What to eat in Cyprus: traditional Cypriot dishes and meze
Cypriot food is grilled meat, cheese, olives, vegetables and fish, shared across many small plates. The dishes below are the ones to try on a short trip. The one thing to know is meze, a long table meal that turns lunch or dinner into an afternoon.
The short answer
- Order this first
- Halloumi, the squeaky grilling cheese, then a meze for the table if you are two or more.
- When people eat
- Lunch from about 1 and dinner late, often after 8 in summer.
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge. If it is not there, round up or leave about 10 percent.
- Where to eat well
- Our Paphos food guide names the places, each checked against a source.
What to eat in Cyprus
- HalloumiA firm cheese that holds its shape on the grill. Served hot with lemon, or with watermelon in summer.Nationwide
- MezeA set meal of many small dishes, from dips and salads to grilled meat and fish. Order one per table and let it run.Nationwide
- SouvlakiPork or chicken skewers grilled over charcoal. Often served in a pitta with salad.Nationwide
- SheftaliaMinced pork sausages wrapped in caul fat and grilled. Usually part of a meze or tucked into a pitta.Nationwide
- KleftikoLamb slow-baked in a sealed oven with potatoes and herbs until it falls from the bone.Nationwide
- LoukanikaCured pork sausages flavored with wine and spices, found in mountain villages and delis.Troodos villages
- KoupepiaVine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes mince. A common meze plate.Nationwide
- Fresh fish and calamariSea bream, sea bass and squid grilled or fried at harbor tavernas. Ask what came in that day.The coasts
- LoukoumadesSmall fried dough balls soaked in syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. A dessert or snack.Nationwide
How the food changes across Cyprus
The coast
Fish and seafood restaurants by the harbors, with fresh catch grilled simply.
The Troodos mountains
Village tavernas with sausages, smoked meats, wine and mountain herbs, and stronger flavors in the cooler air.
The towns
Meze houses and souvlaki shops in the old quarters, plus cafes serving coffee and sweets.
What to drink in Cyprus
- Local wineVineyards in the hills make red and white wines, including from grapes found mainly on the island. Wine villages in the Troodos offer tastings.
- ZivaniaA strong clear grape spirit served in small glasses after a meal.
- Cypriot coffeeThick coffee boiled in a small pot and served in a small cup, with sugar added in the pot. Let the grounds settle.
- BeerLocal lagers are the default with grilled food and are served very cold.
Where to eat in Cyprus, city by city
Paphos
A harbor town on the west coast with World Heritage ruins, mosaics, beaches and an old town behind the waterfront. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants sun with some history.
Order Grilled halloumi
How Cyprus eats
- Meal timesLunch around 1 or 2, dinner from about 8 in summer. Kitchens stay open late in tourist areas.
- MezeA meze is ordered for the table and arrives in waves. Pace yourself, because the grilled meat comes last.
- ReservationsBook popular tavernas at weekends and in July and August. Lunch spots usually take walk-ins.
- TippingLook for a service charge on the bill. If there is none, leave about 10 percent.
Signs of a place to walk past
Menus with photographs of every dish and a tout at the door.
A seafront menu in six languages that offers everything from pizza to curry.
Fish displayed without ice, or a meze that arrives all at once and cold.
Food in Cyprus: questions people ask
What food is Cyprus known for?
Halloumi, meze, souvlaki, sheftalia and slow-baked lamb are the best known. Fresh fish, olives and local wine are also worth seeking out.
What is meze in Cyprus?
A shared meal of many small dishes, from dips and salads to grilled meat and fish. It is ordered for the table and arrives in stages.
What is halloumi?
A firm cheese from Cyprus that can be grilled or fried without melting. It is served hot, often with lemon or watermelon.
What is kleftiko?
Lamb baked slowly in a sealed oven with potatoes and herbs until it is very tender.
Do you tip in Cyprus restaurants?
Check the bill for a service charge. If there is not one, round up or leave about 10 percent.
Is food in Cyprus good for vegetarians?
Yes. Meze includes many vegetable dishes, dips and cheeses, and most restaurants can make a meat-free table.
What do Cypriots eat for breakfast?
Bread with halloumi, olives and tomatoes, eggs, pastries and strong coffee. Hotels also serve a full buffet.