Souvlaki, sheftalia or mixed? We’ve put together 15 spots to keep in mind the next time the craving hits.
The smell of charcoal is enough to make you change direction. And when that warm pitta arrives, packed with souvlaki, sheftalia, tomato, cucumber and parsley, you remember exactly why Cyprus souvlaki remains such a firm favourite.
Whether it’s a quick lunch, dinner with friends or one of those days when the question “what are we eating?” has only one possible answer, we’ve rounded up 15 places across Cyprus worth adding to your list.
The only decision left to make is: souvlaki, sheftalia or mixed?
Agios Georgios HAVOUZAS: Authentic Cyprus souvlaki as it should be
Some places need little introduction. Souvlakia Havouzas is one of them. A corner spot on Nikou Pattichi Avenue, it has long been a reference point for those who appreciate good Cypriot food, properly charcoal-grilled meat and generous portions.
The setting is simple and welcoming, with wooden tables, checked tablecloths and an atmosphere reminiscent of the classic old-school souvlaki shop. You’ll find groups sharing platters, families gathering for a relaxed lunch and couples who simply came for a good souvlaki.
The philosophy at Souvlakia Havouzas is straightforward: good ingredients, proper preparation and grilling done right. Fresh meat and vegetables, hand-cut chips, homemade appetisers and locally made pittas make up a menu firmly rooted in Cypriot flavours.
The souvlaki is carefully grilled over charcoal to retain its juices and distinctive smoky flavour. The menu includes pork and chicken, as well as sheftalia, beef or chicken gyros, halloumi, lountza, sausage, mushrooms, beef liver, chips and salad.
Pittas come in half, regular or larger portions and can be filled with all the favourites from the grill. They’re filling without overshadowing the real star: the meat.
For those who prefer a table full of food to share, the meze is an equally important part of the experience. Grilled halloumi, sausages, sheftalia, tomato fritters, battered aubergine, chips, courgettes with eggs, head meat and, of course, souvlaki are among the dishes served in the middle of the table.
More traditional options include pigeon, quail and snails, drawing on some of the island’s most traditional flavours.
The mixed platters are another popular choice, combining halloumi, sausage, mushrooms, sheftalia, souvlaki, gyros, ribs, chips and salad in generous portions made for sharing.
The menu doesn’t stop at the grill. Burgers, seafood and fresh salads provide alternatives, while cooked and seasonal dishes add a homestyle touch.
There is also the flexibility of ordering individual items, allowing you to build your meal exactly as you like it.
Whether you dine in, choose takeaway or order delivery, the philosophy remains the same: honest food, proper grilling and familiar flavours.
Because ultimately, you don’t need much at Souvlakia Havouzas. A table, good company and a properly grilled souvlaki will do.
INFO:
Tel: 25 385540
111 Nikou Pattichi, Limassol
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11:00-23:00
Facebook: Souvlakia Havouzas
Instagram: @souvlakia.havouzas
I Stoa tou Dimitri: Charcoal grill, Cypriot flavours and simplicity
A tasty plate of food, a good charcoal grill, a table of friends and people who give you a warm welcome can be enough to make a meal genuinely memorable. That is exactly what you’ll find at I Stoa tou Dimitri, a family-run taverna in the heart of the capital with a history stretching back more than three decades.
Since 1985, in the same location, I Stoa tou Dimitri has built a lasting relationship with Nicosia diners and visitors from further afield. Through the years, it has remained faithful to what it knows best: tasty, simple and affordable food based on favourite Cypriot recipes and the tradition of the family table.
During the day, the kitchen operates more like a traditional cookhouse, serving homestyle dishes, pulses, casseroles and other cooked meals reminiscent of home. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts towards that of a traditional taverna, with the grill taking centre stage and tables filling with groups and dishes made for sharing.
Among everything on offer, the charcoal-grilled souvlaki is undoubtedly one of its standout dishes. Juicy and properly grilled, with the characteristic aroma of charcoal and everything you expect from a good Cypriot souvlaki, it is one of the main reasons to visit.
