Tasty Places in Nicosia

In Nicosia, you can find restaurants and cafes with different cuisines and atmospheres. A significant number of popular venues are located in the Old City, where historic architecture stands alongside modern restaurants and cozy cafes. In other parts of the city, there are restaurants serving European, Turkish, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine, as well as coffee shops and bars.

• Lush
• Sora
• Maza
• Brasserie Chaglayan
• Califorian
• Bigos
• Burger Toons
• The İskemleci
• Avlu Nicosia
• Lomi Nicosia Restaurant & Bar
• What to Try in Nicosia
• Frequently Asked Questions

Lush

Lush is one of the most popular modern restaurants in Nicosia. The venue combines a European restaurant, cocktail bar, and a stylish space for evening relaxation. The menu features Mediterranean and international dishes, steaks, pasta, seafood, salads, and signature desserts.

In the evenings, music plays here, and the bar menu includes a wide selection of classic and signature cocktails. The restaurant is suitable both for a romantic dinner and for gatherings with friends.
Location

Sora

Sora ( Scala ) is a restaurant and lounge bar located on the rooftop of one of Nicosia’s modern buildings. It is one of the city’s best places for dinner with a panoramic view, especially at sunset. The menu includes international dishes, grilled meat, seafood, sushi, cocktails, and a wide selection of wines.
Location

Maza

Maza offers traditional Turkish cuisine in a modern interpretation. The interior is designed in a calm style, with the main emphasis on quality local ingredients.

Particularly popular are a variety of meze, kebabs, charcoal-grilled dishes, homemade appetizers, and traditional desserts.
Location

Brasserie Chaglayan

Brasserie Chaglayan is a spacious restaurant with a diverse menu combining European, Turkish, and international cuisine. It serves pizza, pasta, meat dishes, fish, and homemade desserts.

The calm atmosphere makes the restaurant suitable both for a family dinner and for business meetings.
Location

Califorian

Califorian specializes in modern European and American cuisine. The menu includes steaks, pasta, pizza, burgers, salads, and signature desserts.

The restaurant stands out for its stylish interior and large portions, which makes it popular among groups and families.
Location

Bigos

Bigos is one of the best-known burger spots in Nicosia. Here they prepare signature beef and chicken burgers, and serve fries, snacks, and house-made sauces.

Regular visitors recommend trying the signature Mozaic dessert.
Location

Burger Toons

Burger Toons attracts guests with its unusual burger presentation and bright interior. The menu features classic and signature burgers, fries, snacks, and drinks.

The venue is especially popular among young people and fans of modern street food.
Location

The İskemleci

The İskemleci is a restaurant located on the lower level of a complex that brings together two separate kitchens. During the day, it serves home-style dishes prepared according to traditional recipes, and in the evening the restaurant switches to a la carte service, offering a wide selection of local and international dishes.

The cozy atmosphere makes The İskemleci a good choice both for a family lunch and for a leisurely dinner.
Location

Avlu Nicosia

Avlu Nicosia is located in the very heart of Nicosia’s Old City, in the inner courtyard of a historic building. Traditional architecture is harmoniously combined here with modern design, creating a special atmosphere.

The menu features Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine: meze, grilled meat and fish, fresh salads, homemade pasta, signature cocktails, and wines. In warm weather, guests can sit in the open-air inner courtyard.
Location

Lomi Nicosia Restaurant & Bar

Lomi Nicosia Restaurant & Bar combines modern signature cuisine, stylish interior, and the atmosphere of a lounge bar. The venue is suitable both for business meetings and for evening relaxation.

The menu includes steaks, pasta, burgers, seafood, fresh salads, and signature appetizers. The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and other drinks, and musical events are held here regularly in the evenings.
Location

What to Try in Nicosia

In addition to popular European dishes, in many restaurants in Nicosia it is worth paying attention to the local cuisine:

• traditional meze;
• sheftali kebab;
• charcoal-grilled kebabs;
• grilled halloumi;
• fresh seafood;
• homemade baklava;
• Turkish coffee.

Thanks to the wide choice of venues, everyone can find a restaurant to their taste — from cozy family cafes to modern gastrobars and fine-dining restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you try traditional Northern Cyprus cuisine?

Maza, The İskemleci, and Avlu Nicosia are great options for getting acquainted with local cuisine.

Which restaurant should I choose for dinner with a beautiful view?

One of the best options is Sora, located on the rooftop of a building with panoramic views of Nicosia.

Where are the best burger places in Nicosia?

The most popular are Bigos, Burger Toons, and Alfred Co.

Are there restaurants in the Old City of Nicosia?

Yes. Some of the most well-known venues in the historic center are Avlu Nicosia, Lomi Nicosia Restaurant & Bar, The İskemleci, Maza, and The İskemleci.

Do I need to book a table in advance?

In popular restaurants, especially in the evening and on weekends, it is recommended to book a table in advance.