When visiting a new country I like to try the local cuisine. From bright green pea soup in Amsterdam to lots and lots of meat in Colombia, I’ll try anything once. And my latest trip – a week in Cyprus – was no exception. After all, a holiday on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the traditional Cypriot dishes and delicacies.
Staying at the Kissos Hotel in Paphos on a bed and breakfast board, I ventured out in the evenings for dinner at different restaurants and “tavernas” in the area. As a solo traveller, I ate alone for the first few nights – but then my friend Emma flew out to Cyprus to meet me, which made meal times a little more fun and social. So, here’s a run down of where to eat in Paphos, and what we chose off the menus.
San Marino.
On my first night, I felt a bit peckish after a short stroll along the beach, so headed back to the main strip of bars and restaurants, where I found the San Marino Taverna. Welcomed in by the super friendly manager (who seemed surprised I was travelling alone), I was shown to a table by the window and given the extensive menu.
I wasn’t overly hungry but liked the sound of the meze. As the meze was a set menu for two people, I just ordered a couple of starters instead: a plate of dips with toasted pitta bread, and some feta cheese. I love dips, so wasn’t disappointed with the selection, which included a favourite of mine, tzatziki. And the creamy feta was served drizzled with olive all and sprinkled with oregano.
The food at San Marino was delicious, and filling. But I was still persuaded by the waiter into having a dessert: a slice of traditional Cypriot baklava, served warm with vanilla ice cream. I don’t usually have a sweet tooth, but I would have demolished another slice.
I really, really liked my meal at San Marino, so it seemed only fitting to go there on Emma and my last night together, so we could enjoy the two person meze platter.
Meze, which literally means “small dishes”, is a Mediterranean style of eating with lots of different courses, though each course is small, as a sort of taster dish. We went for a plate of grilled halloumi and the fish meze platter, which included:
- Pitta and dips (tzatziki, hummus, taramasalata and tahini)
- Greek salad
- Potato salad
- Marinated black olives
- Calamari
- Whitebait
- Grilled octopus
- Grilled sea bream
- Prawns
- Swordfish
- Sardines
- Rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Fries
The waiters laughed as our eyes got wider with every plate they brought out, and we quickly ran out of room on the table. There was way too much food for us, but Emma and I gave it a good go. Of course we had to leave room for dessert though – I’d bigged up the baklava to Emma during the day, and she wasn’t disappointed.
I would definitely recommend San Marino to anyone staying in Paphos – the staff, the menu and the ambiance of the restaurant were all brilliant.
Karlina Restaurant.
On my second night I wandered down the road towards the Tombs of the Kings, where I found the Karlina Restaurant. It was very busy for a Thursday night, but the waiter managed to find a table in the the corner for me. Having not eaten all day, after perusing the menu, I opted for the special deal of three courses for 16€.
First up was a Greek salad served with a crostini and some toasted black olives. Drizzled with balsamic dressing and olive oil, it was seriously good. But not as good as the main course: a huge pot of moussaka. If you’ve never tried it, moussaka is a traditional Cypriot/Greek layered dish of aubergine, minced lamb and tomatoes. It was served with another salad and a jacket potato. Then, as if all that food wasn’t enough, out came a massive creme caramel pudding (which I completely forgot to take a photo of before I devoured it).
The food in the Karlina Restaurant was really tasty, and like San Marino, the staff in were friendly. Had I been here for a second week I wouldn’t have hesitated to eat here again.
Laterna Taverna.
My third day was spent exploring the Tombs of the Kings and then relaxing at the beautiful Coral Bay. After getting the bus back from the beach, I hopped off in the middle of Paphos and found myself suddenly hungry. So, tempted by the menu outside, I grabbed a table at Laterna Taverna.
I ordered a tuna salad, koupepia and some tzatziki and pitta bread (all pictured at the top of this post). Koupepia, sometimes known as “dolmades”, are the famous Cypriot stuffed vine leaves. They can be made with meat served warm, or as a vegetarian dish served cold. Mine were warm and covered in a rich tomato sauce – they were amazing. I easily could have polished off another plate.
Captain’s Bistro.
On my fourth day I visited the Paphos Archeological Park. After four hours in the blazing sunshine, I was grateful when I found a cool, breezy restaurant with a fantastic view of Paphos harbour.