Other grilled meats and familiar Cypriot taverna favourites join it on a menu that remains accessible and uncomplicated.
If there is one thing that has characterised I Stoa tou Dimitri through the years, it is precisely this simplicity. The setting remains unpretentious and welcoming, the service quick and friendly, and the experience refreshingly informal.
For more than 40 years, I Stoa tou Dimitri has remained one of those Nicosia tavernas that have stood the test of time without losing their identity. It is a family business that continues to invest in what matters: good Cypriot food, affordable prices, consistent quality and hospitality that makes customers feel welcome.
Because a good taverna doesn’t need to promise you much. It just needs to serve a genuinely tasty souvlaki, fill the table with familiar flavours and make you want to come back.
INFO:
Tel: 22 343030
28 Digeni Akrita, Nicosia
Mon-Sat 12:30-16:00 & 19:30-23:00 (kitchen)
Facebook: Η Στοά του Δημήτρη
Instagram: @stoa_tou_demetri
Kafeneio 7seee: Family-made souvlaki in Lakatamia
In Lakatamia, Kafeneio 7seee is a family taverna built around a love of good food, traditional flavours and, naturally, souvlaki.
It is a place created with care and a love of good company, where the aromas coming from the grill and the dishes arriving at the table evoke the family meals that bring everyone together.
Souvlaki is at the heart of the experience, with a simple philosophy: fresh ingredients, carefully selected produce and attentive daily preparation. The flavours have the familiar, homestyle character of a traditional Cypriot table, while the grill gives each order its own distinctive touch.
The menu revolves around favourite Cypriot flavours, with souvlaki taking centre stage alongside everything you would expect from a good family taverna. It is somewhere to visit with family or friends, order the classics and share a table full of food.
For the people behind Kafeneio 7seee, good food is not only about what is on the plate. It is about the people around the table, the laughter, conversation and moments created when a simple souvlaki becomes an excuse to bring everyone together.
Because good souvlaki takes care and passion. And a family table needs love.
INFO:
Tel: 22 373710
26 Eptanisou, 2302 Lakatamia, Nicosia
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 18:00-24:00
Instagram: @kafeneio7seee
Madame Foukou: Souvlaki, sheftalia and Cypriot meze
Madame Foukou is dedicated to Cypriot cuisine and, more specifically, the familiar flavours of the traditional Cypriot foukou.
Its menu features a broad selection of classic Cypriot dishes, with souvlaki taking centre stage alongside homemade sheftalia, beef liver, lamb chops, meatballs and other meats.
There are also favourite vegetarian dishes to share, including halloumi, courgette fritters, courgettes with eggs and the grill master’s special mushrooms.
The menu follows the logic of the Cypriot table: lots of different flavours placed in the middle for everyone to share. Simple recipes, good ingredients and familiar flavours take precedence over elaborate presentation.
The idea is straightforward: food that is easy to enjoy with good company and without too much formality.
Its location at Larnaca Tennis Club provides a comfortable setting for everyday dining, family meals, gatherings with friends and relaxed evenings out.
At Madame Foukou, Cypriot cuisine is served as it should be: simple, generous and made to share.
INFO:
Tel: 99 939564
21 Adonidos, Larnaca 6020
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 18:30-22:00
Facebook: Madame Foukou
Instagram: @madamefoukou
Piatsa Gourounaki: Greek charcoal-grilled souvlaki in old Nicosia
In old Nicosia, Piatsa Gourounaki is one of those modern souvlaki restaurants that found an audience from the outset and quickly developed a loyal following.
Its attractive, minimalist spaces with wooden tables fill daily with groups looking for generous portions and Greek flavours from the grill.
Everything here is cooked over charcoal, with souvlaki firmly at the centre. Pork, chicken and lamb are available, while the menu also includes kebab, pancetta, lamb chops and the “grill master’s chicken bacon”.
