Waddling for Food in Paphos: Where to Find the Best Bites

Although we only spent three days in Paphos, we still managed to try a few fantastic restaurants that left a lasting impression, and we can highly recommend each of them if you’re planning a visit. The food scene in Paphos (and Cyprus in general) is a beautiful mix of Mediterranean, Greek, and Middle Eastern influences, where fresh ingredients, olive oil, and herbs take center stage. From grilled halloumi and meze platters to just-caught seafood and homemade desserts, every meal feels warm and full of flavor. So before you waddle off to explore the beaches or ancient ruins, make sure to treat yourself to a taste of authentic Cypriot cuisine. Here are our top picks to try in Paphos.

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Pahit-ice Archiepiskopou Makariou Pafos

📍 Address: Arch. Makariou III Ave, Paphos 8010, Cyprus

Our very first treat in Paphos wasn’t a traditional meal; it was ice cream from Pahit Ice, and it couldn’t have been a better start. We stopped by this cozy ice cream shop while wandering around the Old Town, drawn in by the cheerful vibe and the tempting display of flavors. The ice cream was delicious and creamy, with generous scoops (honestly, one scoop would have been enough, they’re huge!).

You know the rule when it comes to ice cream: always check the pistachio. If it’s too bright green, it’s probably not the real deal. And if it doesn’t melt, well, that’s a red flag too. Pahit Ice passed both tests with flying colors! They offer a great selection of flavors, the staff is super friendly, and yes, you can pay by card. A perfect little stop for anyone looking to cool off while exploring sunny Paphos.

What to Eat in Cyprus: Traditional Dishes You Must Try

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Pingouino Café

📍 Address: Poseidonos Ave, Paphos 8041, Cyprus

Every time we travel, we try to find a penguin-themed spot: a café, restaurant, or even a little shop. Most of them end up being just cute photo stops, but this time in Paphos, we finally found one that was actually amazing. We first planned to go to Pingouino Café just for coffee, but the place looked so inviting that we stayed for lunch, and we’re so glad we did. The food was delicious, portions were huge, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We even had a lovely chat with the owner, who made us feel right at home. English was no problem, and you can pay by card or cash. The café’s location couldn’t be better, just steps from the Paphos promenade, with a spacious outdoor area shaded by trees, perfect for a relaxed meal.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can stop by any time of day. It’s also a great place to spend a relaxed evening with drinks, enjoying the atmosphere and the lively vibe near the promenade.

For drinks, we went with a classic beer and couldn’t resist trying the non-alcoholic “Pingouino.” I mean, how could we not? It turned out to be light, refreshing, and perfectly fitting for our penguin-themed lunch stop.For our meal, we ordered the grilled chicken souvlaki and one of their fresh sandwiches. As mentioned, the portions are huge, so definitely come hungry! The food was freshly made, so we waited a little while, but it was absolutely worth it, everything was flavorful and perfectly cooked. We can highly recommend the grilled chicken souvlaki; it was super tender and delicious.

If we had to recommend just one restaurant in Paphos, it would be this one. And okay, maybe we’re a bit biased because of the penguin theme, but even without it, Pingouino Café totally deserves the hype. 

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Nema

📍 Address: Iasonos, Paphos 8041, Cyprus

A few steps from the Anemi Hotel, Nema Mediterranean Restaurant is a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly more refined dining experience in Paphos. The location isn’t right by the beach, but it’s still within easy waddling distance and definitely worth the short stroll. The ambiance is elegant yet relaxed, and the service was quick and attentive. We didn’t make a reservation and still got a table, though during high season it might be a good idea to book in advance. Our table was a bit close to the terrace glass, which wasn’t ideal, but everything else made up for it.

After placing our order, the staff brought us a small basket of bread with butter, which was a nice touch. Unfortunately, the butter was too hard to spread, so that’s one small thing that could be improved; apart from that, everything else was fantastic. We started with zucchini fritters, crispy on the outside and soft inside, a perfect way to begin the meal. For drinks, we had a beer and a non-alcoholic Negroni, which was light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.

For our main dishes, we ordered a pepperoni pizza and the black ink pasta, both beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and served in generous portions. We didn’t manage to try dessert, as the mains were quite filling, but the ones on the menu looked very tempting.

Overall, Nema Mediterranean Restaurant offers a slightly higher-end dining experience in Paphos that’s absolutely worth it. The food quality, friendly service, and relaxing atmosphere make it one of those restaurants you’ll want to come back to, just maybe with softer butter next time.

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Elia Restaurant at Anemi Hotel & Suites 

📍 Address: Iasonos 1, street 8041, Cyprus

On our last day in Paphos, while waiting for our taxi after checking out, we decided to try the Elia Restaurant, which is part of the Anemi Hotel & Suites. Although it’s known mostly for its breakfast service, the restaurant also offers a great lunch and drinks menu, perfect for a casual meal without leaving the hotel. Ordering was super convenient, you simply scan a QR code, place your order online, and the waiters bring everything right to your table or even to your spot by the pool.

We ordered the halloumi sandwiches, which came in huge portions (as everything in Cyprus seems to!), and shared a side of fried calamari with fries and salad. Everything was fresh, well-cooked, and really tasty, making it an ideal light lunch before traveling. The prices were reasonable, and you can easily pay by card or cash. Overall, it was a relaxed and convenient dining experience, the perfect way to enjoy one last bite before saying goodbye to Paphos.

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Our time eating our way through Paphos proved that this coastal town has just as much flavor as it has sunshine. From penguin-themed cafés and elegant Mediterranean dinners to poolside lunches and giant scoops of ice cream, every meal brought a little taste of Cyprus’ warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a relaxed seaside drink, Paphos has something for every appetite.

If you’re planning your own trip, definitely give these spots a try, each one added something special to our stay. And as always, we’ll keep waddling in search of more delicious penguin-approved places around the world.

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