Cyprus is a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoys good food. Fresh local produce, olive oil, herbs, cheese, meat and seafood feature heavily in traditional cooking, while each region has its own specialities and favourite places to eat. Whether you’re sitting down to a long meze lunch, picking up a freshly baked pastry or enjoying a glass of local wine overlooking the vineyards, food is very much part of the Cyprus experience.

Traditional Cypriot Food

Traditional Cypriot cooking is all about simple, fresh ingredients and generous portions. A typical meal might include grilled meats, salads, vegetables, dips, bread and locally produced cheese, often shared around the table.

Some of the dishes and ingredients you should look out for include:

• Halloumi – Cyprus’s famous semi-hard cheese, traditionally made from sheep and goat’s milk.
• Meze – A selection of small dishes served together, giving you the chance to try many different Cypriot flavours.
• Souvla – Large pieces of meat slowly cooked over charcoal, traditionally enjoyed at family gatherings and celebrations.
• Souvlaki – Small pieces of grilled meat cooked on a kebab stick, usually served in pita with salad and other accompaniments.
• Kleftiko – Slow-cooked lamb traditionally prepared in a sealed oven.
• Sheftalia – Small grilled Cypriot sausages made with seasoned minced meat.
• Loukoumades – Small fried dough balls covered with honey or syrup, often enjoyed as a sweet treat.

Cypriot Meze

If there is one meal to try in Cyprus, it is meze. Rather than a single dish, meze is a succession of different plates that can include dips, salads, vegetables, cheese, seafood and grilled meats. Usually restaurants state a minimum of two people for a meze, so check the menu carefully – also do let your host know of any particular dislikes or allergies.

A traditional meze can be a leisurely meal lasting several hours, making it as much a social experience as a way to discover Cypriot food. Portions and dishes vary between restaurants, so every meze can offer something a little different. Try a little of each item, some you may discover are new favourites and remember that a meze can be traditional or consist of a variety of fish dishes. We have always found that restaurants offering a meze are happy to explain each dish as it arrives, so do ask.

Seafood in Cyprus

With its long Mediterranean coastline, it’s no surprise that seafood plays an important role in Cypriot cuisine. Local restaurants serve fish and seafood caught that day and displayed in ice filled cabinets, They may be grilled, fried or prepared with simple Mediterranean flavour.

Look out for dishes featuring sea bream, sea bass, red mullet, calamari, octopus and prawns. Coastal tavernas are particularly popular for relaxed seafood lunches, often accompanied by a Greek or Cypriot salad, chips and a cold local drink.

Cyprus Wine

Cyprus has one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world, with vineyards spread through the foothills and villages around the Troodos Mountains.

The island produces a variety of red, white and rosé wines, as well as the famous sweet dessert wine Commandaria. Local grape varieties such as Mavro and Xynisteri are particularly associated with Cypriot wine.

The mountain wine villages are an excellent place to discover the island’s wine culture, with small wineries offering tastings and the opportunity to see how local wine is produced.

Coffee, Sweets & Bakeries

Cypriot food isn’t only about large meals. Cafés and bakeries are an important part of everyday life, offering plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or something sweet. Many bakeries are open 24/7 so they are a great option if you arrive late at night – milk, water, juice and other basic groceries can be bought until you can visit a supermarket.

Try traditional Cypriot coffee, served strong and unfiltered, or ask for a Frappe in Cyprus this is coffee whipped and served over ice. Look out for local pastries and sweets such as bourekia, glyko tou koutaliou and loukoumades. Village bakeries are also worth exploring for freshly baked bread, savoury pastries like cheese or tahini pies, and traditional treats like spoon fruits.

Local Markets & Fresh Produce

Cyprus benefits from a warm climate and fertile agricultural areas, producing a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs throughout the year. Look for Fruitaria – these are full of freshly harvested produce from various farmers, each sets their own price and you pick your own, have it weighed and then pay. We had to get used to multiple visits in a week when we moved to live here – better to buy 2 tomatoes today and return for more fresh ones in a couple of days time, as the heat and humidity can make items ‘turn’ quickly.

Depending on the season, local markets and shops may be filled with oranges, lemons, figs, grapes, watermelons, tomatoes, olives and other locally grown produce. Visiting a Fruitaria is like a market and  is a good way to experience everyday Cypriot life and discover ingredients that feature heavily in the island’s cooking.

Where to Experience Cyprus Food & Drink

Some of the best places to experience Cypriot food and drink include:

• Village tavernas – traditional dishes, local produce and relaxed meals. Some have a restricted or ‘one meal’ menu but the food is tasty and plentiful!
• Mountain villages – home cooking, wineries and regional specialities. Do not be surprised if the village taverna is basically someone’s garden.
• Coastal tavernas – fresh fish, seafood and Mediterranean views
• Local bakeries – traditional breads, pastries and sweets. 
• Wineries – tastings of local wines and visits to vineyards
• Food markets – fresh produce and a taste of everyday Cypriot life

The Best Time to Enjoy Food & Drink in Cyprus

Food is part of life in Cyprus throughout the year, but the experience changes with the seasons. Spring brings fresh vegetables, herbs and wild greens, while summer is ideal for outdoor dining, fresh fruit and seafood. Autumn is particularly interesting for grapes, wine and seasonal produce, while winter is a great time for hearty mountain cooking and warming traditional dishes.

Wherever you eat, take your time. A meal in Cyprus is often about much more than the food itself – it is about sitting together, sharing dishes and enjoying the relaxed Mediterranean pace of life. Siga, Siga is the order of the day – so don’t expect a quick bite to eat but enjoy the atmosphere.