Diarizos Tavern — Restaurant in Kouklia

As this Taverna is off of the main Village Square, most tourists do not even venture this far, a big mistake as they are missing probably the one place that offers a true taste of Cyprus and where you can still find real "philoxenia" - the old Cypriot word for hospitality. The bread is often freshly baked in the oven and the food is authentic Cypriot Village Food.

Take it from a local, somebody who actually lives in the Village and who has lived on island for over 35 years. Places like this are rare and need to be supported - failure to do so will result in more "tourist" fayre and less of the traditional. This may be a bit to rustic for some people, however, that is part of the charm of the place. It's also a good way to practice your Greek, even a few words tried out will make a big difference.

Portion size is huge and the price is extremely reasonable. We are "difficult" customers being Vegan and these guys always strive to please. This is actually a Taverna and not a place to go for "Coffee and Cake" so the previous review could hardly be deemed constructive.

Far too many people fail to understand the value that this place brings. If you're looking for "more of the same" then just stay in the main square and you'll get what you are likely more comfortable with. This place is for people who actually understand and appreciate Cypriot Food. Don't expect tourist fayre here, you won't get it.

I still remember my experience of Cyprus in the early 80's and this is as close as you'll get to the original, unspoilt by tourism, Egg and Chips is not on the menu here. If you would take the Red Pill, then this is the...

Tavern is is small lovely village. First impression was really bad. I have parked a car with red plates car (I am living in Larnaca bur this day I had group of tourists), lady from restaurand stared to shout that parking is private for restaurants guests. Afterwords i have ordered 4 meze, we were 5 adults and 3 teenagers. We received first cold appetizers (as usual). Pots of olives, hummus, tahini, beetroots was TINY. It was not even a spoon of each one to try (i am saying for 4 meze not like for people - I know i ordered less meze than people but usually on Cyprus no one order same amount of meze as people who come to tavern). I asked lady whi served to be sure that she understand me well while ordering the meze. She was quite grumpy that I had complain. I asked her how the cold appetizers for two meze looks like while colds appetizers for four persons was not enough? She was surprised while I said that I ate meze in maaany places on Cyprus. She finally changed her mind and brought us another amount of cold appetizers so everyone had a chance to try it. Another impressions: lovely food, perfect souvlaki, sheftalies amazing, ribs, lamb chops - everything was really tasty. Afterwards we got two plates of fruits and delicious bourekia with anari cheese. I can truly recommend the place even with that wrong first impression which I experienced. Hopefully the lady who served us food - will have a chance to read that and improve her communication skills and impression of the lovely family tavern not to loose...

We came to this Tavern as it was the only one open on Monday (they don't work on Mondays in this villeage). We took meat meze for 2 people as we were very hungry.

Unfortunatelly, the food was almost non-edible. Bread was hard and not fresh, after asking for fresh bread explainaton was that it is home-made. We found a hair in the salad. The "spreads" were tasting really bad, we thought it's just not our preference. But, then the meat came, it was completely unedible, I believe it was not fresh, but deffinitely not tasty at all. I tasted everything but had to spit out some meat. In the end everything was untuched, we payed the bill and left. Waitress didn't even ask what's wrong. I'm sorry but this is the only one-star I ever left for a restaurant, maybe it was such a day, but it really...