Larger groups can opt for mixed platters combining different grilled meats, ideal for sharing.
Side dishes have their own place on the table. Greek salad, dakos, tomato with feta and dips including tzatziki, spicy cheese dip, aubergine dip and tahini complete the meal, with generous portions designed to be shared.
Whether you sit down to eat or take your food away, Piatsa Gourounaki keeps the fundamentals of good souvlaki simple: grilled meat, proper cooking, fresh accompaniments and flavours rooted in Greek tradition.
It’s a spot for those times when all you need is good souvlaki, good company and a table packed with food.
INFO:
Tel: 70 007670
76 Onasagorou, old Nicosia, 1011 | 92 Faneromenis, Nicosia | Mall of Engomi, 28th October, Engomi
Piatsa Gourounaki website
Facebook: Piatsa Gourounaki
Instagram: @piatsagourounakiofficial
Souvlakia Elenas: A neighbourhood taverna famous for its souvlaki
At neighbourhood favourites, what matters is the grill. A warm pitta, properly cooked meat and sheftalia fragrant with spices.
And in Limassol, when it comes to good neighbourhood spots, Elena simply has to be part of the conversation. It has become synonymous with properly grilled souvlaki, juicy sheftalia and a kitchen that knows its way around a charcoal grill.
That is essentially the philosophy at Souvlakia Elenas: simple, good Cypriot food made with quality ingredients and care.
As soon as you approach, the grill does the talking. The smell of charcoal whets the appetite, while juicy, properly cooked pieces of meat arrive at the table tucked into fluffy pitta alongside fresh salads and the essential sauces.
Naturally, sheftalia is one of the stars. Fragrant, juicy and properly grilled, it is the kind of thing that makes stopping at just one difficult.
Beyond souvlaki and sheftalia, there is a generous meze featuring dishes such as meatballs, bulgur, halloumi, lountza, sausage and liver, as well as seasonal dishes including mushrooms with onions.
Nothing needs to be complicated. Good ingredients, proper grilling and the familiar taste of a Cypriot barbecue are enough to make the difference.
And it all comes in an informal, welcoming environment equally suited to a family meal or a relaxed evening with friends.
Ultimately, that is exactly what you want from a good souvlaki shop: good meat, a proper grill, fresh pitta, excellent sheftalia and the feeling that you have eaten well.
INFO:
Tel: 25 714799
78 Melinas Merkouri, Polemidia, Limassol
Facebook: Ελενας σουβλακια
3+1: Souvlaki in generous portions
For 31 years, 3+1 has taken its own distinctive approach to souvlaki, offering something different from the traditional size from the very beginning.
Large, juicy pieces of meat dominate its pittas and portions. The pork souvlaki combines fillet and bacon, while the chicken is made with pieces of breast marinated for 24 hours in oil, yoghurt and spices.
The meat is not pre-cooked but grilled slowly over charcoal, helping it remain juicy and full of flavour, almost like a miniature souvla.
Its sheftalia also deserves a mention. Made fresh at the restaurant every day, it is gluten-free and follows a simple recipe designed to let the flavour speak for itself.
The menu also includes halloumi, sausage, pastourma, lamb chops, mushrooms, wine-cured lountza and smoked bacon, which can also be enjoyed as grilled meze dishes.
Choose a full portion or combine your favourites to build the meal exactly the way you want it.
3+1 offers both dine-in and takeaway.
INFO:
Tel: 22 485930
24 Dimitri Stavrou, 2224 Latsia, Nicosia
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12:00-15:00 & 18:30-23:00
I Valia: 23 years of authentic Cypriot tradition in Larnaca
In the heart of Larnaca, tucked away in the atmospheric Turkish Cypriot quarter, a distinctive culinary spot has been writing its own story for 23 years: the souvlaki restaurant I Valia.
The restaurant’s name carries a strong sense of nostalgia. “Valia” takes its name from the low plateau of the same name in the occupied village of Agios Theodoros in the Karpas peninsula, an area surrounded by juniper, pine trees and wild woodland vegetation.
