An authentic Cypriot dining experience to start the weekend: Restaurant Tavernaki tou Meli (27. February 2026)
Since I hadn’t booked anything for my first evening, I was relying on the recommendation of the hotel, and they sent me to Tavernaki tou Meli, which is a little typical Cypriot tavern located above Limassol. The place is super traditional, small, but has a vibrant atmosphere. The menu is basically the owner as there is no written food menu (there is a menu for wines, though) and he explains to you the 20+ dishes they have. Frankly, I had a hard time deciding, so, I told him to just select a few very typical dishes, so, that was what I had.
It started with a “Xoriatiki salad” (EUR 7.80) accompanied by bread with “tahini” (EUR 2.20) and “tzatziki” (EUR 2.20). The salad was rich and refreshing, definitely enjoyable! The bread was a bit dry, but it worked well with the two dips, so, all in all, it was a good start.
Then, they served the gilled “halloumi kanoniki” (EUR 6.50), which was, frankly, absolutely rich in terms of flavor. That being said, the portion was rather big. I suppose that they are not used to people coming to eat alone, but frankly, it was almost too much.
Next in line was their “pastdurmas (spicy beef sausage)” (EUR 3.50), which was delicious. It’s somehow prepared with red wine (hence, the color), but it’s full of flavor. So, if you enjoy meat, you definitely have to try this sausage when you’re on Cyprus.
The “ntomates me aygo (egg, halloumi, and tomato)” (EUR 6.00) is something I hadn’t thought I would enjoy, but I actually did. I’m not the biggest fan of hot tomatoes or egg, but the combination of the two ingredients with the halloumi was actually quite delicious.
The “couscous” (EUR 5.00) is very different from the couscous we have in Central Europe, but it was definitely tasty. The portion was just more for an entire family than for one person, but other than that, the couscous was actually delicious.
Finally, it was time for the “pligouri (pork kebap)” (EUR 7.00), which was quite good. Some of the cubes were a bit too fatty for my personal gusto, but the majority was absolutely delicious and went well with the red onions and the tahini and tzatziki.
What you get at the Tavernaki tou Meli is an authentic Cypriot dining experience – the place is buzzing, full of people, the staff is friendly and attentive (but you have to be patient because there is only one menu available (the owner)). What I would highly recommend to you is to book the table in advance as the place isn’t huge, very popular, and hence, quickly booked out.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Tavernaki tou Meli
Χριστoφόρου Παπαγιάννη 1
4520 Pareklisia (CY)
Tel.: +357 25 63 52 53
Homepage: https://tavernakitoumeli.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
