Paphos’ food scene is highly influenced by the geography of the region. The city’s regional ingredients range from olives to oranges, almonds to apples. However, while the delicious food you’ll find on menus all across Paphos certainly create an enjoyable dining experience, the experience is generally more focused on the social aspect of dining. Family-style dining and dishes are common, as are long meals that last hours at a time.
When you’re in Paphos, be sure to try the traditional Cypriot cuisine, but also take the time to enjoy dining like a local – surrounded by good company, with no rush to leave behind a memorable experience. Here are the best restaurants in Paphos where you can do just this.
- 1
Melania Restaurant
Traditional Cypriot cuisine with a modern twist
- Families
- Food
Family-run Melania Restaurant serves a range of traditional Cypriot cuisine in Paphos. You’ll find the classic local meze, fresh fish from the local Vasilis Fish Markets, and traditional Cypriot barbecues. Favourites on the expansive menu include the moussaka and kebab.
There's a kids' menu comprising spaghetti, burgers, fish fingers and chicken nuggets (if your child has a more adventurous palate, you can certainly find them something equally suitable on the standard menu). The menu varies quite a lot when it comes to pricing – you’ll find both budget-friendly and more expensive meals on offer.
Location: Chlorakas Avenue 2 Paphos, 8220, Cyprus
Open: Monday–Saturday from 1pm to 11.30pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +357 99 524040
Map - 2
Laona Restaurant
Experience Cypriot cuisine in a cosy, kid-friendly environment
- Families
- Food
Laona Restaurant is a long-standing local joint with a casual vibe that families with kids can appreciate. It offers a wide range of Mediterranean, European and Greek cuisine, with special menus available for vegan and gluten-free diners. Primarily a breakfast and lunchtime restaurant, diners at Laona will want to grab a seat on the street and enjoy dining in the sun.
The menu – presented on a blackboard – includes home-cooked, traditional favourites, such as rabbit stifado. Laona Restaurant regularly changes its menu to match whatever ingredients are available and freshest at the time. Make sure to get your complimentary cake at the end of your lunch.
Location: Votsi, Paphos, Cyprus
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11am to 3pm, Tuesday and Friday from 11am to 9.30pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +357 26 937121
Map - 3
7 St Georges Tavern
Soak in the traditional Mediterranean vibe at this old-fashioned tavern
- Couples
- Food
7 St Georges Tavern is as traditional as it gets. Diners are seated in 1 of 2 dining rooms furnished with antiques sourced from rural Cyprus. The menu focuses on ingredients grown or produced in Cyprus only, many of which are sourced from the wild and picked by the restaurant staff.
If you arrive with a large appetite, order the traditional meze which comprises up to 20 appetisers that change every night. If you don’t think you can quite handle that much food, go for one of its Cypriot roasts or casseroles.
Location: Anthipolochagou Georgiou Savva, Yeroskipou, Cyprus
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +357 26 963176
Map - 4
Sykaminia Café
Pull up a colourful chair at this family-friendly, outdoor eatery
- Families
- Food
- Nightlife
Sykaminia Café is nicely located near many popular sites in Paphos. It has a very warm and hospitable ambience – you'll dine among a crowd of mostly locals in a low-key, no-frills environment.
While you’ll definitely enjoy its light and traditional Cypriot fare, which includes a good array of grilled items, sandwiches and salads, you don’t want to miss the drink menu. Depending on the hour or your mood, you’ll want to order either a traditional Cypriot coffee or a frosty cocktail (the sangria receives rave reviews).
Location: Nicodemou Mylona 23, Paphos 8046, Cyprus
Open: Monday and Friday from 9am to 5.30pm, Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +357 26 600242
Map - 5
3 Little Pigs Traditional Grill
Take a short walk up to the beach to visit this traditional grill and kebab house
- Budget
- Food
Little Pigs Traditional Grill is just a short walk up from Lighthouse Beach in Paphos. Grab a table at this budget-friendly restaurant's open dining room and enjoy hearty portions and good wine, all at an agreeable price.
One of its most popular dishes is the homemade sheftalia, a Cypriot lamb and pork sausage. You can also order a mixed grill platter to sample a little bit of everything. Come hungry, as you’ll need a big appetite to tackle these servings. Many diners agree that it's more than enough for 2 people.
Location: 14 Tombs of the Kings Road Kato Paphos, Paphos, Cyprus
Open: Monday–Saturday from 12pm to 10.30pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +357 70 003233
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