Best Places to Enjoy Meze in Paphos: Real People’s Reviews

Published on 9th of October, 2024

Paphos, a beautiful coastal city in Cyprus, is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine. One of the must-try culinary experiences in Cyprus is meze—an assortment of small dishes that showcase the variety and flavors of traditional Cypriot food. When it comes to enjoying authentic meze in Paphos, locals and tourists alike often turn to recommendations from fellow food lovers.

To help you navigate the city’s bustling food scene, I’ve gathered insights from real people who shared their experiences on various online platforms. From cozy taverns to vibrant restaurants, this guide will provide an overview of the best places to enjoy meze in Paphos, based on honest reviews.

1. Fettas Tavern – A Hidden Gem in the Old Town

If you’re looking for a traditional meze experience in Paphos, Fettas Tavern is frequently mentioned by locals and visitors as a top choice. Located in the charming Old Town of Paphos, Fettas Tavern is lauded for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and authentic setting.

Why People Love It:

Authenticity: Many reviewers praised Fettas Tavern for its authentic Cypriot vibe. The meze is served generously, and each dish bursts with local flavors.
Cozy Ambiance: The Old Town’s serene environment enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal away from the touristy areas.
Friendly Service: The staff is known for being friendly, attentive, and eager to recommend dishes based on personal preferences.

What to Expect:

Fettas Tavern offers a variety of meze dishes, including grilled halloumi, fresh salads, traditional dips like tzatziki and taramasalata, and perfectly cooked meats. Most patrons recommend trying the grilled lamb and souvlaki, as they’re some of the highlights of the menu. The restaurant’s popularity, especially among locals, makes it a reliable choice for a memorable meze meal.

Pro Tip: Consider making a reservation if you plan to visit during peak dining hours, as Fettas Tavern tends to fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.

2. Agora Tavern – Modern Twist on Tradition

Agora Tavern is another popular choice for meze in Paphos, frequently mentioned in discussions about the best dining spots. Situated in a historical building, Agora combines tradition with a modern flair, offering a unique twist on classic meze dishes.

Why People Love It:

Creative Presentation: Reviewers often highlight the restaurant’s attention to detail in the presentation of their meze platters. Each dish is carefully crafted to be as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Ambiance: The rustic yet refined decor of the restaurant creates a sophisticated dining atmosphere that still feels welcoming and relaxed.
Diverse Menu: Agora Tavern offers a more extensive selection of meze, including vegetarian options, making it suitable for groups with varying dietary preferences.

What to Expect:

At Agora, the meze experience starts with a range of cold starters, followed by hot dishes like loukaniko (Greek sausage), grilled octopus, and lamb kebabs. For those looking to explore beyond the traditional offerings, Agora’s menu includes innovative items such as feta cheese wrapped in phyllo pastry with honey. The blend of old and new makes it a great place for both traditionalists and those seeking a more contemporary take on Cypriot cuisine.

Pro Tip: Try their dessert meze platter, which features a selection of Cypriot sweets like loukoumades (honey donuts) and baklava—a perfect ending to your meal.

3. Vrasidas Tavern – Village Charm in Tala

For those willing to venture outside the city center, Vrasidas Tavern in Tala village offers a more rustic and laid-back meze experience. Located in a traditional Cypriot village setting, Vrasidas is known for its warm hospitality and hearty portions.

Why People Love It:

Village Atmosphere: Many reviewers enjoy the change of pace that comes with dining in a village setting. Vrasidas offers a more relaxed and less commercialized atmosphere compared to city-center taverns.
Family-Run: Vrasidas is a family-run establishment, and visitors appreciate the personal touch and home-cooked feel of the dishes.
Value for Money: The prices are considered reasonable, with many guests commenting on the generous portions and affordability.

What to Expect:

The meze at Vrasidas Tavern is a true showcase of Cypriot culinary traditions. Dishes like stifado (beef stew), kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), and kolokasi (a root vegetable similar to taro) are popular choices. The meze is typically served in multiple rounds, starting with salads and dips, and progressing to heavier meat and seafood dishes. The village atmosphere and hearty food make Vrasidas an excellent spot for a leisurely meal.

