Where to eat in Protaras: iconic restaurants and prices

If you attempt to rank the best restaurants in Protaras, the top spot undoubtedly belongs to the Mediterranean restaurant Diva. Here, you can savor the renowned Commandaria wine, a drink with a history dating back to the 11th century, made from local grapes. The juice is extracted from withered grapes, poured into amphorae, and aged in the ground for 30 years.

The second notable contender is Alati by the sea, known for its excellent wine selection. Noteworthy options include the dry white sparkling wine Bellapais, the finest red dry wine in Cyprus, Othello, and Cypriot sherry. Romeo is celebrated for its Cypriot cuisine and entertaining shows, while La Cavallere, an Italian restaurant, offers a great choice for families with pizza, a children's menu, and a game room. It's worth mentioning that prices at these Protaras restaurants are generally lower than at similar establishments in Larnaca or Ayia Napa.

Among the more budget-friendly restaurants in Protaras (with an average bill of 10-15 EUR), we should highlight Konatzi, known for its variety of traditional Cypriot dishes, Bennigan's Grill & Tavern offering Irish and American cuisine, the Chinese restaurant China House, Steens for lovers of British cuisine, and ChiChi's Mexican, serving up traditional Mexican dishes.

Tipping in Protaras restaurants is typically not included in the bill, and it's customary to rely on the generosity of visitors. In upscale establishments, leaving a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is common, while in cafes and bars, a tip of 1-2 EUR can suffice.

For those with a sweet tooth and a preference for coffee (as tea is not commonly served in Cyprus - you'll mostly receive boiling water and tea bags of questionable quality), exploring the best cafes in Protaras is a must. Consider places like Appel (with an average check of around 10 EUR), which features a game room for children, or the art cafe with a swimming pool, Blce space. You can also indulge in a variety of pastries at one of the numerous pastry shops.

Coffee is an iconic drink in Cyprus, typically made from a blend of Robusta and served with grounds. It's available in different levels of sweetness, including skeeto (sugar-free), metrio (moderately sweet), and glico (sugary sweet). Coffee is typically served in small cups and accompanied by cold water. A cup of coffee typically costs 1-2 EUR. Frappe, a cold coffee with whipped milk or cream, often mixed with Baileys, ice cream, or other additives (priced at around 6 EUR per glass), is especially popular in the heat.

When enjoying coffee, you'll typically find traditional sweets and fresh fruit served alongside it. For instance, strawberries are available year-round. Prices for sweets in Protaras cafes are quite reasonable, allowing you to indulge in a week's worth of treats for around 10 EUR. One children's favorite is baklava, which here is not as crispy as in some other places but resembles a layer cake with honey, cinnamon, and nuts.