Stone-built taverns for a cosy winter night out
There are various places to enjoy a night out in Cyprus, and in the winter you will surely be searching to sit beside a fireplace in a cosy traditional stone-built restaurant enjoying a meal and company.
Many of the taverns in Cyprus’ rural villages were once homes that were built from stone local to the area, and they have now been turned into great rustic dining spaces.
These places in the Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol districts are sure to satisfy your appetite and provide you with a warm experience.
NICOSIA DISTRICT
Giannakos Tavern – Fikardou
This tavern is located in one of the quaintest villages in Cyprus, Fikardou, a town where time seems to have stopped. There you will find the Giannakos Tavern, housed in one of the village’s stone-built buildings. The tavern serves Cypriot meze daily and on Friday nights, they serve kleftiko. The restaurant is two storeys and has verandas on the ground and upper floors, providing a great view of the village. Inside, the tavern provides a fireplace, perfect way to warm up on those chilly winter nights.
For more information call +357 22 633311 or +357 99 689497. Open Monday-Thursday 09:30-19:00 / Friday-Sunday 09:00-02:00.
To Bakaliko tou Hapsi – Agros
The tavern is housed in a stone building from 1900, which blends nicely into the village, and it has a great view of the peaks and valleys. There is a café attached to the tavern, which sells local products. During a visit, you should try the cold meze with a variety of local cured meats, and other items.
For more information call +357 99 409108. Open Friday 16:00-02:00 and Saturday-Sunday 08:00-02:00.
Linos – Kakopetria
Located in the village of Kakopetria, among the town’s stone buildings, is Linos tavern. The tavern is part of the agro-touristic retreat Linos and the restaurant offers a variety of dishes including traditional Cypriot food, burgers, and fresh trout. On Saturday nights and on holidays, there is live music.
For more information call +357 22 923161. Open Monday-Sunday 12:00-23:00.
Aristotelio – Pedoulas
The dream-like stone-built Pedoulas hotel, also houses a restaurant. There is a fireplace to warm the space, and it serves traditional Cypriot dishes that are sure to leave you satisfied.
For more information call +357 22 953334.
Sama – Spilia
In the quaint village of Spilia, you will find the traditional tavern Sama. The tavern was once a home in the town and is sure to travel you back to times gone by in Cyprus. They serve traditional Cypriot meze and other grilled items.
For more information call +357 22 519559. Open Friday-Saturday 18:00-23:00 / Sunday 12:00-17:00 and in the summer Monday-Saturday 18:00-23:00.
LIMASSOL DISTRICT
To Katoi – Omodos
The restaurant was built from stone local to the area. The executive chef, who has worked in 5 star hotel, Panayiotis Panayiotou creates a quality meze in the heart of the town. The tavern also has a fireplace to warm the building.
For more information call +357 25 423033. Open Monday-Saturday 12:30-17:00 / 19:00-22:30 and Sundays 12:00-17:00.
Stou Kyr Yianni – Omodos
This tavern serves authentic Cypriot cuisine that you can enjoy in a warm atmosphere accompanied by live music.
For more information call +357 25 422100. Open Monday-Sunday 10:00-02:00 (the kitchen is open until 22:30).
I Oraia Ellas – Vouni
The tavern is located in a traditional stone-built home in the village of Vouni. They serve traditional Greek food, and the restaurant also has a fireplace to keep you warm.
For more information call +357 25 944328. Open Friday 19:30-22:00, Saturday 12:30-15:00 / 19:30-22:00, and Sunday 12:30-17:00.
Symposio – Pelendri
A visit to the village of Pelendri is just what you need in the winter. The village has many sights and a rich cultural heritage. Symposio tavern will remind you of grandma’s cooking and the tavern serves locally-produced wine. They serve traditional Cypriot cuisine with vegetables and fruit from their garden, and fresh baked bread. There is also a fireplace to keep warm.
For more information call +357 99 404348. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11:00-00:00.
Kyperia – Kyperounda
Here you will be able to pick from an a la carte menu that offers Cypriot and international favourites. The restaurant also serve Cypriot meze. The space reminds you of a Cyprus from year gone by.
For more information call +357 95 532090 or +357 99 358167. Open Friday-Saturday 12:00-23:00 and Sunday 12:00-17:00.
Takis – Vouni
At this tavern in Vouni, you will find traditional Cypriot cuisine. Their specialty is pork ribs with wine, and the traditional soup trachana.
For more information call +357 25 943631. Open Friday-Saturday 18:00-00:00 and Sunday 12:00-16:00.
Apsiou’s Tavern – Apsiou
This is the only tavern in the little village of Apsiou. The tavern is an authentic Cypriot restaurant, and is housed in the old olive press of the village. They serve meze for €16, and there are both cold and hot appetizers served.
For more information call +357 99 645198. Open Saturday 19:00-23:00 and Sunday 12:00-16:00.
LARNACA DISTRICT
Takis Tavern – Vavatsinia
This tavern is located in the village square and serves traditional Cypriot food. Mr Takis and his children run the place, and they always welcome guests with great Cypriot hospitality. The tavern opened its doors in 2006, and has been serving meze since. On Sundays and on holidays they serve meze with a few different dishes.
For more information call +357 24 342780 or +357 99 342780.
I Kali Eftychia – Ayios Theodoros
This is a traditional tavern, which has been serving meze for over ten years. It is housed in a large stone building with a warm atmosphere and an indoor garden.
For more information call +357 24 322690.
Mousikos – Sotira
Located on the outskirts of the Larnaca district in the village of Sotira, you will find this tavern that serves Cypriot cuisine. They serve Cypriot favourites like kleftiko, kolokassi, and meze.
For more information call +23 28833. Open Monday-Saturday 18:00-23:00 and from June to September Monday-Sunday 18:00-23:00.
Ayia Anna – Ayia Anna village
This is one of Larnaca’s most beloved taverns. They serve tradition meze and many other Cypriot dishes.
For more information call +357 22 532500
