In a nutshell
- Cypriot food is Mediterranean, diverse, and shaped by Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences — in short, there’s so much to discover on your plate.
- We’ll walk you through the traditional Cypriot dishes you really shouldn’t leave the island without trying — from halloumi to loukoumades.
- We’re also sharing our personal restaurant and café picks for Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa, and Larnaca — so you can skip the guesswork and eat well from day one.
- Check out our other articles on Cyprus to make planning your trip even easier.
Food in Cyprus: What to Expect
Cypriot cuisine is a colorful blend of Mediterranean flavors with Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences.
In Cyprus, cooking revolves around fresh vegetables, olive oil, and herbs. And then there’s meat — loooots of meat. But Cypriots really know how to prepare it well.
Whether you’re visiting traditional tavernas, markets, or modern restaurants: eating in Cyprus means trying many different dishes — from halloumi cheese to meze to sweet desserts.
Cypriot Appetizer: Meze
Meze is basically the party package of Cypriot cuisine. Lots of small plates with different specialties that together make up an entire meal — kind of like tapas in Spain.
Meze is more than just food — it’s a cultural experience you absolutely have to have. If meze were a tourist attraction, it would definitely make our list of the top highlights in Cyprus.
From fresh salads to spicy sauces, grilled meats, and seafood — there’s a little bit of everything. You just work your way through it all.
Perfect if you’re in the mood for variety and want to try typical Cypriot dishes without committing to just one.
6 Specialties of Cypriot Cuisine
Cypriot food has so much to offer. But you should try at least a couple of these specialties while you’re there:
Kléftiko
Kléftiko is a traditional lamb dish slow-cooked in the oven for several hours, wrapped in parchment paper and seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs.
The meat is intense, aromatic, and incredibly tender. We’re not really big lamb eaters, but we were completely blown away by this dish!
In some tavernas in the countryside or up in the mountains, kléftiko is still made the traditional way — in clay ovens dug into the ground. Seriously worth seeking out.
Halloumi
Halloumi is probably the most famous cheese from Cyprus and is as much a part of the island as the beach and the mountains. It’s made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, sometimes mixed with cow’s milk.
What makes it special: halloumi doesn’t melt when heated — it holds its shape and gets slightly crispy on the outside. That’s why it’s so often grilled or pan-fried. The flavor is salty and mildly savory.
You’ll find this traditional cheese in almost every restaurant in Cyprus — and it tops the list in many travel tips for Cyprus for good reason.
Paidákia
Paidákia are grilled lamb chops marinated in olive oil, lemon, oregano, and other herbs, then cooked over a classic grill for that signature smoky aroma.
Flavor-wise, the chops are bold, savory, and juicy — everything you’d want from a Mediterranean grill.
Many hotels in Cyprus have paidákia on the menu, so you might get to try them right at your hotel restaurant.
Suvláki
Suvláki is the quintessential street food classic in Cyprus. Small pieces of meat — usually pork, chicken, or lamb — are marinated, skewered, and grilled.
The skewers taste hearty, fresh, and pleasantly smoky. Often the whole thing gets tucked into pita bread with fresh salad, onions, and a creamy yogurt sauce.
Suvláki is simple, delicious, and absolutely deserves a spot on your plate — whether at a taverna, as a quick snack, or at your hotel restaurant.
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a traditional dessert from Cyprus and Greece. It’s semolina pudding wrapped in paper-thin layers of phyllo dough, then drizzled with sugar syrup or honey after baking.
The texture is a little unusual — crispy and creamy at the same time. But the flavor is simply heavenly! Sweet, with a hint of lemon, and wonderfully buttery — mmmh!
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are small, round dough balls deep-fried in oil, then drizzled with honey and syrup. Often cinnamon or chopped nuts are added on top.
They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside — a bit like cream puffs, but simpler and even more satisfying.
For us, they’re a real highlight after a long day full of activities in Cyprus.
Prefer something less touristy and genuinely authentic? Then check out our Cyprus insider tips for your trip.
Drinks in Cyprus
Cypriot food is only half the story — there are also some seriously good drinks you should know about:
- Pomegranate juice: Fruity and sweet, freshly squeezed or bottled. You can find it in cafés, restaurants, and at markets.
- Keo: The local Cypriot beer. Available in almost all bars, tavernas, and supermarkets. Super refreshing and perfect alongside meze.
- Commandaria: A sweet, aromatic wine with a long tradition. You can get it at restaurants, wineries, and well-stocked wine shops.
- Zivania: A strong Cypriot pomace brandy. Often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.
By the way: In Cyprus, people drink more Pepsi than Coke. Pepsi has had a long-standing presence in Cypriot supermarkets and restaurants and has simply established itself more strongly here than Coca-Cola. Plus, many local recipes apparently just taste better with Pepsi.
Our Café & Restaurant Recommendations in Cyprus
So you can make the most of what to eat in Cyprus — for example after sightseeing in Paphos — here are our personal café and restaurant picks:
Our Restaurant Tips for Paphos
Seven Saint George’s Tavern: traditional restaurant, authentic meze & cozy atmosphere
Christos Grill & Seafood: right on the harbor, fresh seafood & grilled meats
Beanhaus: best coffee in the area
Our Restaurant Tips for Limassol
Dionysus Mansion: blend of traditional & modern Cypriot cuisine
Our Restaurant Tips for Ayia Napa
Glasshouse Lounge Restaurant: mix of Mediterranean & international cuisine
The Liquid Cafe N Bar: modern café, also serving items like fries and crêpes
Art Cafe 1900: charming café with an art gallery
Our Restaurant Tips for Larnaca
To Sieradiko: traditional, rustic restaurant
Mingle Café: popular café with a wide selection of drinks and light bites
You can find out how to connect all these spots on one trip in our Cyprus road trip article.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food in Cyprus
What do people eat for breakfast in Cyprus?
A traditional Cypriot breakfast is varied and packed with local ingredients.
Expect things like fresh bread, eggs, Atari (Cypriot fresh cheese), homemade jam, yogurt, honey, and nuts preserved in honey.
Is food expensive in Cyprus?
Cyprus has options for every budget. At tavernas, small dishes typically cost between 5 and 15 euros.
In popular resort areas, prices can climb a little higher — around 20 to 30 euros per person for a full meal.
Overall, though, the value for money in Cyprus is solid. You get a lot for what you pay.
Are there vegetarian dishes in Cyprus?
Absolutely! Even though meat and fish are hugely popular in Cyprus, you definitely won’t go hungry as a vegetarian.
There are plenty of vegetables, fresh fruit, delicious breads, and cheeses to enjoy — halloumi alone is worth the trip.
Many tavernas also offer vegetarian menus or can easily adapt dishes on request.
