Back to the city: 20+1 spots to try this September

Eat & Drink foodTop News Back to the city: 20+1 spots to try this September 4 12 Relevant News Back to the city: 20+1 spots to try this September 15 September 2026 HIO plans new pay scheme for GHS doctors by 2027 15 September 2026 Cloudy Tuesday forecast, as temperatures set to reach 36C 15 September 2026 Diana Aza 15 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber From rooftop bars to urban hangouts, these are the top picks in the cities for a smooth return to everyday life. Fizzy Spritzeria The capital’s new bar is one of the city’s most interesting recent arrivals. Inspired by the Italian concept, it puts spritz at the centre and invites us to put another pin on the map of the area around Stasandrou Street, which has recently developed into a night-out destination. Besides its signature, imaginative and colourful spritzes, you’ll find classic cocktails, plenty of wine options and platters to share with your table. Agias Elenis, Nicosia, 97 447777. Seline Rooftop With impressive views over Eleftherias Square, the very chic Seline Rooftop has deservedly become one of the capital’s most elegant destinations. The menu combines Asian fusion flavours with Mediterranean influences, while the creative cocktails and the space’s modern aesthetic make it an ideal choice for after-work drinks and romantic dinners. A good choice among the warm starters is the crispy soft-shell crab with yuzu aioli, and definitely the roast duck with hoisin sauce, served in fluffy handmade miso buns. Omirou 3, Nicosia, 94 000600. Bar Louise Bar Louise is one of Limassol’s most elegant cocktail bars, standing out for its timeless aesthetic, creative drinks list and distinctive atmosphere. A dish worth trying is the very special Lump Crab Cake, which you can order with the addition of caviar. It’s made with five ounces of select crab meat, garnished with fennel and fresh herbs, and served with a handmade remoulade sauce. In a space that exudes understated elegance, from the cocktail list we consistently recommend the aromatic Starina Sour, a thoroughly updated take on the classic Whiskey Sour with Starlight Blackberry Whiskey, rose vermouth, ginger and fresh lemon juice. Ankyras 45, Limassol, 70 000810. Stavri’s Kitchen Stavri’s Kitchen proves that quality doesn’t need excess, and its juicy pork fillet, served on sweet potato purée and stolen away by the aromatic chives and equally aromatic lemon butter, is the proof. With an emphasis on authentic flavours, carefully sourced ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, it has built up loyal regulars who keep coming back. A place that combines simplicity, flavour and excellent value for money. Kalymnou 6B, Larnaca, 24 255592. Onar With a contemporary aesthetic and a creative approach to Mediterranean cuisine, Onar has carved out its own place on Paphos’s dining scene. Its creamy risotto has also carved out a place in our hearts, made with spinach and leek, Vialone Nano rice, flavoured with lemon and enriched with Aegina pistachio and a velvety goat’s cheese cream. More broadly, Onar’s carefully considered menu, its emphasis on seasonal ingredients and its welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal choice. So does its excellent Maple-Makarono, an original dessert with a maple biscuit, vegan pastry cream, walnuts, apple compote, cinnamon liqueur and maple-walnut ice cream. Agiou Kendea, Paphos, 26 322444. Barrio It made its spectacular debut two years ago in the heart of the capital, and this spring made its comeback with a major announcement: from now on, it will be our year-round hangout. Outward-looking and modern, Nom’s “little sibling” has managed to appeal to people of every age, in a neighbourhood that has recently been enjoying its moment of glory. Open from the afternoon until late at night, it serves international dishes with plenty of Asian touches and seasonal ingredients, built around a sharing concept and bar philosophy that puts the emphasis on cocktails, as well as wine, with interesting choices both by the bottle and by the glass. Among the dishes you’ll enjoy: salads made with the freshest ingredients, spreads, raw dishes such as tartare and ceviche, beef steaks from select cuts, seafood, pasta and, of course, desserts. Stasandrou 5, Nicosia, 99 022622. Rous Contemporary Cypriot cuisine takes centre stage at Rous, guided by the seasons and rooted in Cyprus’s products, flavours and food memories. Familiar