Cyprus

Located along the coastal road, opposite the Four Seasons complex and several small beaches, this taverna (Ταβέρνα Κισσός) enjoys a pleasant setting with its shaded courtyard and aquarium-decorated room. Greek-Cypriot seafood cuisine is served here: wild and farmed fish, grilled octopus, fried calamari, or the mezzés de la mer formula at €25 (two orders minimum). The rest of the menu includes grills, salads, soups, hamburgers, pizzas, pastas and even garlic snails.

Le "rendez-vous des petits cochons" (Πιάτσα Γουρουνάκι) is a restaurant easy to spot thanks to its sign adorned with a plump piglet. It serves all kinds of grills and souvlaki, mostly pork, but also chicken and lamb, not forgetting falafel for vegetarians. Side dishes include mezzés, fries, salads, mushrooms, Greek and Cypriot cheeses, beers, ouzo, wines, etc. The decor and terrace are really nice, but it's often very crowded in the evenings. And reservations are not possible.

Tucked away in the charmless Zakaki district, the "Crab Hole" (Καβουροτρυπα) lives up to its name. Admittedly, there's no sea view, but the sea is definitely there, in the plates. A simple decor, beautiful white tablecloths and a courteous welcome. You're invited to choose your fish in the kitchen. A few mezzés to tide you over (fresh salad, octopus in ink and oil...) and the fish arrives: grilled or fried, it's perfect, just served with a drizzle of lemon, greens and very good crispy fries.

A typical fish tavern, just like hundreds on the Greek islands. Here, it's almost unexpected presence in the middle of the city's bars, clubs and restaurants.

In the pleasant Arabahmet district, this vegan café-restaurant is housed in a bric-a-brac British colonial house, easy to spot with its... giant shoes. In the courtyard, in the shade of the palm tree, the tables are covered with appetizing plates: vegan breakfast, grilled vegetables, chickpea dumplings, quinoa salad, French fries, soy "cheeses"... All with gluten-free options. It's good, fresh and inexpensive. And the establishment also doubles as a bed & breakfast (Alashia Inn).

Housed in a cubic steel and glass structure on a pier in the old port, this restaurant is best known for its sea views. It's also a good address for breakfast or brunch: French toast, scrambled eggs, croque-madame, poached egg with avocado... The rest of the menu is very international: sushi and Japanese specialties, bao buns, pasta and Italian dishes, etc. Next door, The Steak House restaurant also enjoys beautiful views and offers French oysters and American-style grills (€30-50/person).

Located near the village of Kallepia/Καλλέπεια, this restaurant is renowned for its country setting and beautiful sea views. And, above all, for its brunches based on home-grown produce and organic vegetables from the garden. Kika Moudi and her daughter Marlen offer a unique but varied and tasty menu: all kinds of jams and breads, seasonal fruit (plain and freshly squeezed), cheeses (halloumi, anari and feta), a casserole of eggs, mushrooms, vegetables and bacon, then a little surprise dessert to finish. Reservations recommended.

This restaurant (Εστιατόριο Μπέμπα/Estatorio Bemba) serves good Cypriot cuisine that's barely been revisited and beautifully presented, as well as beef cuts. The menu changes daily. If you stick to local classics (mezze, Greek salad, baked lamb, orzo...) or beef pappardelle, you'll get away with not too much. But if you opt for an American chateaubriand or an Australian wagyu entrecôte, then prices really take off. Terrace, retro decor, fine wine list and attentive service. Reservations recommended.

In Greek mythology, the "Champs Elysées" is first and foremost paradise. Vegans will find theirs here in this "plant-based bar-cuisine". Burgers with veggie pâté (mushrooms, tahini, lentils, etc.), buns with jaque apple and BBQ sauce, quinoa-strawberry or "Greek" salads with a soy paste to replace feta, pies with "fake cheeses", no-sugar-added cakes, pancakes, and more. Nice decor, small terrace and friendly staff.

La "Boussole" (Πυξίδα) is undoubtedly Nicosia's best psarotaverna (fish taverna). In an elegant but somewhat stuffy setting, seafood, grilled fish, octopus in vinegar, tuna tataki, oysters from Normandy and Charente, shrimps with feta or mustard, fish croquettes, stewed dishes such as cuttlefish cooked in its own ink, pasta with lobster or clams, etc., are served here. And good oregano fries too! Reservations recommended. Other address in Limassol.

This café-restaurant in the Selimiye district is a nice brunch spot in the quiet street off the mosque's library (kütüphane) , between the Saçaklı house and the buffer zone wall. It serves poached eggs with bacon or avocado toast, bao buns, pasta, meatballs, salads, daily specials, alcohol and very good homemade cold drinks (lemonade, fruit iced tea...). In August, the store is closed during the day and on Sundays.