Authentic meze at a seafood tavern that has stood the test of time

A place steeped in the sea’s charm, rich with stories, masterful frying, and a time-honored grill perfected over decades

One Sunday afternoon, we found ourselves in the beautiful area of Mackenzie. With the sea salt in the air and the sun gently warming the sky over Larnaka, we headed to one of the most beloved spots for those who know good seafood.

We’re talking, of course, about Salamis Restaurant, which since 1981 has carved out its own flavourful legacy in the city of Zeno - and rightfully so.

Why? The locals of Larnaka know it well, tourists love it, and people from all over Cyprus seek it out. Because they know that here, they’ll eat well, with a focus on always fresh fish and consistent quality. Its seafood has made history, and not without reason.

We ordered the famous seafood meze of Salamis. It began with a crisp, fresh salad, homemade fries, and the first appetisers. Soon, our table was filled with the mouthwatering red mullet, golden and crispy. Flavour-packed bogue fish, shrimp that practically melted in the mouth, and calamari rings so juicy they almost redefined the meaning of “fried.”

Then came the crab cakes, fluffy, delicious, bursting with a salty sea aroma. The octopus was cooked to perfection, the cuttlefish tender, the mussels fragrant, and a platter of the day's fresh seafood that made you feel the chef had a direct line to the waves. The sea bream was perfectly grilled, its crisp skin yielding effortlessly to the touch of a fork.

And if you’re not into meze, Salamis also offers standout seafood dishes, grilled specialities, and traditional flavours that honour Cypriot cuisine.