Paphos is a coastal city in south-west Cyprus, legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, with UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics, a medieval harbour fort, rock-cut royal tombs and beaches.
Paphos cooks Cypriot food: charcoal-grilled halloumi, souvla, kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), sheftalia sausages and mezze that arrive as 15 to 25 small plates. Seafood is served at the harbour and in Latchi. Eating one street back from the harbour or in Ktima is cheaper than on the quay. Local wine from Kathikas and the Laona-Akamas villages and the spirit zivania pair with meals.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Paphos.
Meze
Set sharing menu of 15 to 25 small plates of dips, grilled meats, halloumi and salads.
Where to try: Mandra Tavern, Dionysou 4; 7 St. George's Tavern, Geroskipou
Price: EUR 22-32 (about USD 25-37) per person
Kleftiko
Lamb slow-cooked in a sealed oven with potatoes and herbs.
Where to try: Argo Restaurant, Pafias Afroditis 21; Hondros Tavern, Apostolou Pavlou Avenue
Price: EUR 14-20 (about USD 16-23)
Grilled halloumi
Cyprus's sheep-and-goat cheese, grilled until golden.
Where to try: Any taverna; Agora Tavern, Talat Pasha 1
Price: EUR 4-7 (about USD 4.6-8.05)
Sheftalia
Charcoal-grilled caul-fat sausage of pork or lamb with parsley and onion.
Where to try: Fetta's Corner, Ioanni Agroti 33
Price: EUR 7-12 (about USD 8.05-14)
Souvlaki in pitta
Grilled pork or chicken skewers in pitta with salad and tzatziki.
Where to try: Souvlakia Mixalos, Ioanni Agroti 18
Price: EUR 3.5-6 (about USD 4.02-6.9)
Koupepia
Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and minced meat.
Where to try: Laona Restaurant, Votsi
Price: EUR 7-11 (about USD 8.05-13)
Loukoumades
Fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
Where to try: Mandra Tavern complimentary dessert; tavernas in Ktima
Price: EUR 4-7 (about USD 4.6-8.05)
Zivania
Clear Cypriot grape spirit served cold after meals.
Where to try: Most tavernas, offered at the end of the meal
Price: EUR 2.5-4 (about USD 2.88-4.6)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Traditional Cypriot
Cypriot Grill And Meze
Food tours & tastings in Paphos
Eat your way through Paphos with a guide.
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Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Souvlaki pitta
Quick pitta wrap from Ktima grills.
Find it at: Souvlakia Mixalos, Ioanni Agroti 18, Ktima
Koulouri and bakery pies
Sesame bread rings and tiropita (cheese pie) from bakeries.
Find it at: Bakeries around Kennedy Square, Ktima
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Paphos Municipal Market
Covered market hall in Ktima selling local produce, meat and fish; the market area is open on weekday mornings.
Hours: Mon-Sat about 07:00-14:00; confirm locally
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is 13:00-15:00 and dinner starts after 19:30; kitchens at harbour restaurants stay open until about 23:00.
Order one meze per table for two or more people; a full meze is enough for dinner.
A cover charge of EUR 1-2 (about USD 1.15-2.30) is usual in some tavernas; service is often added at 10%.
Tipping 5 to 10% is customary when service is not included.
Tap water is safe but tastes mineral; bottled water is common.
Cash is still preferred at small tavernas in Ktima.
- Vegetarian
- Easy: halloumi, village salad, fava dips, stuffed vegetables and vegetable meze.
- Vegan
- Possible with beans, olives, lentil dishes and vegetable stews; ask for no cheese or yogurt.
- Halal
- Not widely labelled; fish and vegetarian meze are practical choices.
- Gluten free
- Grilled meat, fish and salads are naturally gluten-free; avoid bread-based dips and pastries.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | EUR 18-28 (about USD 21-32) per day | Bakery breakfast, a souvlaki pitta lunch and a tavern dinner shared. |
| Mid-range | EUR 40-60 (about USD 46-69) per day | Sit-down lunch and a full meze dinner with house wine. |
| Upscale | EUR 80-130 (about USD 92-150) per day | Harbour seafood dinner or hotel restaurant tasting menu with wine. |