Greek-Cypriot
Piatsa Gourounaki
A lively, always-packed taverna built around the souvla and grill with a social buzz.
Known for Souvla & grilled meats
Stasikratous areaDirections
Nicosia · Updated September 2026
Best Tavernas in Nicosia
Authentic Cypriot meze, souvla and charcoal-grilled classics in Nicosia. We ranked 4 Nicosia tavernas by their Google rating, weighted by how many reviews back it up — with prices and directions to each one’s exact location.
The shortlist
Top tavernas in Nicosia.
Sorted by Google rating and review volume. Tap any venue for details and directions.
Cypriot meze
Zanettos Taverna
One of the oldest meze houses in the capital, serving the same honest dishes since 1938.
Known for Chef’s meze parade
Trikoupi St, old townDirections
Home-style Cypriot
Mattheos
A tiny lunchtime legend tucked beside Phaneromeni church, where office workers and old-timers queue for whatever slow-cooked dishes came out of the kitchen that morning. Choice is limited and it winds down by mid-afternoon, but this is honest Cypriot home cooking at its most authentic.
Known for Daily slow-cooked stews
Old town, by Phaneromeni churchDirections
Cypriot meze
Kathodon
A lively meze house on Ledra Street where live Greek and Cypriot music keeps tables singing late into the evening. It is louder and more boisterous than a village tavern, but the atmosphere on a busy night is one of old Nicosia's great experiences.
Known for Meze with live music
Ledra Street, old townDirections
How we choose
Honest rankings, no paid placements.
Every venue here was checked on Google Maps — that it exists and is open, where exactly it is, and its current rating and review count (September 2026). We rank by that rating weighted by review volume, so a long-proven favourite beats a handful of glowing reviews. Businesses cannot pay to rank higher.
Read our full ranking methodGood to know
Best tavernas in Nicosia — FAQ
What is the best taverna in Nicosia?
Piatsa Gourounaki is our top-rated pick — 4.8★ from 2,897 reviews, known for souvla & grilled meats. See the full ranked list of 4 options above.
How did you choose these tavernas?
Every venue is checked on Google Maps — that it exists, where it is, and its current rating and review count (last checked September 2026). We rank by that rating weighted by review volume, so a long-proven favourite beats a handful of glowing reviews. Scores move, so confirm the current one before you go. There are no paid placements — a place only appears because it earns it.
Are these tavernas good for tourists and locals?
Every venue here is a real, open business verified on Google Maps. Each listing shows its Google rating and review count, the price level and directions to its exact location, so you can judge for yourself.