Pro Tip: If you’re in Tala, make sure to explore the village after your meal. The area is known for its picturesque views and charming streets.

4. Melitzia Tavern – Another Gem in Tala Village

Also located in Tala village, Melitzia Tavern is a strong contender for the best meze in Paphos. Similar to Vrasidas, Melitzia offers a cozy, village-style dining experience, but with a slightly different menu and ambiance.

Why People Love It:

Live Entertainment: On certain evenings, Melitzia Tavern offers live music, adding a festive touch to the dining experience. This makes it a popular choice for both locals and tourists looking for a lively night out.
Excellent Grilled Meats: Melitzia’s meze menu focuses heavily on grilled items, and the mixed grill platter comes highly recommended.
Charming Setting: Reviewers frequently mention the tavern’s lovely outdoor seating area, which is perfect for enjoying a warm evening in Tala.

What to Expect:

Melitzia Tavern’s meze offerings are similar to those at Vrasidas, with a focus on traditional dishes like souvlaki, sheftalia (Cypriot sausage), and moussaka. However, Melitzia stands out with its live music nights, which create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Call ahead to find out if there’s live entertainment on the night of your visit, as it can significantly enhance the experience.

5. Costas Tavern – A Taste of Cypriot Culture in Geroskipou

Located in the nearby village of Geroskipou, Costas Tavern is a must-visit for anyone looking to combine great food with entertainment. Known for its traditional meze and live music performances, Costas Tavern is a place where food and culture come together.

Why People Love It:

Live Performances: The tavern is renowned for its live bouzouki music and dancing. Guests often find themselves joining in on the fun, making it a memorable experience.
Authentic Flavors: Costas Tavern is praised for its commitment to serving authentic Cypriot dishes, prepared using time-honored recipes.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The tavern’s friendly staff and lively ambiance make it an ideal spot for a fun night out with family or friends.

What to Expect:

The meze at Costas Tavern features a wide variety of dishes, from classic dips and appetizers to hearty meat dishes like afelia (pork cooked with wine and coriander) and lountza (smoked pork loin). The portions are generous, and the lively music adds to the festive mood. It’s a great place to experience traditional Cypriot hospitality.

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekend evening to experience the tavern at its liveliest, but be sure to make a reservation in advance.

6. Harbour Restaurants – Why Locals Suggest Avoiding Them

While the Paphos Harbour area is filled with numerous restaurants offering meze, many locals advise staying away from these establishments. According to real reviews, the food quality at the Harbour is often mediocre, and prices are significantly higher compared to other parts of the city.

Why People Avoid It:

Tourist Traps: Many restaurants in the Harbour area cater to tourists, resulting in inflated prices and a lack of authenticity.
Inconsistent Quality: Several reviewers noted that the quality of the meze can be hit or miss, with some dishes tasting bland or overcooked.
Better Options Elsewhere: With so many great options in the Old Town and nearby villages, locals and seasoned visitors recommend exploring those areas instead.

If you do decide to dine in the Harbour, look for smaller, family-run taverns rather than the more commercialized spots. Otherwise, consider heading to one of the taverns mentioned above for a more authentic and enjoyable meze experience.

Conclusion

Paphos has no shortage of fantastic places to enjoy meze, but the key is knowing where to go. Based on real reviews, some of the top choices include Fettas Tavern and Agora Tavern in the Old Town, as well as Vrasidas Tavern and Melitzia Tavern in Tala village. For a lively night out, Costas Tavern in Geroskipou offers not just great food but also live music and dancing. Avoid the Harbour area if you’re looking for authentic meze, as it tends to be overpriced and lacks the genuine flavors found elsewhere.

Wherever you choose to go, be sure to savor each dish and enjoy the warm hospitality that makes the Cypriot dining experience so special.