The menu at Captain’s Bistro had a lot of fish and seafood. But not wanting anything too heavy, I chose a seafood salad (plus the obligatory pitta and dips). The salad was alright, but they drowned it in Marie Rose sauce. Had I known I would have asked for the sauce on the side, but never mind. The prawns and mussels on the salad were very fresh, which made up for the sauciness.
The restaurant was a lot more expensive than the other places I’d eaten in, but I guess that’s because you’re paying for the view. Would I eat here again? Probably not, but there were plenty of cocktails on the menu, so it might be a good place to start a night out with friends.
Zeus Dias.
When Emma joined me in Paphos, we decided to try the Trip Advisor award-winning restaurant Dias Zeus for dinner. Just look how beautiful the establishment is:
We didn’t need to look at the menu for long – we went straight in for the traditional meat meze platter, much to the bemusement of the waiting staff, who were so friendly and jovial. One waiter in particular kept us giggling all night; with his limited English, he insisted that every little dish he brought out to us was “good with lemon”. We went through a lot of lemons during this meal.
The dishes included in the meze were:
- Pitta and dips (tzatziki, hummus, taramasalata and tahini)
- Greek salad
- Melintzanosalata (known as “eggplant salad”)
- Tyrokafteri (a spicy feta cheese dip)
- Chicken souvlaki (seasoned chicken kebabs)
- Pork souvlaki (seasoned pork kebabs)
- Lamb cutlets
- A selection of spicy Cypriot sausages
- Keftedes (traditional Greek meatballs in tomato sauce)
- Halloumi
- Fries
Again, our eyes were much bigger than our tummies, and we didn’t manage it all. The food was delicious (though the wine wasn’t really to our taste), and I’d really recommend going to this restaurant when staying in Paphos.
*****
Have you been to Paphos and eaten in any of these restaurants or tavernas? What did you think of the Cypriot food? Let me know if you have any other restaurant suggestions in the comments below.
Wow! The food looks very and undeniably delicious.Thanks for sharing this with us!Nice Content 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!
LikeLike
Oh wow it sounds like you had an amazing time what a beautiful looking place and your so adventurous with food A I have to admit I’m awful for trying new things and most often stick to what I know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did have an amazing time, thank you Sarah – now I’ve got to pack for the next adventure, Mexico! More food coming to the blog soon 😛 x
LikeLike
Okay I don’t think I can go to Cyprus – baklava is a serious weakness of mine and I would come home unrecognisable, having morphed through over-eating into a slice of baklava – but if I do I will for sure be visiting some of these places because they sound delicious! And what’s with the steampunk boat? Did you find out who owned it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha! This comment makes me seriously LOL. The baklava was amazing, served hot with melting vanilla ice cream on the top, mmmm my mouth is watering just remembering it 😛 No idea who owned the boat I’m afraid, it was just parked up in the harbour! But if you get over to Cyprus soon, head to Paphos harbour and see if it’s still there – maybe someone lives on it, how cool would that be!? x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be…. claustrophobic, but cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This definitely has me wanting to expand my horizons
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear it!
LikeLike
it’s not a good idea reading this when you’re starving. OMG! I want to eat my laptop right now, What a great vacation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! Don’t do that – I think some nice Cypriot meze would be much more appetising! x
LikeLike
Wow. everything looks so delish. Yes, exploring the food scene is the best part of any travel. I was thinking about doing solo travel some time soon, but felt a bit daunted. Your adventure kind of inspired me to be more brave about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so lovely to hear! Why not start by going on a solo trip to somewhere like Cyprus, even if just for 3 or 4 days? x
LikeLike
Sometimes after we get back from vacation, all we talk about is the incredible food we had! I know that would be the case if we followed in your footsteps. The baklava?! To die for ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Precisely Alison, but sometimes the best memories of a holiday are those that involve food 😉 x
LikeLike
This post has just made me so hungry! I would love to visit Cyprus one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s making me hungry just thinking about all the delicious food I tried!! You should visit Cyprus one day x
LikeLike
Looks like there is a good selection of food to choose from
LikeLiked by 1 person
The menus had so much choice! x
LikeLike
