Six taverns have been shortlisted for the Best Tavern category at the Cyprus Eating Awards 2026, celebrating everything from traditional meze and family recipes to wood-fired dishes and expertly grilled meats.
Presented by Nespresso, the Cyprus Eating Awards mark their 22nd year in 2026, continuing to recognise popular restaurants and dining destinations across the island.
Among the 15 categories at this year’s awards is Best Tavern, dedicated to one of Cyprus’ most enduring and much-loved dining traditions.
From establishments preserving traditional recipes and flavours to restaurants putting a contemporary spin on the classic taverna experience, the six nominees represent some of the best taverns Cyprus diners can choose from this season.
Which one is your favourite? The choice is yours.
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7 Linoi, Kapeleio, Limassol
In the small village of Kapeleio, 7 Linoi combines authentic Cypriot cuisine with a particular passion for quality meat.
The menu includes a generous meze, grilled dishes, wood-fired specialities and pizzas, alongside impressive cuts of meat such as tomahawk steak.
Its name refers to the seven old wine presses once found in the village, where wine, Commandaria and zivania were produced.
A wood-burning stove during the colder months and live music add to the welcoming village atmosphere.
Apo Genia se Genia, Frenaros
An old coffee shop run by Zakos in Frenaros from 1986 has been brought back to life by his grandson, Konstantinos Zakos.
Apo Genia se Genia, meaning “from generation to generation”, celebrates both the family’s history and the traditional flavours of the area through a classic Cypriot meze.
Seasonal dishes, fried courgettes with yoghurt and homemade specialities are served in a courtyard designed around memories, familiarity and traditional village hospitality.
I Avli tis Mias Milias, Nicosia
I Avli tis Mias Milias brings the atmosphere of a traditional Greek Cypriot courtyard into the capital.
Cypress trees, bougainvillea, stone pathways and a small church create a nostalgic setting reminiscent of the countryside.
Its kitchen focuses on authentic Cypriot and Greek recipes, with homemade dishes and food cooked in a wood-fired oven. Kleftiko, antikristo, roast pork and baked macaroni are among the familiar favourites taking centre stage.
Taverneio To Istorikon, Nicosia
Located in the historic heart of Agios Dometios, the award-winning Taverneio To Istorikon has established itself as a popular dining destination in Nicosia.
Its leafy courtyard provides the setting for a generous Cypriot meze, grilled meats and daily specials, while vegan options are also available.
Carefully selected ingredients, substantial portions, accessible prices and relaxed hospitality are central to its identity as a neighbourhood taverna designed for sharing food with good company.
To Kazani, Aradippou, Larnaca
Housed inside a traditional Cypriot home in Aradippou, To Kazani offers diners a glimpse of another era.
Its extensive meze features more than 20 dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and family recipes, accompanied by homemade chips, salad and barrel wine.
The courtyard, décor inspired by old Cypriot films and live music create a lively atmosphere centred firmly on food and company.
Meli’s Grill House and Taverna, Parekklisia
From its beginnings as a humble coffee shop in the centre of Parekklisia, Meli’s has developed into one of the best-known taverns in the Limassol district.
Melis and his wife Maria have created a welcoming restaurant where grilled meats take centre stage, including souvlaki and sheftalia, alongside generous mixed grills and traditional kleftiko.
Its straightforward approach, centred on good food, simplicity and warm hospitality, has now earned it a place among the six nominees competing to be named Best Tavern at the Cyprus Eating Awards 2026.
Together, the nominees showcase the variety behind the best taverns Cyprus has to offer, from village establishments built around generations of family tradition to popular restaurants bringing the atmosphere of the countryside into the city.
Also read: Cyprus Eating Awards 2026: Voting is now open
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