Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
Food lovers, restaurateurs, and top chefs gathered last night at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia for what has become the most anticipated event in Cyprus’ culinary calendar—the Wiz 50 Best Restaurants Awards. For the third year in a row, Wiz Guide, SPP Media Group, and Bank of Cyprus celebrated the crème de la crème of the island’s dining scene in a glittering ceremony dedicated to top-tier gastronomy.
With 2,018 restaurants in the running, twelve esteemed judges took on the delicious challenge of tasting and ranking them. After months of secret visits, heated discussions, and, no doubt, a few extra notches on their belts, the list of the 50 best restaurants in Cyprus was revealed.
And the Winner Is...
Taking the coveted top spot this year was "The Polo" at the Alasia boutique hotel in Limassol, wowing the judges with its outstanding cuisine and service. Close behind were "Seasons Oriental" and "Cor Gastronomy," proving that Cyprus’ culinary scene is reaching new heights.
Of course, it wasn’t just about great food—sustainability also took center stage. This year’s Sustainability in Gastronomy Award, supported by Vassos Eliades Ltd., went to "Beba," recognized for its commitment to environmentally friendly practices and local ingredients.
A Night to Remember
The awards ceremony wasn’t just about handing out trophies—it was a full-fledged celebration of the island’s booming restaurant industry. The event was led by Aphrodite Dermata and Dimitris Dermas, keeping the energy high as winners were announced one by one.
And what’s a food awards night without... well, food? Guests were treated to gourmet finger food from the Hilton Hotel, paired with exquisite wines from seven top Cypriot wineries. For the first time in the event’s history, the evening ended with a special Wine Fair, where wineries showcased their latest vintages—a tradition that’s sure to continue in the years to come.
Judging the Best of the Best
With a panel of experts including chefs, food critics, and industry professionals, the evaluation process followed global standards. Restaurants were assessed on flavor, creativity, professionalism, ambiance, value for money, and commitment to sustainability.
As Taste & Culture Historian and judge Apostolos Kouroupakis put it: “We’re not just looking for good restaurants—we’re looking for those that truly define and elevate Cyprus’ gastronomic identity.”
Looking Ahead
The Wiz 50 Best Restaurants Awards are more than just a ranking—they’re a driving force behind Cyprus’ evolving food scene. By recognizing and celebrating excellence, they encourage restaurants to push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and hospitality.
With another spectacular event in the books, one thing is certain—Cyprus’ food scene is thriving, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the menu for next year!
*Check out the full list of the 50 top restaurants in Cyprus of 2025 here.
