Best Restaurants in Northern Cyprus — Where to Eat
From traditional Cypriot meze to fine dining and international cuisine — the best restaurants across Kyrenia, Nicosia, and Famagusta.
Traditional Cypriot Cuisine
Northern Cyprus offers a rich blend of Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine. Traditional meze (a selection of small dishes) is the signature dining experience — expect 15–25 small plates including hummus, hellim cheese, kebabs, dolma, and fresh bread.
Best Restaurants in Kyrenia
Niazi's Restaurant
The most famous restaurant in Kyrenia, established 1949. Famous for kebabs, mezes, and steaks prepared on an open charcoal grill. A Northern Cyprus institution. Rating: 4.5/5.
Nima by Daniel
Upscale restaurant and lounge bar in Kyrenia. Tasting menu, à la carte, sushi, wine and cocktails. Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. Rating: 4.7/5.
Bellapais Gardens Restaurant
Award-winning restaurant at Bellapais Abbey with stunning mountain and sea views. Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence holder. Rating: 4.6/5.
The Ozdoyum Restaurant
Traditional Turkish restaurant in central Kyrenia. Popular with locals for lunch and dinner. Rating: 4.4/5.
Best Restaurants in Nicosia (Lefkoşa)
Sabor Fre Restaurant & Bar
Fine dining in central Nicosia. Modern European and Turkish fusion. Rating: 4.5/5.
Shar Cafe & Restaurant
Popular cafe-restaurant with international menu. Great brunch spot. Rating: 4.4/5.
Kervan Restaurant
Traditional Turkish restaurant known for its mixed grill and kebabs. Rating: 4.3/5.
Best Restaurants in Famagusta
Attic Restaurant & Cafe
Popular restaurant in the old town, near the walled city. Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. Rating: 4.5/5.
Petek Baklava
The most famous baklava shop in the TRNC. A must-visit for dessert lovers. Multiple locations. Rating: 4.6/5.
Types of Cuisine Available
| Cuisine | Availability |
|---|---|
| Traditional Cypriot / Turkish | Everywhere |
| Italian / Mediterranean | Kyrenia, Nicosia |
| Indian | Nicosia, Kyrenia |
| Chinese / Asian | Nicosia |
| Lebanese | Kyrenia |
| British / Pub food | Kyrenia |
| Fast food / International chains | All cities |
Dining Tips
- •Dinner time: Cypriots eat late — restaurants fill up after 8pm
- •Reservations: Recommended for fine dining in peak season (June–September)
- •Tipping: 10% is standard for good service
- •Alcohol: Local wine and beer (Efes) are widely available and affordable
- •Budget: A meze dinner for two costs 400–800 TL; fine dining 800–2,000+ TL
Συχνές Ερωτήσεις
What is the best restaurant in Kyrenia?+
Niazi's Restaurant, established 1949, is the most famous and highly rated restaurant in Kyrenia, known for its charcoal-grilled kebabs and meze. For fine dining, Nima by Daniel (4.7/5) is the top choice.
What is traditional Cypriot food?+
Traditional Cypriot cuisine centres on meze — a selection of small dishes including hummus, hellim (halumi) cheese, kebabs, dolma (stuffed vine leaves), fresh salads, and warm bread. Kebabs and grills are cooked over open charcoal.
How much does a meal cost in Northern Cyprus?+
A traditional meze dinner for two costs 400–800 TL. A casual restaurant meal is 150–300 TL per person. Fine dining can be 800–2,000+ TL for two. Fast food is 80–150 TL per person.