid-friendly dishes.
- Hidden Gem: Fork Food Market – Great for street food enthusiasts.
Ayia Napa & Protaras (Famagusta District)
Restaurants
- Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar – Upscale dining with Mediterranean flair.
- Must-Try: Lobster Thermidor.
- Isaac Tavern – A family-run seafood haven.
- Highlight: Fresh fish meze.
- Flames Restaurant & Bar – Known for its grilled specialties.
- Hippocampus Lounge – Fusion dishes with a modern twist.
- Best For: Romantic dinners.
- Blueberries Restaurant – A favorite among expats and tourists alike.
- Ambiance: Casual yet charming.
Bars and Beach Parties
- Nissi Beach Bar – The iconic venue for beach parties.
- Crowd: Young and energetic.
- Kahlua Beach Bar – Day-to-night partying hotspot.
- Guru Bar – Asian-inspired cocktails and decor.
- Pepper Bar – Stylish and sophisticated with great music.
- Castle Club – One of the largest clubs in Ayia Napa.
- Features: Multiple dance rooms.
Additional Going Out Recommendations
- Dessert Spot: Loukoumadery – Famous for its loukoumades (honey donuts).
- Coffee Shop: Costa Coffee Protaras – Convenient and cozy.
Paphos
Restaurants
- 7 St. Georges Tavern – Organic meze with seasonal ingredients.
- Unique Feature: No menu; dishes depend on fresh produce.
- Theo’s Fish Tavern – Known for its fresh catch of the day.
- Suite48 Grill & Lounge – Perfect for waterfront dining.
- Fat Mama’s – American-Cypriot fusion.
- Dish to Try: BBQ ribs.
- Rikkos Beach Tavern – A hidden gem with great seafood.
Bars and Beach Venues
- Sea You Beach Bar – Exotic cocktails and relaxed vibes.
- Muse Cafe Kitchen Bar – Hilltop views and creative drinks.
- The Old Fishing Shack – A quirky spot for beer lovers.
- Aphrodite’s Rock Brewery – Local craft beers.
- Cielo Fish Tavern Bar – Offers stunning sunset views.
Additional Going Out Recommendations
- Live Music Venue: Pit Stop Pub – Features local bands.
- Family-Friendly: Kourion Beach Restaurant – Relaxed dining near archaeological sites.
Larnaca
Restaurants
- Militzis – A beloved spot for authentic Cypriot dishes.
- Special Dish: Tavas (slow-cooked lamb with rice).
- Ambiance: Traditional and welcoming.
- To Kazani – Famous for its meze and village-style cooking.
- Highlight: Halloumi served fresh from the grill.
- Aldente Trattoria Italiana – Italian flavors in the heart of Larnaca.
- Recommended: Tagliatelle alla Bolognese.
- Ocean Basket – A seafood chain offering a wide variety of platters.
- Best For: Affordable seafood with great views.
- Art Cafe 1900 – A charming eatery offering local and international dishes.
- Vibe: Cozy and artistic.
Bars and Beach Venues
- The Brewery Larnaca – A trendy bar offering craft beers and cocktails.
- Must-Try: Locally brewed Cypriot beers.
- Lush Beach Bar Resto – Perfect for cocktails with a sea view.
- Highlight: Nightly entertainment and great ambiance.
- Ammos Beach Bar – A stylish beachfront bar known for its relaxed vibe.
- Crowd: Ideal for a mix of tourists and locals.
- The Blue Pine Bar & Restaurant – A popular spot for drinks and comfort food.
- Specialty: Whiskey collection and live music nights.
- Piale Pasa Promenade – A collection of seaside bars offering a vibrant atmosphere.
Additional Going Out Recommendations
- Dessert Spot: Glikolemono – Try their traditional desserts like galaktoboureko.
- Coffee Shop: Paul’s Coffee Roasters – Known for its artisan blends and relaxed setting.
Troodos Region
The Troodos region offers a refreshing twist to the typical Cyprus experience, blending serene mountain vibes with opportunities for dining out and stepping out into its charming villages. Whether you’re planning an evening out enjoying hearty Cypriot dishes in rustic taverns or hitting the town for a cozy night at a local pub, Troodos delivers a unique atmosphere. While the nightlife here is more relaxed compared to coastal cities, it’s perfect for social outings and intimate celebrations with friends or family. From savoring a glass of wine at a boutique winery to partying in a laid-back village square during a traditional festival, the area offers a distinctive charm. For those looking to go out and about, you’ll find Troodos buzzing with life during local events, and while it’s not a hub for clubbing, its tranquil evenings offer the perfect escape for a memorable outing.
Restaurants
- Katoi Restaurant (Omodos Village) – A rustic gem offering traditional Cypriot meze and hearty village-style dishes.
- Special Dish: Grilled lamb chops and homemade wine.
- Ambiance: Warm and cozy with a fireplace during winter.
- To Palio Sinema (Kakopetria) – Located in a renovated old cinema, this restaurant combines history with modern cuisine.
- Highlight: Trout dishes and vegetarian-friendly options.
- Vibe: Casual yet charming.
- Linari Tavern (Platres) – Famous for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.
- Best For: Cypriot meze and village salad.
- Seasonal Menu: Offers dishes based on the region’s seasonal produce.
- Dionysos Restaurant (Platres) – A fine-dining option in the heart of the mountains.
- Must-Try: Wild mushroom risotto and roast pork belly.
- Ambiance: Elegant yet intimate, perfect for couples.
- Psilo Dendro Trout Farm (Platres) – A unique spot where you can dine on freshly caught trout in a serene, natural setting.
- Dish to Try: Grilled trout with herbs.
- Special Feature: A peaceful dining experience surrounded by nature.
Bars and Wine Tasting
- Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades (Omodos) – A stunning winery offering tastings, food pairings, and breathtaking vineyard views.
- Highlight: Premium Cypriot wines like Commandaria.
- Platres Winery Cafe (Platres) – A cozy spot to enjoy wine, coffee, and light snacks.
- Ambiance: Relaxed and picturesque.
- Monte Christo Wine Bar (Kakopetria) – A mountain wine bar featuring an extensive list of local and international wines.
- Unique Feature: Warm interiors with wood paneling and a fireplace.
- Chromata Taverna (Kyperounta) – Part bar, part taverna, this spot serves local spirits like zivania along with meze platters.
- The Village Pub (Troodos Square) – A casual bar ideal for enjoying local beers and warm drinks after exploring the mountains.
- Crowd: Friendly mix of locals and tourists.
Additional Going Out Recommendations
- Dessert Spot: Troodos Sweet Shop (Platres) – Famous for its spoon sweets, pastries, and freshly baked walnut cake.
- Coffee Shop: Petit Palais (Platres) – A charming café with great mountain views and freshly brewed coffee.
Unique Experiences
- Traditional Commandaria Tastings – Explore small villages like Omodos and discover the sweet, fortified wine that Cyprus is famous for.
- Local Festivals – Visit during the grape harvest season to experience wine festivals and traditional celebrations.
- Cozy Cafes in Winter – During colder months, enjoy hot drinks and comfort food by a roaring fireplace.
The Troodos region offers a mix of culinary traditions, cozy bars, and unique mountain experiences. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility, authentic tastes, and stunning scenery.
This comprehensive guide ensures you won’t miss out on the best of Cyprus. Whether it’s enjoying a fine meal, sipping a signature cocktail, or partying by the beach, the island has something for everyone!