The food all looks amazing! It’s making me hungry just looking at these pics x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you ever been to Cyprus or Greece Stephanie? The food is one of the best things about these countries 🙂 x
LikeLike
Since my wife is Turkish, w even eat a lot of moussaka and I cannot get enough of it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing isn’t it! x
LikeLike
Oh Yum!!! I want it all!!! You cannot beat freshly caught and cooked fish. I love Greek/Turkish/Cypriot cuisine as it is done so well and the flavours just burst on your tongue
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re just like me Tanya, I love the Greek/Turkish/Cypriot cuisine – I love all the dips and pastries and olives and fresh salads. Mmmmm my mouth is watering now! x
LikeLike
Oh yum and drool, this is so my kind of cuisine! I want to eat it all and I want to be looking at those views right now please!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha I’m craving some pitta and dips myself right now…! x
LikeLike
My mouth is literally watering that food looks amazing, so tasty 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
hehe it really was! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW!!! This has all made me incredibly hungry!! I love this kind of cuisine, especially all of the pitta breads and dips – delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too Laura – pitta and dips are lush x
LikeLike
I’ve never been to Cyprus however would love to go. Thanks for sharing what the food is like it looks delicous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you get the chance Joanna, you should go – I guarantee you’ll love it x
LikeLike
We always found Cypriot dishes to be flavoursome and light. These look yummy and you certainly enjoyed them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely did! 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mouth is still watering from all the delicious looking food. I’ve never been to Paphos or Cyprus for that matter but I want to go now to just eat the food! Looks like you found some great places to eat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These restaurants were fabulous – I’d definitely recommend them if you ever do take a trip to Paphos 🙂 x
LikeLike
I used to go to Paphos every summer when I was a kid but I haven’t been back in years which is a shame as I love Greek food. Having a meze is always a great way of discovering new foods x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so too Rhian – you get to try little plates of each dish, rather than ordering a whole massive one and then potentially not liking it x
LikeLike
Your pictures and posts are beyond amazing. Tweeting this as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh thanks Thena – the food was delicious x
LikeLike
I loved the food when I went to Cyprus, ashamedly one of the best things we had was Philadelphia stuffed crust pizza at pizza hut. We’d gone in as we’d been given a voucher for a free meal!! but I also love all the fresh salads. Haloumi and olives. All the food you had looks good
LikeLiked by 1 person
That pizza sounds amazing!!!! Do they do that here in the U.K.?! 🤔 x
LikeLike
The food looks incredible, Paphos looks an amazing place to stay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is Jemma – I can’t recommend it enough x
LikeLike
I loved every bit of this post. I love eating like this. To check out new flavors and new dishes. I always empty my stomach and open my mind because it’s necessary to be open minded when trying new things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great attitude to have Krista! And I like eating this way too 🙂 It gives you a taster of everything, so you don’t have to buy big plates of something just to find you don’t like it x
LikeLike
wow the food here looks just amazing. I love sea food too, so this would be an awesome place to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, isn’t proper baklava amazing? My friends mum made us traditional baklava onces and I swear I’ve never had better anywhere else!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been to Cyprus before. I’ve been to a lot of the other Greek islands and love the food though. I could quite happily eat everything in the gorgeous photos here! My favourites are the souvlaki and dolmades.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow this place looks amazing and beautiful, the food looks amazing!! I would definitely love to visit 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love trying out local delicacies on my holidays!
I went to Cyprus once when I was younger and I’d love to go back again 🙂
Dani x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love trying all the local food too – you get to try something that you wouldn’t back home x
LikeLike
Ahh all that delicious food, so mouthwatering. In Serbia (where I live) almost all of these dishes are being prepared as well, i really love them!
