A Cypriot summer isn’t complete without perfectly cooked kleftiko, potatoes, and bulgur, accompanied by a cold beer. This time of year is perfect for visiting the courtyards and terraces of places that serve kleftiko, which have reopened and are ready to welcome us. We’ve compiled a list of ten of the most renowned and beloved spots in Nicosia, both within the city and in the surrounding areas, for food enthusiasts and kleftiko lovers.

A beloved spot in Aglantzia, where you can cool off in its charming courtyard during the summer. Every Thursday evening, they serve delicious meze and, of course, kleftiko cooked in a wood-fired oven. Enjoy your meal with live music and, naturally, cold beer on Thursdays.

Monday 18:00-23:00, Tuesday-Saturday 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-23:00, Sunday closed, Kyriakou Karaoli 2, Aglantzia, Nicosia.

Tel.: 22876543.

This restaurant features a well-maintained courtyard and is located just a few meters from the Agios Dometios checkpoint. The taverna recently reopened, ready to host us with meze and kleftiko every evening.

Monday-Sunday 19:00-23:00, Andrea Karyou, Agios Dometios, Nicosia.

Tel.: 99657270.

One of the most famous spots for kleftiko in Nicosia, where reservations are essential. Here, you’ll get a generous serving of tender kleftiko, which you can enjoy in its courtyard and terrace.

Monday-Sunday 18:30-23:00, Agios Pavlos Ave, Agios Pavlos, Nicosia.

Tel.: 22773674.

Here, the kleftiko is a craft honed with years of experience from the owners. In Pallouriotissa, you’ll sit comfortably under the vine canopy to enjoy some of the most delicious kleftiko in the capital.

Monday-Saturday 19:00-23:00, Vernardaki 6, Pallouriotissa, Nicosia.

Tel.: 22432750.

Another well-known restaurant synonymous with the beloved summer dish, kleftiko, which has been around for over four decades in Aglantzia. It’s baked in a wood-fired oven with potatoes wrapped in foil and is absolutely divine.

Monday-Saturday 12:30-15:30, 18:30-23:00 & Sunday lunchtime, Ammochostou Ave 12, Aglantzia.

Tel.: 22334891.

A beautiful courtyard awaits us in the lovely Kaimakli for meze and kleftiko. One of the most beautiful courtyards in the city, lush and perfect for summer.

Wednesday-Saturday 19:00-23:00, Arrenagogeio 23, Kaimakli, Nicosia.

Tel.: 22435982.

The popular Porphyrios restaurant in Peristerona cooks its meat from the adjacent butcher shop for hours in its oven. It’s one of the most famous places for kleftiko in Cyprus, uniquely baked on roof tiles, skewered, and tied with string. Dining here is a full experience, almost without utensils.

Tuesday and Thursday 19:00-23:00, Archbishops Makarios 2, Peristerona.

Tel.: 99625690.

Taverna Tou Theodosi in Dali is housed in a restored building and has been serving kleftiko for nearly a century. The internal courtyard will treat you to tasty dishes and kleftiko slow-cooked in the courtyard ovens. Taverna Tou Theodosi prepares its kleftiko using the traditional method, where goat meat is cut into portions, tied with string to ensure proper cooking, and easily eaten by hand.

Monday-Saturday 18:00-23:00, Archbishops Makarios 36, Upper Dali, Nicosia.

Tel.: 22621537.

Another strong contender for kleftiko and meze. Here, you’ll find well-cooked kleftiko served with delicious oven-baked potatoes, bulgur, and pasta. The outdoor courtyard with olive trees provides a pleasant, satisfying evening.

Monday-Sunday 17:00 – 00:00, Anastasi Leventis 2A, Dali, Nicosia.

Tel.: 22622024.

There, in its lush courtyard, you’ll enjoy excellent kleftiko at a place known for this summer favorite. The meat is tied with string and baked in oven-pits on roof tiles.

Tuesday and Friday 20:00-24:00, Kostas Misioulis 45, Tseri.

Tel.: 22371852.