Good food at these 6 villages in Cyprus
We’ve found the most beloved and nearest destinations, for the best dining options, full of everything you need to enjoy a great meal and quick escape from the city.
Pelendri
Pelendri is one of the largest, oldest and most historically significant villages in the Pitsilia area. It is built to the edge of the area and east of the Karvouna-Saita valley.
Where will I eat?
There are many restaurants and cafés in Pelendri that are open all year round, and all offer delicious meals in a family setting with great views of the village. Food can be found at the café-bar Phelandrio (25 552317), located in the centre of the village.
At the south end of Pelendri, in a beautiful restored mansion with nice views, is the traditional Symposio tavern (99 404348). At the tavern, you will find traditional Cypriot meze from organic meats, ofto kleftiko and traditional bread baked in a wood-fired oven, freshly prepared daily dishes and wild seasonal greens grown in the tavern’s garden. The tavern has a traditional décor with a fireplace and inviting atmosphere. In addition, there is the tavern “Polydentri” (25 552651) where they serve traditional Cypriot dishes prepared daily that will be unforgettable.
Arsos
Arsos village is one of the largest villages in Cyprus. Nowadays, both wine and zivania are made there still using traditional methods. Arsos is located on the slope of mountain Laona at an altitude of 1,092 metres and 10 minutes from Omodos.
Where will I eat?
In Arsos there is the tavern “Agora” (99 662726) which is located in the centre of the village. The tavern is open at noon and evening, all year round and offers traditional snacks in a cosy atmosphere. Some evenings, there is also live music for everyone to enjoy, while they eat.
At the village square there is a café restaurant for rest, coffee or tea. The Arsos Snack Café Restaurant (97 607345 – 99 277277) is open daily and is located in the centre of the village next to the church in the square.
Phini
Fini is built in a lush environment in the Troodos Mountains, between steep slopes and tall lush green peaks. The village is south of Kato Platres and east of Pano Platres.
Where will I eat?
In the village you have a variety of dining options. Note: The Neraida restaurant (25 421680) is open and provides a good atmosphere and good food. Here you will eat a very good tava made in the traditional way of the village in a clay pot, and you will enjoy fresh trout. In the centre of the village is the Fini Tavern (25 421828), a famous hangout spot. You will find something more rustic and snacks at the Village Youth Centre (25 422290, 25 421847). Finally, the Stefanos café has souvlaki and Pastras serves excellent Cypriot coffee.
Alona
Alona is on the north side of the Troodos Mountains, in the periphery of Pitsilia it is covered in green and orchards with all kinds of fruit trees. A main characteristic of the village are the stone houses and lush vegetation. On your way there you will pass by groves of hazelnuts, cherries, apple and almond trees.
Where will I eat?
Food in Alona can be found at Pandisio Estate (99 635637), which offers local delicacies and delights. Alternatively, you can head to Polystipos, where you will be seated at the Lauda Park café located within the Community Park, which operates on weekends and daily through July and August. Guests can enjoy their coffee or dine on delicious local delicacies.
And one more thing: Here you will find Mr Theophanous’ sausage workshop, where they make delicious, smoked ham and lountza. There, you can taste high quality deli meats and shop. But what goes perfectly with the ham? What about Zivania, especially this time of year. Mr Tsiakkas showed us how it is made, and treated us. Do not forget that every November the Zivania Festival is held with great success.
Prodromos
The village with its traditional stone houses and the old neighbourhoods with the paved mountainous slopes bring you a sense of nostalgia.
Seeking the calm and fresh air of the mountainous landscape, 60 kilometres from Limassol, you will find Prodromos, a village dotted with greenery.
Where to eat:
Two restaurants operate in the village, both located next to the roundabout in the centre of the village.
The restaurant “Louis” (25 462049) has great views of the mountains and the village and a warm, friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its souvla, steak and the delicious, house-made moussaka. It is open at noon and evening and on weekends. There they also make homemade spoon sweets and have fresh fruit and the best apples for sale.
The second option is the restaurant that also functions as a cafe, called “Byzantium” (25 463333), which operates daily and weekends, noon and evening. “Byzantium” was created in 2000 through the love of its founder for the promotion of Cypriot cuisine and Cypriot hospitality, combined with the exceptional climate offered by the village. The restaurant embraces you with warmth and a smile and the excellent service. Its space is decorated in a traditional style. On the second floor there is a wine tasting room in a fully equipped cellar, where you can taste all the wine varieties of the Troodos area, as well as the excellent quality olive oil of Cyprus.