flavours are given a modern, creative expression, while keeping their warmth and generosity. The experience is built around sharing, with dishes arriving gradually at the centre of the table as they’re prepared, creating a natural, relaxed rhythm. On Rous’s seasonal menu, as well as the more flexible Flow of the Season, the kitchen follows the availability of ingredients and the exact moment in the season. For the ideal food pairing, you can ask the venue’s experts for advice and choose from beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Bouboulinas 15, Nicosia, 22 760720. Balza A now firmly established visit in the city centre, combining refined gastronomy with panoramic views over the capital. Balza is among the top choices, as is its excellent signature cocktail, “50 Shades of Passion,” vodka-based and featuring passion fruit, vanilla and fresh lime juice in the glass. The menu is once again signed off by award-winning chef Angelos Bakopoulos this year, with the concept brought to life by Balza’s lead chef, Xenofon Stavropoulos, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean as well as contemporary international culinary trends. Among the new and enduring dishes, we singled out the spicy tirokafteri harissa, the beef tartare with sun-dried tomatoes, capers and crispy potatoes, the tuna carpaccio with wasabi and black vinegar, the grilled squid with tomato relish and carbonara sauce, the Iberico secreto skewer, and the seafood linguine with clams, mussels and prawns. Evagorou 2, Nicosia, 22 253232. Ethos Ethos combines contemporary European cuisine with a minimalist aesthetic and an emphasis on the quality of its ingredients. The menu is refreshed often, following the seasons, while the carefully curated wine list and discreet service create the ideal conditions for a well-rounded dining experience. Among the dishes we recently chose to share with good friends there was the juicy Rib-eye from grain-fed Black Angus beef, grilled to perfection. We paired it with baby potatoes with parmesan and truffle mayonnaise, plus an extra plate of broccolini with a refreshing lemon dressing. Costa Carnavalou 16, Paphos, 26 933000. The Hide Tucked away in the backstreets of old Nicosia, The Hide is one of the city’s most distinctive destinations for cocktails and some of its most iconic burgers. The relaxed courtyard, the carefully chosen music and the imaginative creations coming from behind the bar make up a space that stands out for its casual yet refined aesthetic. The venue’s philosophy centres on a careful selection of craft beers from microbreweries, as well as rare gin and whisky labels. Talou 10, Nicosia, 22 333390. Biga If you’re a fan of authentic Neapolitan pizza, Biga, next to the capital’s new town hall, is one of the best choices in Nicosia. The long-fermented dough, quality ingredients and traditional wood-fired oven produce pizzas with real character, while the simple, modern space offers the ideal atmosphere for a relaxed night out. Definitely worth trying is the Fig Chutney & Goat Cheese, built on a mascarpone cream base with rosemary and garlic, the excellent mozzarella fior di latte, goat’s cheese and the beloved fig chutney. Eptanisou 73, Nicosia, 22 435380. Chiesa One of Limassol’s more interesting recent arrivals on the dining scene, Chiesa combines the philosophy of an authentic Italian osteria-focacceria with contemporary techniques and local ingredients. It stands out for its in-house butchery, its handmade bread and the fresh pasta made daily, while the carefully curated wine list rounds out an experience well worth having. Regulars appreciate its zero-waste kitchen philosophy and swear by its all-time classic Italian desserts, among them its delicious panna cotta. Agias Zonis 24, Limassol, 97 470481. Alley One of the city’s best-loved hidden gems, tucked away on a quiet street in Limassol’s historic centre, Alley has become a favourite destination for those seeking creative contemporary European cuisine in an elegant yet understated space. The menu changes often, following the seasonality of its ingredients, while the atmosphere and impeccable service make it an ideal choice. From its recent menu, what won us over was the tender beef liver, served with pomegranate molasses, fresh parsley and sourdough bread. Tositsa 2, Limassol, 99 402221. Cinéma Bar In the heart of Limassol, Cinéma Bar combines the nostalgic feel of an old cinema with contemporary cocktails, carefully chosen music and a particularly