Ταβέρνα Βαβατσινιά "Τάκης" — Restaurant in Vavatsinia

You want an exceptional family owned traditional Cypriot taverna in Cyprus? Well, this is my favorite one on the island, hands down.

Every time I visit, I’m reminded why this family-owned gem is in a league of its own: authentic food, heartfelt hospitality, and Takis. Yes, Takis — the owner — is the soul of this place, and his presence makes the experience unforgettable, every single time.

Let’s talk food: • The perfectly grilled meats with wine, seared just right with flavorful fat and herbs, melt in your mouth. • The stuffed grilled sheftalia (a true delicacy) are rich, balanced, and beautifully charred. • The fresh white cheese — smooth, salty, and creamy — was the ideal start to the meal. • The grilled halloumi? Just the way it should be — golden on the outside, soft and springy inside, kissed by the fire. • The village salad, bursting with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy green peppers, brought the table to life. • And the olive-oiled bread? Golden, crisp, aromatic — gone in seconds. • The homemade Cypriot sweets were simply out of this world — the kind that stay with you long after the meal ends.

What makes this place special isn’t just the food — it’s the energy, the warmth, the family spirit. It feels like a taverna frozen in time, where generosity, tradition, and flavor meet on every plate. And Takis makes sure of that.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself here — come hungry, trust the host, and just enjoy.

This is...

Visited with my wife and son on Sunday 4pm to a half empty restaurant. While the very polite female waitress was clearing our table she asked us if we wanted meze and I mentioned that we were not hungry enough for meze but we'll order "portions". By this time the owner Takis arrived and the waitress passed the message to him that we were not going to have meze and he abruptly said "I only serve meze" to which I said "OK in which case (as we were not that hungry and my wife is fasting) I'll have 2 meze. His reply was a very rude "3 people, 3 meze" at which point we left the restaurant as this man knows nothing about hospitality or manners - NEVER AGAIN! It's not all bad news. Thanks to Takis unacceptable bad manners we ended up at the refurbished Acropolis restaurant in Kapedes and what a breath of fresh air it was after Takis. Lovely, cosy, warm (we sat around the central fireplace), friendly, great food and presentation and breath-taking views of Nicosia and...

I had the pleasure of having lunch at Mr Takis traditional Cyprus tavern in Vavatsinia, and it was truly an exceptional experience. The food was nothing short of amazing; every dish burst with authentic flavors and was a delightful journey into Cypriot cuisine.

Despite being busy, the staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, which added to the warm and inviting atmosphere. Their hospitality truly made the evening memorable.

The tavern's environment was a sight to behold, combining the charm of a traditional setting with the beauty of the Cypriot countryside. It felt like a step back in time, and I cherished every moment of it.

The highlight of the meal was the dessert – it was a perfect way to conclude an already outstanding lunch. I can't recommend this place enough for anyone looking to savor delicious Cypriot dishes, experience excellent service, and enjoy a...