Ayia Napa restaurants straddle a strange divide. At one end of the scale, huge verandas seek to feed the carb hungry partygoers dropping in at all hours. At the other, a clutch of exclusive, fine dining spots cater to A-listers dropping in to spin a set list. Of course, the best restaurants are rare outposts that sit somewhere in between. We’ve shared the intel on Ayia Napa’s gourmet burger and sunset scene, theatrical dining and some laid back lunch spots that all keep you at the heart of Ayia Napa without succumbing to familiar chains and cheap eats that you can get back home.
Breakfast
Cafe Central
If you don’t want to miss a single moment of Ayia Napa’s action, head to Cafe Central for breakfast. One of the best restaurants in Ayia Napa, it’s just a 5 minute walk from the square. A sprawling coffee, cocktails and all day brunch spot, it sees everyone from early starters to clubbers just going home nipping for a coffee in stylish surroundings. Start the day right with an organic, vegan acai bowl or load up on a full English. Those in the know plump for the Napa Breakfast, which is a very Greek take on the traditional fry up. It turns out, halloumi, olives and Cyprus sausages pair extremely well with scrambled eggs, tomato and a locally baked bagel. Lighter options include the perennial classics – croissants and avo toast. And, if you’re in the mood for pancakes, there’s the option to top them with salmon or bananas and caramel toffee.
The Bakery Co
There are bakeries that dutifully turn out loaf after basic loaf. And then there’s The Bakery Co. Sure, they’ll happily offer you a baguette, ciabatta or focaccia – but they’ve also filled their gleaming glass cabinets with cakes, patisserie and croissants. Brunch options take advantage of their in-house bakes, with eggs, avo, salmon, bacon and hollandaise sauce all sitting reassuringly on the menu. And, if the thought of eating the day’s entire calorie count just for breakfast isn’t for you, there’s a whole menu of juices, smoothies and coffee too. Perfect for pairing with a doughnut, muffin or slice of cake. Everything in moderation …
Lunch
Living Room
A rare breed among Ayia Napa restaurants, Living Room gets a head start straight out the gate for being open year round. But, apart from being handy if you’ve dropped in during off season, the all-day vibe – and MASSIVE menu, makes this the perfect lunch spot. Feast on burgers, pasta, pizzas and fillet steaks or keep it light with small plates, sharing platters, salads, wraps and sandwiches. A couple of vegan options, couple with the kitchen’s ability to cater to dietary requirements, make this laid back venue ideal for families, couples and groups with travellers looking for something off menu. Add in their cocktails and crepes menu, and Living Room starts to look like the kind of venue you find yourself nipping back to. For just one more plate of pancakes…
Apple Restaurant
It’s easy to get swept into the sprawling Ayia Napa restaurants that look so familiar. But the International menus and sleek decor steer you away from the thrill of finding a family-run Cypriot tavern. If that’s the experience you’re after, book a lunch at Apple Restaurant. The menu mixes Greek and Cypriot classics – think mezze platters and moussaka – along with a few global dishes for good measure. Everything here leans firmly towards the rustic and traditional end of the taverna experience. Embrace it – and, if you’re hungry, ask your waiter about Apple’s Greek banquet. Expect dish after dish of authentic Greek food to appear from the kitchen until your foodie thirst for flavour is well and truly satisfied.
Dinner
Hokkaido
How do you feel about gastronomic theatre? If you like your sushi to be served subtly, you may want to carefully consider where you sit at Hokkaido. Gather around the sharing tables to see towering flames rise from the grill pans, knives juggled and sushi flamboyantly chopped, rolled and served. For the same delicious seafood, with considerably less flair, head for the veranda. Here, you can pick from the extensive menu of options and watch the evening in Ayia Napa unfold instead. Theatrics and showmanship aside, the food at Hokkaido perhaps doesn’t quite hit the mark for those who have tried sushi in Japan. Think big portion sizes and some unusual sushi creations. Otherwise, this is a stellar spot that delivers on experience to make your night memorable.
Roof Burger Bar
Ok, we’ll admit, a burger joint might seem a potentially controversial entry on our best restaurants in Ayia Napa list. But, Roof Burger Bar isn’t your typical grease-slicked diner. This roof-top haunt perches on top of the Grecian Sands Hotel and flips every preconception you might have about a burger restaurant on its head. First off, the views are glorious. And, while you’ll struggle to tear your eyes from the azure seas below, the chic interior does a pretty stellar job of wowing diners. But, what about the menu? The burgers are mouth-watering, handcrafted hefts of 100% Angus beef. Flame-grilled and slipped between brioche buns – along with a smorgasbord of flavour-packed toppings, these burgers are far from fast food.
The highlight has to be the Smokey Burger, where caramelised onions melt into mozzarella and smoked scamorza cheeses while the truffle mayonnaise flirts gently with your tastebuds until the peppery zing of rocket lands. Tempted? If the meat-heavy menu can’t lure you up to this lofty burger bar, the salads, cocktails and well-curated list of local wines just might.
Orbzii tip: Time your reservation – and your spot in the restaurant, with Ayia Napa’s sunset for maximum joy in this indulgent guilty pleasure of a restaurant.
Ready to eat your way through the best of Ayia Napa‘s restaurants? Download the Orbzii app today and get munching.
