04/08/2026
For three whole days, my friend and I did... almost nothing. 😊
It has become our little tradition between gaps at Ithaki. We disappear for a few days, switch off, and enjoy being guests ourselves for a change.
There was just one thing we had to do...
Visit Mensa, a destination restaurant tucked away in the mountain village of Panayia.
The funny thing is, our guests had already been there before me! After hearing “You really must go!” more times than I can count, we finally listened.
Behind Mensa is chef Yiannakis Agapiou, a man who has dedicated more than four decades to kitchens, with a passion for preserving and celebrating Cyprus’s gastronomic identity.
Having grown up with the flavours and traditions of the Paphos mountain villages, his journey has taken him through some of Cyprus’s leading hotels and restaurants, as well as international kitchens. Today, he has returned to his roots in Panayia to share his own interpretation of Cypriot cuisine — where tradition meets creativity and local ingredients take centre stage.
I don’t think I have visited Panayia since my teenage years. We used to come here often as a family, as my dad had a very good friend from the village. I remember loving those visits — the fresh mountain air, the cooler climate, and most of all, the outdoor cinema in the village square. It felt so special back then, and we would never miss the chance to go and watch a film under the stars.
The drive itself is part of the experience. Around 40 minutes through forests, charming villages, the dam, vineyards, tiny chapels, and beautiful countryside before arriving at the restaurant we had heard so much about.
And it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Beautifully presented dishes, fresh local ingredients, and flavours that celebrate Cyprus in the most delicious way. Every plate was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
If you’re planning a visit, I would definitely recommend making a day of it. Stop at Vouni Panayia winery for a wine tasting, take your time enjoying the scenery, and then settle in for a memorable meal at Mensa.
Mensa” means table… and this is definitely one table worth travelling for.
