Where to Eat in Paphos: 5 Restaurants I'd Actually Recommend to Friends
When people think about Cyprus or a holiday abroad, I am sure food is usually pretty high on the list — and rightly so. It is for me anyway… But some of the best meals I've had here haven't been in the big tourist resorts or hot spots.
So many tucked-away spots in Paphos, mountain villages and restaurants surrounded by countryside, Cyprus has some brilliant places to eat if you're willing to explore a little further.
These are five restaurants I'd recommend adding to your Cyprus food list.
1. AGORA
If you're exploring Paphos Old Town, Agora is one to add to your list.
It's the kind of place that fits perfectly into a day spent wandering around the old town — good food, a relaxed atmosphere and a setting that feels much more connected to the character of Paphos than some of the bigger restaurants you'll find along the tourist strip. A simple set menu - meat or vegetarian. A delicious selection of starter dishes arrive including the best tomato salad, followed by a large portion of meats or substituted for vegetables if you would rather!
The view is beautiful, especially around sunset. It gets very busy in both seasons, as winter there is less seating available and seems to be popular with the locals! So make sure you phone ahead.
Perfect for: A relaxed lunch or dinner with friends when you want a variety of food to try and share.
2. Viklari
This one is a little different. A beautiful, family-run restaurant with one of the most incredible locations in Paphos.
Viklari is located near Avakas Gorge, so the setting is a huge part of the experience. This is the sort of restaurant that makes you think, how did someone even find this place?
Pretty risky taking hire cars up, and some might even have a tracker in and specifically say this area is off-limits so make sure you check before you head here. Alternatively there is an area you can park at next to a little church, a short walk from the gorge. From there, it is a 10 minute walk up hill to the Viklari restaurant.
Another simple menu choice of a selection of meats accompanied by a salad and probably the best potato wedges I have ever had!
If there are a few of you it may be worth booking ahead, especially if it is over a weekend as this one is very popular, and I can see why!
Perfect for: Adventurous days out, exploring the Avakas Gorge, and anyone who'd rather have a memorable experience than simply eat somewhere convenient.
3. Koutourou Ouzeri
Another one of my favourites is back in the Paphos Old Town, Koutourou Ozeri is one for anyone who loves the idea of sitting down and sharing lots of different dishes.
There's something heartwarming about ordering a table full of food with friends and family whilst taking your time over it rather than rushing through a meal. If you're visiting Cyprus and want to experience more traditional flavours and the social side of eating here, this is the sort of restaurant I'd look for.
Koutourou is set a bit behind the rest of the Old Town eateries, near to the Kosti Palama Square. This one gets full, so definitely book ahead! The menu changes but a staple seems to be the honey halloumi - which is a MUST try!!
Perfect for: A relaxed lunch or dinner with friends when you want to order lots of dishes and share.
4. PHOS
If you are into something a little more luxurious..
PHOS, the newly opened restaurant at Cap St Georges, brings a completely different feel to this list.
After featuring traditional tavernas, village restaurants and countryside spots, I wanted to include somewhere that shows another side of eating out in Cyprus.
This is the one I'd save for when you want to make an occasion of it — whether that's a special dinner, date night or simply treating yourself while you're in Cyprus.
The service, food, and location really is outstanding, although not sure I would expect any less of the Cap St George portfolio. They really think of all the little details.
Perfect for: A special occasion, date night or anyone looking for a more elevated dining experience.
5. Spring of Life Forever
Now we're leaving Paphos behind and heading into the countryside, to Amargeti.
Spring of Life Forever is in a small village in the Paphos district, and this is exactly the sort of place I think is worth getting in the car for. A family owned business since the 90s, locally produced products that you can buy and take away too - oil, balsamic vinegar, wine, craft beer, honey, jam and more!
Everything I have tried here has been incredible - Stifado, Moussaka, Olives and pita as well as their locally produced wine.
This is definitely one I like to bring people to, especially on my women’s retreats.
If you're staying around Paphos, I'd combine this with a little road trip through the villages rather than treating it as simply a restaurant reservation. Not too far from here is the Tsangarides Winery, about a 15 or so minute drive, I would pair the two together as you get a wonderful but different experience in both.
One of my favourite things about Cyprus is that you don't have to stick to the obvious tourist destinations to find somewhere memorable to eat. Drive into the villages and you'll find completely different surroundings, slower pace and restaurants that can turn a simple meal into part of the day's adventure.
Perfect for: A countryside escape, a sunset dinner and anyone who wants to see a different side of Cyprus.
So, which one would I choose?
Honestly, it depends what you're looking for.
If you want Paphos Old Town atmosphere, try Agora or Koutourou Ozeri.
For a Cyprus countryside experience, head to Spring of Life Forever in Amargeti.
For food + adventure, Viklari near Avakas Gorge is hard to beat.
And for something more luxurious, PHOS is the one to put on your list.
One of the things I love most about Cyprus is that you can have completely different experiences within a relatively short drive and the food is a huge part of that.
So don't just book the beach club and call it a holiday. Get in the car, explore a little and see where you end up.
And if you're looking for a Cyprus trip that combines good food, exploring, moving your body and actually having a laugh along the way... that's rather what I do at Adventure with Liv.