It is this sense of authentic, untouched Cyprus that the well-known Larnaca taverna seeks to bring to the plate.
At I Valia, the menu honours the island’s roots. The ritual begins at the grill, where traditional pork souvlaki, juicy chicken and fragrant handmade sheftalia are expertly cooked before being tucked into warm, fluffy Cypriot pitta.
But there is also a lunchtime surprise. Beyond grilled dishes, the kitchen prepares homemade dishes of the day, from carefully cooked pulses to casseroles made in the traditional style.
If the food is one reason to visit I Valia, the atmosphere is certainly another. When the weather warms up, its picturesque courtyard becomes an oasis, surrounded by traditional palms and colourful, fragrant flowers.
In an era of constant change, I Valia’s philosophy remains the same: excellent ingredients and reasonable prices that respect the customer.
It is hardly surprising that, more than two decades later, it remains one of Larnaca’s best-loved meeting points for lovers of good food.
INFO:
Tel: 24 621951
87 Oum Haram, Larnaca 6027
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11:30-15:00 & 17:00-22:00
3 Little Pigs: Souvlaki with a Paphos signature
At the Tombs of the Kings, a short distance from Kings Avenue Mall, Ta 3 Gourounakia has operated since 2013 as a modern, relaxed family grill house with a love of Cypriot and Greek cuisine and souvlaki at its heart.
Its philosophy centres on tradition, good ingredients and daily preparation, with meats grilled and served in pitta, wraps or full portions.
Paphos-style pittas are among its strengths, accompanying classic pork and chicken souvlaki, mixed options and combinations with halloumi or vegetables.
The menu also features sheftalia, meat platters and meze, while main portions include steak, chicken fillet, homemade burgers and lamb chops.
To start, there are sausages, pastourma, sheep and goat’s milk halloumi, mushrooms, cheese croquettes and hand-cut chips.
More creative wraps form another part of the menu, including the playful “Crazy Piglet” with chicken, bacon, parmesan and honey mustard, alongside vegetarian options with falafel.
You can dine in, take your food away or order it at home. Ta 3 Gourounakia has also been nominated several times in the Souvlaki category of the Cyprus Eating Awards.
INFO:
Tel: 70 003233
Tombs of the Kings, Kato Paphos
Facebook: The Three Little Pigs Grill House
Instagram: @threelittlepigspaphos
Dimitri’s Souvlaki at AEK Kythreas: An old-school hidden gem
Tucked down a side street near the boundary between Pallouriotissa and the Aglantzia industrial area, Dimitri’s Souvlaki is one of those old-school Nicosia establishments you can easily pass without noticing, but want to return to once you discover it.
At 6 Kantaras Street, inside AEK Kythreas, Mr Dimitris fires up the grill daily, serving simple, tasty and authentic Cypriot food.
Souvlaki rightly takes centre stage. Juicy, properly charcoal-grilled pork and chicken join fragrant sheftalia to form the classic Cypriot trio from the grill.
Freshly fried chips are another highlight, alongside wine-cured village sausage, grilled halloumi, steak, ribs and meat platters for sharing.
The experience is simple and unpretentious, exactly as a good neighbourhood souvlaki restaurant should be. A cold beer or glass of wine accompanies the food, while the AEK Kythreas sports club setting has an authentic old-fashioned feel that is increasingly difficult to find.
In winter, diners sit indoors, while warmer weather moves the gathering to the cool veranda among plants and atmospheric lights.
Mr Dimitris welcomes customers with a smile and hospitality that perfectly suits the character of the place.
You don’t come here for complicated flavours or elaborate presentation. You come for good souvlaki, properly grilled meat, fresh chips, a cold beer and the simplicity of an authentic Cypriot hangout.