LikeLike
Hubs and I have been planning a vacation and cyprus is definitely on the list! I love the food! I could live my entire life with hummus and pita bread and grilled halloumi haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha you sound like me Ayesha! I love pitta and hummus too! x
LikeLike
You should have heard my tummy grumble at the sight of those grilled seafood. Oh my, what a gastronomic experience for you! I have not ventured into Cyprus yet, but I hope I could!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly I am reading this at 9am a sits making me hungry lol. I love Mezze and it’s so good you get to try all little dishes 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooops! Sorry Louise lol, I love meze too ❤ x
LikeLike
I’m hungry already.The food looks so incredible and the place looks so beautiful .I would plan on visiting Cyprus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should hun, it’s a beautiful country x
LikeLike
Mmmmm! I love whitebait when I dine on holiday. I always order it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh! The food looks amazing! I seriously want to travel so that I can taste the delicious food that other countries have to offer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so excited after reading this as I am off to Paphos next month!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything look delicious and it makes me hingry, I would love to go there someday
LikeLiked by 1 person
All of the food here looks lovely! I love the look of the seafood salad at the Captain’s Bistro but bit annoying that it’s expensive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it was expensive but then I guess you’re paying for the amazing view x
LikeLike
all of that food looks bloody amazing the ones thing i love about exploring new places is the food.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love simple fresh food, plus this menu reminds me of home 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Omg everything looks incredible! I’d love to visit Cyprus sometime this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you get the opportunity Danasia, you should! x
LikeLike
Meze kinda sounds to me like Spanish tapas. I love trying out new foods, yet I haven’t tried Cyprian food. I will make note of which places to visit if I ever go to Paphos. The Dias Zeus looks like the first place I’d head to!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meze is completely like Spanish tapas, which I also love ❤ Dias Zeus was a great restaurant, and the waiter had us giggling all night which was great – though I preferred the food at San Marino I think. Try them all though, you won't be disappointed x
LikeLike
Oh wow, what a selection you tried – I like that there is a wide variety of seafood on offer. Its definitely my preferred choice when on holiday. I’m very tempted by that baklava too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all the seafood too, mostly because I don’t have much fish or seafood at home. Plus I was right on the coast, so it was as fresh as you could get x
LikeLike
Wow! Everything looks so fresh. Halloumi is my favorite!!! I had a friend that studied abroad in Cyprus and I know she loved it there 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grilled Halloumi is amazing – though better in Cyprus than done on the BBQ here in the UK! x
LikeLike
Food is one of the main reasons I travel haha! I love experiencing new foods. I haven’t been to cyprus yet but have been keen to try their food. Your pictures look stunning
LikeLiked by 1 person
Get there if you can Claire – the food was sooooooo good! x
LikeLike
Yum, all the food looks so delicious! I love Greek food so I am very familiar with many of the dishes you were served. I have not been to Cyprus yet so would be curious to taste some of their local specialties and see how it differs from Greek food.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes – I agree, I’d like to try the difference between Greek and Cypriot. I’m not sure there is much variation though, maybe only in the herbs and spices used, and sometimes the dishes have different names 🙂 thanks for your comment Matilda! x
LikeLike
Omg! Such an amazing adventure ! All those pictures are just amazing! Summer vibes! I wish I could have a weather like that one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weather was great in Cyprus, though better in Mexico!
LikeLike
Looks amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like you ate your way across Paphos! I have yet to visit Cyprus but loved Mediterranean food in Greece and coastal Turkey and see a lot of similarities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love love love the food in all those countries 🙂 there’s something about the fresh veg, meat, fish and all the bread and dips that I adore 🙂 x
LikeLike
I have been to Paphos. I do love Greek food it’s so fresh and full of flavour. The dishes you had look amazing I have had a few of those myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Which ones did you like best Melanie? I think the stuffed vine leaves were my favourite x
LikeLike
Hi there, omg this is making me so hungry. Everything look so delicious and I would love to visit Paphos. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should definitely go if you get the opportunity Anna! It’s an amazing place 🙂 x
LikeLike
I am a sucker for Greek food! OMG looks so good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe me too x
LikeLike
I Love Mediterranean style of food, especially things like fish and tatziki. I have never been to Paphos before but I am hoping to make it to that side of the world one day in the near future. I like to travel to eat! Seems like you do too! Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely do 😉 x
LikeLike
Everything looks so good! We haven’t been to Cyprus but we vacationed in the Greek islands a few months ago. The food was some of the best we’ve ever had. This makes me want to go back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Greek and Cypriot food are very similar (Turkish too!) – I love that style of cuisine x
LikeLike
This literally made me hungry! It’s fascinating to see delicious food all around the world. Glad you had a great adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sadaf – and sorry for making you hungry with my post LOL! x
LikeLike