atmospheric courtyard. It’s a regular meeting point for those who love the city’s nightlife and good music. Don’t leave without trying the refreshing, well-balanced Bergamot Sour, vodka-based with a bergamot infusion, bergamot cordial and fresh orange juice. Serdar 1, Limassol, 99 279947. Library Bar Behind its timeless façade, Library Bar hides one of Limassol’s most beautiful courtyards, with its own cocktail bar and a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of an urban garden. The creative cocktail menu and frequent music nights have made it a favourite destination for summer nights out. Visitors swear by the venue’s namesake Library Burger, a beef patty with cheddar, pickles and mayonnaise served with fries, and rightly so. We’d also recommend the pizza with mozzarella, truffle, portobello mushroom and fresh rocket, one of the tastiest versions of it around. Themidos 1, Limassol, 96 108877. Swimming Birds From the first cup of specialty coffee to evening cocktails, with the Negroni taking pride of place, Swimming Birds moves comfortably to the rhythm of the city. Located near Nicosia’s town hall, it enjoys one of the capital’s coolest spots. Its industrial, very arty space, its creative smart flavours and its frequent music nights have established it as one of Nicosia’s liveliest all-day destinations. Palias Ilektrikis 5, Nicosia, 22 019257. AMARA Rooftop With views stretching across the whole of Cyprus’s southern coastline, the Rooftop Bar on the eighth floor of the impressive AMARA hotel is one of the most striking destinations for cocktails and tapas at sunset. Its elegant aesthetic, premium labels and contemporary sophistication captivate instantly. AMARA Hotel, 8th floor, Limassol, 25 442222. Wok & Oven One of Larnaca’s most enjoyable culinary surprises, Wok & Oven has built up a devoted following thanks to its authentic Thai cuisine and warm hospitality. The menu is based on traditional recipes, with dishes prepared to order, offering an experience full of the aromas and authentic flavours of Asia. From its summer menu, we singled out the Panang Curry, a slow-cooked dish inspired by the culinary traditions of central Thailand, with tender pork or beef, gently simmered in coconut milk with kaffir lime leaves and peas. Armenias 3, Aradippou, Larnaca, 99 771775. Noesis Restaurant & Lounge Bar On the Finikoudes seafront, Noesis Restaurant & Lounge Bar combines contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, creative cocktails and relaxed luxury. From breakfast and brunch to dinner and evening drinks, it’s an all-day destination with an elegant aesthetic and unobstructed sea views. Steak lovers should try the grilled Chateaubriand beef, a tender USDA Prime fillet, cooked to perfection on the grill and served with broccoli, mustard and golden roast potatoes. A timeless dish for lovers of fine meat. Piale Pasha 54, Larnaca, 97 962880. Rebuke Lounge With a contemporary aesthetic and finesse, and certainly a prime spot on Mackenzie beach, Rebuke Lounge is a reliable choice for those who want to combine food, cocktails and music in an elegant, refined setting. From morning until late at night, it offers a complete seaside experience well worth having, especially with a plate of Dover Sole Meunière, a classic French recipe with a whole Dover sole, gently cooked and served with fragrant butter, fresh lemon and herbs. Mackenzie, Piale Pasha, Larnaca, 24 626212. MOMO MOMO has established itself as one of Paphos’s most elegant dining destinations. With Asian influences, striking presentation and a distinctive aesthetic, it offers a complete experience that combines creative flavours, signature cocktails and an atmospheric setting for every occasion. Among our go-to combinations is the Beef Carpaccio, thinly sliced and served with ginger-truffle mayonnaise, parmesan, soy, micro pak choi and smoked salt, alongside a glass of the refined Japanese Tottori, aged in bourbon barrels. Petraki Miltiadous, Paphos, 26 352060. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News HIO plans new pay scheme for GHS doctors by 2027 Cloudy Tuesday forecast, as temperatures set to reach 36C Arsos wildfire brought under control after burning 3.5 hectares Doctors involved in Mazonakis’s death now face homicide charge Wildfire burns near Arsos in Limassol district (video) Overnight pharmacies on Monday, September 14 Parents say boy, 4, climbed onto window before fatal fall Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.