INFO:
Tel: 22 252951 / 99 440604
6 Kantaras, 2103 Aglantzia, Nicosia
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 18:00-23:00
Facebook: Το σουβλάκι του Δημήτρη στην ΑΕΚ Κυθραίας
To Souvlaki tou Soukri: Charcoal-grilled bliss
Since opening in 2012, To Souvlaki tou Soukri has developed into a destination for lovers of good food, with souvlaki as its star.
Flavours from Greece and Cyprus come together in the centres of Paralimni and Protaras, and the restaurant is also coming soon to 6A Pindarou Street in Nicosia.
It was loved from day one for its skilful charcoal grilling, food served on greaseproof paper and excellent prices relative to the quality of its products.
Everyone comes for the pork and chicken souvlaki, and with good reason. Carefully selected meat and expert charcoal grilling make Soukri’s souvlaki stand out from the first bite. Alongside it is the restaurant’s distinctive thinly sliced pancetta, which has developed a loyal following of its own.
Souvlaki can be ordered as individual pieces on greaseproof paper, in a Paphos-style Cypriot pitta or an authentic Greek pitta.
Other favourites include soutzoukakia, sausage, pork neck steaks and chicken burgers. Appetisers include cheese croquettes and courgette fritters, all made to the restaurant’s own recipes. Grilled halloumi and sheftalia are also worth adding to the order.
This year, the restaurant has also created two homemade products using its own recipes: trigona Panoramatos and baklava.
Among the dips, mustard sauce is a standout, although the spicy cheese dip and tzatziki are not far behind. Naturally, they are homemade.
Salad ingredients are sourced fresh each day from local producers, with the Politiki and village salads among the options.
In both Protaras and Paralimni, the atmosphere sits somewhere between tradition and contemporary design, an approach that will also be followed in Nicosia. Hospitality and service, however, are what really complete the experience.
Handmade pork and chicken gyros have also joined the menu, prepared fresh every morning.
Soukri brings together all the elements of a good grill house: atmosphere, carefully selected meat, skilled grilling, distinctive recipes and prices that remain accessible. Most products are homemade, while souvlaki remains firmly at the centre of everything.
INFO:
Paralimni: 23 742121, 4 Antoni Papadopoulou
Protaras: 23 833399, 66 Protaras Avenue
Nicosia: 6A Pindarou, coming soon
Instagram: @souvlaki_soukris
Facebook: Souvlaki tou Soukri
TikTok: @souvlaki_soukris
Ttasis: The meeting point for serious souvlaki lovers
At 4 Dimitri Hamatsou Street in Dali, Ttasis is an old-school souvlaki shop and taverna that has been synonymous with authentic Cypriot souvlaki since 1985.
The business founded by Ttasis is now run by his son-in-law and grandson, who maintain the same philosophy and passion.
The space is small, simple and spotless, with the foukou and its characteristic counter forming part of the experience. Here, surrounded by the aroma of charcoal and cold beers, you enjoy souvlaki the way generations of Cypriots have known and loved it.
There are plenty of reasons why Ttasis’ souvlaki has endured. Carefully selected meat, tomatoes from the family garden, freshly chopped onion, parsley and properly toasted pitta combine to create something simple but full of flavour.
Sheftalia naturally has a starring role too, made using a “secret” family recipe passed down through the generations.
It is little surprise that customers travel from across Cyprus to try its famous souvlaki. Ttasis was also named Best Souvlaki at the Cyprus Eating Awards 2020, adding an award to a reputation that had already been built over many years.
Beyond the food, there is the hospitality. The family atmosphere created by owners Andreas and Dina makes visitors feel immediately at home, with warm and personal service befitting a traditional Cypriot taverna.
For the most authentic experience, sit at the famous counter in front of the foukou, order an ice-cold beer and enjoy your souvlaki exactly as it should be: hot, properly grilled and without unnecessary fuss.
INFO:
Tel: 22 521203
4 Dimitri Hamatsou, 2540 Dali, Nicosia
To Parko: A family souvlaki tradition since 2003
Since 2003, To Parko has put the grill at the heart of its offering, serving familiar favourites in an attractive, family-friendly setting.