I love fresh made Pitta with tzatziki and hummus that’s my favorite appetizer when I ever go to Mediterranean restaurant in US. And I do look forward to try in Paphos! Thanks for lots of great restaurant selections!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have to try Cypriot food in Cyprus some time – I guarantee you it will be a million times better x
LikeLike
I have to say that in terms of aesthetics Zeus Dias is the most visually stunning menu and it is easy to see why it is award winning! But in terms of menu for me as a vegetarian I have to say that the San Marino menu appeals to me most. Oh and I do like Baklava its delicious x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, San Marino is a great choice for veggies, as a lot of the dishes in the meze platter are vegetarian x
LikeLike
I like to read about food. It was nice to see some vegetarian options in the restaurants! Loved that you enjoyed the food in Paphos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, there are quite a few veggie options in each of these restaurants, so you won’t be disappointed with the choice! x
LikeLike
It sounds like I need to go to Paphos. All of this food looks heavenly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you haven’t been yet Kacie, you should definitely add it to your bucket list! x
LikeLike
I must go there. That food looks amazing. I don’t think I would every want to leave after enjoying that Greek Mediterranean fare. I loved it all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the idea of meze – is that similar to Spanish Tapas? I love the Mediterranean diet – so many yummy things! Everything look sso fresh, light and delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s exactly like the Spanish tapas concept, except less tomato-ey based dishes, and a lot less spice! x
LikeLike
Just reading this post and looking at the pictures makes me hungry. 😊 I love dips and mazes. It’s a great way to have a shared meal and not overeat. I’m Bulgarian and we do have similar food to the Greeks so I can imagine how delicious everything tastes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh really? I had no idea that Bulgarian food was like that… Hmmm, maybe I’ll have to make a trip to Bulgaria some time soon! x
LikeLike
Ooh I have always wanted to go to Paphos. mainly for the beautiful beaches and the gorgeous weather, but now for the food too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just another reason to go there Laura 😉 x
LikeLike
I too love trying out local cuisines whenever I travel and that’s one of the main reason i loved this post. The Cypriot food looks delicious and I particularly loved the ‘Meze’ concept and the fish dishes. It would suit me well because I eat less but love to try out a lot of items from a menu.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You sound exactly like me Sarmistha!! I love to try a bit of everything, which is why I also like buffet restaurants hehe! x
LikeLike
I love Mediterranean cuisine so much, I lived in Greece for half a year (3 months in Crete and another3 in Halkidiki) and I was obsessed with how delicious the food is. Also, in the summer the restaurants were open until 11-12 pm which was just perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow! That must have been such an amazing experience – I’m so jealous! x
LikeLike
My husband and I are foodies through and through and Paphus seems like our kind of place. If we’re ever lucky enough to visit, you can bet will be having Cypriot baklava, served warm with vanilla ice cream at the San Marino Tavern (for him) and Greek salad served with a crostini and some toasted black olives (for her). x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just seeing your photographs, made my mouth water. Such amazing food! I am a big foodie and I too love to explore local cuisines while visiting new places. Seems you checked out many restaurants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well when you’re not all-inclusive, you tend to venture out a lot more and sample a lot of different foods in different restaurants. The only downside is the price, however in Cyprus it wasn’t too bad x
LikeLike
Oh my heck !! Come feed me right now! I’m ready for a second lunch right now. These all look amazing. I love to try new things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! Sounds like this post has made you hungry 😛 x
LikeLike
I am a huge fan of mezze style eating and actually do this at home a lot myself – especially when entertaining as its so easy for everyone to tuck into over a couple of bottles of wine! I’m also loving the sound of baklava – I think I would have had to make room for it myself too!
C x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never made homemade meze – is it easy?? x
LikeLike
This place looks so amazing for food and so stylish too would love to visit this place for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you been to Cyprus before Hannah? If not, it’s definitely a country worth visiting x
LikeLike
Gosh that looks so good, I adore Greek food so this looks amazing, the feta in particular makes me want to eat some right now! I would love to try out some of these restaurants!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Greek, Cypriot and Turkish – they are quite similar, though obviously there are regional variations x
LikeLike
This post made my mouth water! I love trying local food when I travel, and the grilled halloumi looks particularly good
LikeLiked by 1 person
My philosophy is to try everything once, especially when travelling 😉 x
LikeLike
Totally love the concept of the Meze dishes as they are great in portion size and you get a chance to try so many different dishes. Such great review and photos too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I love the concept of meze too – that way you can try a bit of everything! x
LikeLike
First of all, I love the photography!!! Secondly, the food looks insanely good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh thanks Kristina – all my photos have been taken on a Samsung Galaxy S6 🙂 x
LikeLike
Loving the photos! I’m sure your trip was awesome. The place is just lovely and the food looks so delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you been to Cyprus before Lauretta? x
LikeLike
I love Greek food so much! It’s the perfect summer food isn’t it, I need to try and recreate something like this at home x
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is actually Cypriot, but the two are similar 🙂 x
LikeLike