One of the best meze places in town, this is a traditional little taverna whose walls are decorated with posters from the glory days of Greek cinema. The irresistible rich meze will tempt you back again and again and in addition to the superb food, the owner goes around the tables playing all-time Greek classics on his guitar Fri & Sat. It’s not unusual for diners to join in and sing along.
Stou Kyriakou
5, Paleologou St. Strovolos (22497539) Open Mon-Sat 7.30pm-11pm. Main courses €10-€12 (€17 for meze). Credit DC, MC, V. An oasis surrounded by trees in an area crowded with apartment blocks, this taverna offers good meze dishes such as pork tandoori souvlaki, beef liver, marinated chicken, scrambled eggs with zucchini, village sausages, tenderloin in wine sauce, chicories and bourekia (sweet cheese pastries) for dessert.
Seven Lounge tavernas in the capital but the atmosphere in the verdant open-air courtyard and the long wine list more than compensate. Reservations essential.
Loukoullos
Mezostrati
Eirini Building, 31, Evagorou Ave. (22662727) Open Daily 12 noon-11pm. Main courses €6.30€12.60 (€19 for meze). Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V. Get ready for some Greek dancing in this cosmopolitan taverna in the heart of Lefkosia. Order a meze, choose from the menu featuring full dishes such as kebabs, spicy sausages or pork chops or select the Dish of the Day. Whatever your choose you’ll be more than satisfied. Reservations essential.
Souxou Mouxou Mantalakia
47, Onasagoras St. Old Town (22666600) Open Mon- Sat 12.30pm-3pm, 8pm-11pm & Sun 12.30pm-4pm. Main courses €12-€25. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V. One of the best taverna-style restaurants in Cyprus, it has an atmosphere that immediately says ‘Greece’. All you need to do is take a seat and you’ll be served a stream of Greek dishes made with loving care which are rarely found elsewhere and which you will remember for a long time after your meal. You may also make your own selection. The fish dishes alone are worth visiting the restaurant for. Reservations required since plenty of people know about the place.
(To) Steki tou Kosti
1, Heroes Square, Aglandjia (22330059) Open Mon-Sat 8pm-11pm. Main courses €6-€12 (€17 for meze). Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V.
65, Trikoupis St. Old Town (22765501) Open Daily 6pm-12 midnight. Main courses €18 for meze. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V. Zanettos is a bit dif ficult to locate because it’s hidden away in the narrow streets of the old city. Ask any taxi driver, though, and he will know where to take you as it’s as much a landmark in Lefkosia as the Eiffel Tower is in Paris. Going since 1938, it ser ves traditional Greek-Cypriot meze.
Fish (To) Latsi
1, Agiou Pavlou St. Agios Andreas (22780937, 22772459) Open Tue-Sun 12.30pm-3.30pm & 7pm-11pm. Main courses €12- €55 (€20 for fish meze). Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V. The huge refrigerated display case has grouper, sea bream, sea bass, gilt head bream, king prawns, squid, inkfish, octopus and swordfish, your choice of which will be brought to your table, cooked as you have ordered. Great for business lunches.
To Periyiali stin Poli
7, Kefallinias St., Acropolis/Strovolos (22490007) Open Mon-Sun 12.00-15.00, 19.3023.30. Main courses From €13.50, depending on weight of fish. (€22.95 for meze). Credit AmEx, MC, DC, V. This traditional fish tavern started up at Latchi, Paphos many years ago before opening a sister restaurant in the capital. Nicely decorated, this Time Out Eating Award winner guarantees fresh fish and attentive service.
(To) Psarolimano O Philippos
7, Tseri Ave. (22314020) Open Mon-Sat 7.30pm-11pm. Main courses €20 for meze. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V. This family-run fish tavern has one of the best traditional courtyards in Lefkosia. There is no menu: what is available is always the catch of the day so some nights the choice can be quite limited. The seating area alone is worth the visit. Eating Guide 2013 | Time Out Cyprus 25
lefkosia
Cleopatra Hotel, 8, Florinis St. (22844000) Open Mon-Sat 7pm-12 midnight. Main courses €8.50-€20. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V. In the summer, dine on a succulent local meze selection or enjoy European cuisine next to the pool. There’s a good wine list and live guitar music starting at 9pm Wed, Fri, Sat. Reservations recommended.
Zanettos