Souvlaki is among its most popular choices for those looking for authentic flavours and a good, filling meal.
With an emphasis on quality, careful preparation and proper grilling, To Parko continues the family tradition it began more than two decades ago.
Food is served at the restaurant inside the park, creating a relaxed and pleasant setting for families and groups of friends.
During the summer months, the menu also features traditional kleftiko, while those who prefer to eat at home can choose takeaway or delivery through Foody and Wolt.
At To Parko, souvlaki meets family hospitality and the tradition of the Cypriot grill in a setting made for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
INFO:
Tel: 22 371558 / 22 353509
Alexandrou Panagouli, Lakatamia, Nicosia
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 18:30-23:00
Facebook: Το Πάρκο – Οικογενειακό Εστιατόριο
B.E.M.R.S. Social Club: An 80s seaside spot with souvlaki and grills
Hidden beside the sea near Guaba, B.E.M.R.S. is an unpretentious taverna with a distinctly retro aesthetic and particularly friendly atmosphere.
It is one of those places locals know well and love for its laid-back character, good food and gatherings around the table.
The venue’s history dates back to 1968, when it was established as a club by employees of the British East Mediterranean Relay Station in Zygi, with the aim of bringing families and friends together.
Today, B.E.M.R.S. is open to the public and continues that tradition through good food and relaxed get-togethers.
Souvlaki, sheftalia, sausages, grilled halloumi and refreshing salads are among the main attractions, while fish and seafood also feature for those who prefer flavours from the sea.
Souvlaki naturally has its own place at the table, in a setting where the grill, good company and informal atmosphere create the perfect excuse for a relaxed Cypriot feast.
Meat, warm bread, salads and all the necessary accompaniments go into the middle and are shared, as Cypriot tradition demands.
With the sea just metres away, its distinctive 80s aesthetic and a history stretching back more than five decades, B.E.M.R.S. remains an authentic choice for anyone seeking Cypriot flavours, charcoal grilling and good company in a relaxed setting.
INFO:
Tel: 25 321634
3 Amathountos, 4409 Limassol
Riganato Greek Grill: Authentic flavours over charcoal
In the heart of Paphos, Riganato Greek Grill has become a favourite destination for those seeking authentic Greek and Cypriot flavours, quality ingredients and food prepared fresh each day.
Its philosophy is simple but meaningful: fresh ingredients, proper grilling and flavours reminiscent of the family table.
Meat, vegetables and bread arrive fresh from selected local suppliers, while no chemical additives, preservatives or meat-tenderising powders are used. This allows every dish to retain its natural flavour and quality.
Favourite dishes from the Cypriot and Greek grill dominate the menu. Souvlaki and sheftalia, gyros, kebab, pancetta, halloumi, sausage and burgers are carefully cooked and served alongside fresh salads, pitta and chips.
Vegetarian options include vegetable souvlaki, falafel, courgette fritters, halloumi and veggie burgers.
Generous sharing platters also have a prominent place on the menu, making them ideal for families and groups wanting to sample different flavours around the same table.
Riganato offers a warm and welcoming setting for a relaxed meal, family outing or evening with friends.
Its quality and consistency have also been recognised through a number of culinary distinctions in Cyprus, including for its gyros, souvlaki, contemporary Cypriot cuisine and traditional Cypriot food.
With dine-in, takeaway and delivery available, Riganato Greek Grill brings the familiar taste of the grill to the table, office or home.
It is a place where tradition meets modern service, with every meal prepared with one clear goal: enjoyment.
INFO:
Tel: 77 777872
3 Grigori Afxentiou, Athinodorou Business Center, Shop 5, 8010 Paphos
Opening hours: Mon-Thu & Sun 12:00-22:30, Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00
Email: [email protected]
Riganato Greek Grill website
Online menu and orders
Facebook: Riganato Greek Grill
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