Pinia Restaurant

4.6934 Reviews#16 in Restaurants

About Pinia Restaurant

Pinia Restaurant has been serving traditional Cypriot food since 1976. Originally started in the backstreets of Paralimni, it’s now a recognised name in the Pernera area. Despite the move, the menu and approach remain faithful to Cypriot culinary traditions, focused on carefully prepared dishes.

What makes it special

Indulge in huge portions of delicious traditional Greek and Cypriot food

Experience amazing flavors in every dish from starters to main courses like moussaka and lamb

Enjoy a warm atmosphere with attentive and friendly staff

This taverna is well known for its hearty selection of slow-cooked meats, comforting stews, and chargrilled seafood. The fish meze stands out and is a popular option for those who enjoy sharing a variety of dishes. Vegetarian and vegan guests will also find thoughtful options, a bit of a rarity in classic tavernas.

The setting is understated. Pinia Restaurant is set back in a quiet Pernera corner where tables spill under grapevines, offering a relaxed courtyard atmosphere. The staff are known for their friendly approach, often remembering returning guests, which adds to the familiar, easygoing feel.

Pinia Restaurant Menu

The menu is rooted in Cypriot classics, featuring slow-cooked and grilled meats, stews, and a range of fresh seafood. The fish meze is a highlight, bringing several seafood dishes together for a shared dining experience. Vegetarians and vegans are catered for with clearly marked options. The food focuses on honest, traditional recipes done well, without unnecessary fuss.

Why Visit Pinia Restaurant

Pinia Restaurant appeals to those seeking a genuine Cypriot dining experience with no pretense. The relaxed courtyard setting under grapevines, consistent traditional flavours, and welcoming staff make it a sensible choice for a slow lunch or evening meal. Regulars and new visitors alike tend to feel at ease, and Friday nights bring a livelier atmosphere thanks to live music from local musicians.

Located in central Pernera and close to Protaras, Pinia Restaurant is straightforward to reach and well suited for groups of friends or families looking to enjoy honest Cypriot food.

Pinia Restaurant Reviews

With a review rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 570 reviews, Pinia Restaurant is held in high regard by diners. Guests consistently mention the quality of traditional Cypriot food, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the attentive staff. Many return for the familiar taste and setting. The restaurant’s easygoing style and Friday live music add to its appeal for those seeking an authentic local meal in Pernera.

Key Points

  • Established: Serving traditional Cypriot food since 1976.
  • Signature Dishes: Slow-cooked meats, stews, and popular fish meze.
  • Atmosphere: Relaxed courtyard dining under grapevines.
  • Live Music: Local musicians perform every Friday night.
  • Vegetarian Options: Menu includes vegetarian and vegan choices.

Ello says

For an authentic experience, try traditional dishes like Kleftiko or grilled calamari

If you prefer live music while dining, visit on Fridays after 8:30 pm when it starts playing

Book a table facing the main part of outside seating for a better view

Consider arriving hungry as portions are known to be generous

Reviews

Google reviews sit at 4.7 from 579 reviews, while Tripadvisor is at 4.5 from 355, so the response looks consistent across both sources. Recent comments most often mention the food, the service, and the value for money.

Google
Google579 reviews
4.7/5
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor355 reviews
4.5/5

Google rating breakdown

5 stars463
4 stars70
3 stars29
2 stars6
1 star11
5/5

Giorgi Nakashidze

17 June 2025from GoogleGoogle

Wonderful place, the portions are huge! They have a lot of choice of traditional Greek and Cypriot food, also they offer a kid’s menu. Nice atmosphere and courteous staff.

5/5

Eric Grosembacher

12 August 2025from GoogleGoogle

It was one of the best meals in my life. Every single bite, from the starters to the moussaka and the lamb, was absolutely amazing. The flavors are just full of love. There are no words to describe them. Absolutely recommend it and will definitely come back.

4/5

Paulo Camara

19 August 2025from GoogleGoogle

My wife and I went for Dinner on Friday night having understood that lots of locals eat at this restaurant which was what we wanted as well as wanting to eat in a more traditional restaurant not the tourist oriented restaurants around.We were greeted with warm local bread wrapped in a towel and butter. The bread was simply divine😋😋I had Kleftiko which flavourful and my wife had the lamb chops.The house white wine was nice and dry, great value too!The owner was very pleasant and engaging as he came to our table to say hello, even remembering my name 😃.The maître d was very efficient and ran a fine ship, the staff were very friendly.Pinia was buzzing with lots of people with their families.Our bill for 2 main courses, wine and the delicious fried Feta with crispy top and bottom covered in honey was circa €54 which was great value, so a nice tip was left!My observations were that the Kleftiko was well seasoned which suits my palete as I like to taste salt in my food.My wife’s Lamb Chops was over cooked for her liking having asked for it to be on the rare side.Our table was facing the road and I sat whereby my back was facing the main part of the outside seating which was less than ideal but hey, I have learned on what to ask for when booking a table in future!We had booked for Friday at 7:30 in anticipation of the live music being played as thought it started at 8pm and when asking, was advised it would start at approx 8:30 but, although we left at 9pm, the music had not started yet.I would also add that the Restaurant only serves Meze from 8pm on a Friday!Overall, experience was very positive and shall be returning again 👊🏽BTW, be sure to have an appetite as portions are not small 🫃

5/5

yorka Ateka

5 September 2025from GoogleGoogle

We stopped by for dinner with the family and were very pleasantly surprised. The Kleftiko left a great impression – the flavor was amazing, and the meat was tender and juicy. The fresh grilled calamari was cooked just right, not overdone, and served with a perfectly matched sauce. What surprised us the most was the juicy kids' cheeseburger – even our children complimented it and finished it all! The service was very friendly, and the atmosphere was cozy. We will definitely be coming back. P.s. Thanks for the butter:)

5/5

Macy Louise

26 August 2025from GoogleGoogle

A must see if you’re around the pernera area! We sadly discovered this beautiful restaurant on the last evening of our holiday, otherwise we would have gone in many more times! Stunning authentic food, friendly staff and great Cypriot surroundings. Generous portions so go in there with an appetite! 11/10!!

5/5

Markus Betz

30 August 2025from GoogleGoogle

Hello,we were warmly welcomed, and the service was exceptionally attentive. The food was a true delight – showcasing the rich flavors of traditional Cypriot cuisine. A beautiful setting that made the experience even more special.Warm regards,Monica and Markus.

5/5

Tako Ekaladze

18 August 2025from GoogleGoogle

amazing place to get really tasty food and spend calm and peaceful time. I celebrated my birthday evening .there we had a amazing feast, Food was more than what we expected. Reasonable price and amazing service.

5/5

May-Line

19 August 2025from GoogleGoogle

Very nice restaurant with an amazing staff!The restaurant is really nice, decorated with taste & food is amazing with huge proportion.Highly recommended !

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to help you plan your visit to Pinia Restaurant.