Where to Eat and Drink in Pissouri: A Local's Guide to the Village and the Bay

One of the questions  we're asked most often by guests staying at The Retreat is a simple one: where should we eat?

Pissouri may be a small corner of Cyprus, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink. Between the old village square and the relaxed seafront down at Pissouri Bay, you'll find family-run tavernas, lively bars, charcoal grills, Italian kitchens and beachside cafés — almost all within a short stroll or a five-minute drive of one another.

After decades of staying here ourselves and getting to know the people who run these places, we've pulled together a guide to the best restaurants and bars in Pissouri. Whether you're after a long lazy lunch, a sundowner cocktail, or somewhere the children will be happy, here's where to go.

Eating and Drinking in Pissouri Village

Pissouri Village sits up in the hills, built around a traditional square that comes alive in the evenings. It's the heart of the community, and most of our favourite restaurants are here.

Michael's Steak House

On the way into the village, Michael's Steak House is worth knowing about if you're in the mood for a good steak. A handy option as you head up towards the square and theres a lovely little cocktail bar outside. They also do great vegetarian food, my friend Clare loves.  It is popular amongst locals and tourists, so book ahead to avoid disappointment 

Hill View

The Hideaway

A family-run favourite and a brilliant place to start. The Hideaway is known for its sharing plates and generous portions — the food is genuinely delicious and all cooked on a Cypriot grill  with the meat turning on the traditional rotating skewers and there's plenty of it. We recommend the sharing platters,  settle in, and let the evening unfold.

Plateau Tavern

Run by George and Creatos, Plateau Tavern is a proper Cypriot taverna and a personal favourite of ours. The chicken souvlaki here is something special — simple, perfectly grilled and full of flavour. If you want an authentic taste of Cyprus in a warm, welcoming setting, this is the place.

Flamingo Bar

Bunch of Grapes

A long-standing village institution, the Bunch of Grapes restaurant is set in a beautiful garden under the trees — a lovely spot on a warm evening. It's family-run, the cooking is reliably good, and the shared platters are a highlight. The shaded garden makes it especially pleasant when the sun is still up.

Sparti Pub

Run by Leo and Georgina, this is the heart of the community — particularly in the quieter winter months when it has a cosy fire. It's a proper sociable pub: somewhere to sit and meet new people. If you're staying out of season and want to feel part of village life, you'll find it here.

Bellisimo

For a change from Cypriot cooking, Bellisimo serves lovely Italian food with live music and a roof terrace. It's run by two women and has a real charm to it — a great choice for a relaxed dinner with a bit of atmosphere.

Sultana Bar

Less a restaurant and more a great spot for a drink, Sultana Bar is where you head for a relaxed evening. There's a pool table and the football is on, so it's popular with sports fans and anyone wanting a laid-back night out in the village.

Pissouriana

The Two Friends

Tucked away at the back of the village, The Two Friends is the spot for proper restaurant-style food when you want something a little more refined. A quieter find, away from the busier square.

Panorama Lounge

True to its name, the Panorama Lounge offers views for miles — and it's the place to be for sundowners. Order a cocktail, find a seat, and watch the light change over the landscape. 

The Amphitheatre

A quick word of advice for the village: book in advance for food, particularly in summer. Many of these places are small and really popular with both residents and visitors.

Eating and Drinking at Pissouri Bay

Head to Pissouri Bay — a relaxed stretch of seafront with a completely different feel. This is where to go for lazy beach days, fresh seafood and a drink with your toes almost in the sand.

Captain's Table

Overlooking the sea, Captain's Table is a wonderful setting for a meal or a drink. The cocktails are strong — be aware of the measures! — and the kids love the ice cream. A great all-rounder for a family afternoon by the water.

Artemis Restaurant

A family-run restaurant with a lovely garden to sit out in. Artemis has that easy, unhurried Pissouri Bay atmosphere — perfect for a long lunch or a relaxed dinner near the beach.

Bay Tree Bar

The place for football and a drink, the Bay Tree Bar is a relaxed, friendly spot down at the bay. Pull up a seat, catch the match, and enjoy the seafront setting.

Pissouri Bay Café

Our pick for breakfast or brunch near the sea. Start the day slowly with a coffee and a bite to eat,

A little shopping between bites!

The Bay Jewellery

Run by Gemma, Bay Jewelery is one we genuinely love, handmade jewelery, I seem to acquire a new piece each visit — a warm welcome and a great atmosphere. Highly recommended for a shiny new piece!

The Gallery

The Gallery next door is a gorgeous place to enjoy paintings and artwork. A little different, and a nice change of pace. We've bought a few pieces for the villia from here.

Must-Try Dishes in Pissouri

Cyprus has a wonderful food culture, and Pissouri is a great place to dive into it. While you're here, look out for these:

- Beef Stiflado — rich, slow-cooked and comforting.

- Sharing platters at The Hideway — the easiest way to try a bit of everything, from lamp chops

- Chicken souvlaki — a Cypriot classic, and especially good at Plateau Tavern.

- Grilled halloumi — the famous Cypriot cheese, best enjoyed straight off the grill.

- Lamb kleftiko st the Bunch of Grapes — slow-roasted until it falls off the bone, a true taste of the island.

A meze — a long parade of small Cypriot dishes — is well worth trying at least once during your stay fr the chance to try a little bit of this and a little bit of that!

Come hungry and don't plan anything afterwards, only to relax.

Practical Tips for Eating Out in Pissouri

- Book ahead. The best village restaurants fill up quickly in summer and on special evenings.

- Cyprus nights. Keep an eye out for Cyprus nights in the village square — traditional food, music and dancing. 

- Eat late. Dining in Cyprus runs later than in the UK; restaurants happily serve well into the evening.

- Mix it up. Spend some evenings in the village square, soaking up the atmosphere, and others down at the bay with the sound of the sea.

- Cocktails before dinner. Several spots, in both the village and the bay, are made for a pre-dinner drink as the sun goes down.

The Perfect Base for Exploring Pissouri's Food Scene

One of the joys of staying in Pissouri is how easy it is to get to all of this. From The Retreat in Pine Bay, the village square and its restaurants are an easy stroll, and Pissouri Bay is a short drive downhill.

If you're planning a villa holiday in Pissouri and want a comfortable, well-equipped base in a quiet, beautiful setting, we'd love to welcome you. Take a look at our availability link

Kalí órexi — enjoy your meal!