Demokritos Tavern

Demokritos Tavern stands at Ayiou Antoniou 11 in Ktima, the upper old town of Paphos in Cyprus, and is best known as a place to combine a traditional Cypriot dinner with live entertainment. The cuisine is classic taverna fare, built around the meze selection, souvlaki and moussaka, the layered aubergine, potato and minced-meat bake topped with béchamel that is among the island's best-loved oven dishes. The meze selection is the usual way for groups to eat, with a stream of dips, salads, grilled meats and local specialities arriving at the table, while souvlaki offers a simpler single-plate option for those wanting less volume. The defining feature is the evening programme: the tavern is reported to run nightly Cypriot dance and bouzouki shows at dinner, so the room is animated, with live music, dancing and a convivial, sometimes loud mood. There is no formal dress code, and the atmosphere suits groups, families and visitors who want a first taste of Cypriot hospitality rather than a quiet, candlelit meal. Diners who prefer conversation should ask for a table away from the music area. Prices sit in the moderate range, at about EUR 25-35 (roughly USD 29-40) per person, which reflects the entertainment as well as the food. Opening hours are listed as daily from 17:00 until midnight, which makes the tavern one of the longer-running evening options in Ktima. Reservations are made by phone on +357 96 277532, and booking ahead is advisable in high season, when show nights fill quickly, and when travelling in a larger party. The tavern is within walking distance of the main streets of Ktima, the municipal market and the Paphos town centre, so it is easy to combine with an evening stroll. Visitors should expect an evening that runs long, with the show and the meze extending the meal well beyond a standard dinner service. Wine and local beer are the usual accompaniments, alongside Cypriot brandy sour and zivania for those who want a stronger local drink.