Phidias Tavern

Tucked just off the busy Coral Bay strip in Peyia, Phidias Tavern is a family-run taverna that locals and returning visitors treasure as a genuine hidden gem. The welcome is legendary: owner Phidias (with his son Yiannis now helping run the place) is known for wandering the tables, joking with guests and making everyone feel at home, which gives the dining room a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. The kitchen turns out traditional Cypriot and Mediterranean cooking alongside international favourites, with generous portions that rarely disappoint.

Guests rave about the meat and fish meze, the mixed grill, slow-roasted suckling pig, moussaka and grilled sea bass, rounded off with sweet treats like baklava and apple pie. Home-made brandy and coffee liqueur, plus well-priced local wines, keep the evenings flowing, and live music adds to the fun a couple of nights a week. Friendly, honest service and consistently good value make it a reliable choice for families, groups and couples. With Coral Bay's beaches close by, it's an easy, memorable stop for authentic Cypriot flavours.