Cyprus holidays wouldn’t be complete without savoring the traditional Cypriot dishes offered at local establishments known as “Tavernas.” These cultural gems are celebrated for their authentic Cypriot cuisine, featuring delectable dishes that grace your plate with the most delicious flavors. A Cypriot culinary experience typically includes appetizers, Greek salad, main dishes, and local sweets.

Found in every city and especially in small villages, these traditional taverns warmly welcome both locals and tourists. Some offer live Greek music, while others host theme nights with local dances, super mezedes events, and special day menus.

Guests are free to dance into the early morning hours when the taverns close. Larger taverns in Cyprus open their doors for public events, including wedding parties and social gatherings, featuring plenty of food, local drinks, and lively Greek dancing. In some instances, guests are even encouraged to partake in the traditional Greek dancing custom of plate-breaking for added fun. Certain Cypriot taverns operate on a rotating schedule and cater to seasonal demand.

Peyia Village boasts numerous traditional taverns that remain open year-round, conveniently situated within the village center to delight both tourists and locals. These establishments offer a blend of quality and quantity in their food offerings, all at a reasonable price. A visit to Peyia Village is incomplete without experiencing the charm of its taverns.

One culinary delight you’ll find in many Peyia taverns is the popular dish known as Souvla. Souvla consists of large pieces of meat, either pork or chicken, skewered and cooked over a charcoal barbecue. The preparation of Souvla is intricate and requires an experienced hand. The tantalizing aroma of roasting Souvla during the cooking process entices individuals to give it a try, even those who typically opt for vegetarian options.

For weddings in Cyprus, Souvla is a customary addition to the party table. Paphos taverns often prepare Souvlas in front of customers, allowing them to witness the cooking process in real-time. In addition to traditional Souvla, taverns offer the famous “Mezedes,” a delightful array of starters and dishes (approximately 20-30 plates) perfect for sharing. Mezedes typically include Cypriot Halloumi, souvlakia, shieftalies, beef stifado, Cypriot sausages, and other unique and delicious Cypriot foods. Some taverns also extend their offerings to fish mezedes, featuring tsipoura (bream), octopus, barbouni (red mullet), and squid.

A few kilometers away from Panorama and Oceania Villa in Paphos, you’ll find the highly regarded KOUPPAS STONE TAVERN on the Akamas Peninsula. This traditional restaurant is considered the number one favorite village tavern, providing an unparalleled Cypriot gastronomic experience that should not be missed.