When you think of food in Cyprus, you think of sun, sea and tasty Mediterranean dishes with Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern influences.
Cypriot cuisine is honest, spicy and revolves around eating together, whether that's a mezze table with friends or fresh fish in a seaside taverna.
Find out everything about what to eat in Cyprus, the most popular dishes, drinks, and tips for eating like a local.
In Cyprus, food is more than just sustenance; it's a social tradition. A dinner lasts for hours, often with several courses shared. It revolves around mezze: a collection of small dishes (both hot and cold) that together form a feast.
Cypriot cuisine combines the best of Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and Italy. Many dishes are based on olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and local cheeses like halloumi.
Did you know: Halloumi originates from Cyprus and is considered a national product. The cheese has a Protected Designation of Origin (PGI) within the EU.
Below is an overview of the best-known and most popular dishes:
Cyprus's most famous cheese, made from sheep's and goat's milk. It's grill-safe, making it perfect for the barbecue or in salads.
Slow-cooked lamb in a clay or stone oven, often with potatoes and herbs. A classic for family dinners.
Cypriot meatballs in cauld fat (fat skin), grilled over charcoal. Often served in pita bread with lemon.
Stuffed tomatoes or peppers with rice, mint, and herbs. A vegetarian dish found in many tavernas.
Along the coast you can eat fresh sea bass, squid, sardines or sea bream, usually simply grilled with olive oil, lemon and sea salt.
A mezze is the ultimate way to get to know Cypriot cuisine.
It often consists of more than 20 small dishes: tzatziki, olives, hummus, halloumi, grilled vegetables, chicken, sausages, squid, vine leaves, salad and fruit to finish.
Order a carafe of local wine or Zivania and you'll have an authentic, cozy evening just like the locals.
At small tavernas ask for a meat mezze or fish mezze depending on where you are (mountains or coast).
Although meat often plays the leading role, Cyprus is surprisingly vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Many traditional dishes are plant-based or easy to adapt:
Modern restaurants in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos also offer plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, often using local ingredients.
Cyprus is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.
Most famous wine: Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine already drunk by Crusaders in the Middle Ages.
Other recommendations:
Fun fact: Wine production in Cyprus dates back over 5,000 years – older than that in France or Italy.
Eating in Cyprus is an experience of sun, tradition and hospitality.
From mezze tables to fresh fish and grilled halloumi, the cuisine reflects the relaxed, warm character of the island.
Pair your dinner with a glass of Commandaria or a Keo beer, and pay effortlessly via Revolut or contactless, like the locals.
Relevant information
Any questions? Feel free to ask us!
In Cyprus, they mainly eat Mediterranean dishes with a Greek base. Halloumi is the most famous product: the grilled cheese is indispensable in every Cypriot kitchen. Furthermore, meze, souvlaki, kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), and fresh fish are typical dishes. Commandaria, one of the oldest wines in the world, also comes from the island.
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