Northern Cyprus has a cuisine that is fascinating to people who eat well and enjoy eating.
As with its Turkish, Greek and Lebanese neighbours, the Turkish Cypriot cuisine is rich and varied. Meze's are often served automatically in North Cyprus restaurants when you sit down, prior to a set menu. A meze is Northern Cyprus starter and consists of a variety of hot and cold appetizers and salads.
Main courses in restaurants in North Cyprus normally include shis kebab (chunks of lamb or chicken on the skewer), lamb chops, grilled chicken, seftali kebab or fish. If you prefer white meat then we recommend doner kebabs. Kofte - meat balls with spices are very popular too in Northern Cyprus. 'Mineri', 'Lahos', 'Orfo' and 'Barbun' are the best fresh fish dishes that you might try. Make sure you ask for kalamari (squid) as starter at local Northern Cyprus fish restaurants. You will love the famous Cypriot cheese 'hellim' (halloumi).
All Cypriot grown fruits are tasty and juicy: oranges, grapes, peaches, melons, water melons and grapefruits. At the end of a good meal in North Cyprus a Turkish coffee is recommended, 'sade' (pronounced sa - de)means without sugar, 'orta' is medium sugar and 'shekerli' means with sufficient sugar (sweet). An old Turkish saying says you should "eat sweetly and speak sweetly" and sweets and desserts have always been an important and distinctive part of Turkish Cypriots' menu. Altogether there are about 25-30 basic recipes for desserts, with many local Northern Cyprus variations.
North Cyprus produces wine, brandy sour, and beer to accompany all local dishes. Ayran is a salted natural yoghurt drink that is also a traditional favourite. You should also try 'Raki' - Northern Cyprus tequila, but drink carefully!
ARCHWAY, Zeytinlik 816 0353
THE AMBIANCE, Karaoglanoglu 822 2849
MISSINA, Karaoglanoglu, 822 3844
DRAGON, Girne (Kyrenia) 815 5184
ALTINKAYA, Alsancak 821 8341
JASHANS, Karaoglanoglu 822 2027
EZIC, Girne (Kyrenia) 815 4466
NIAZIS, Girne (Kyrenia) 815 2160
CENAP, Alsancak 821 8417
BIZIM HAN, Karaoglanoglu 815 1276
COD BABA, Karaoglanoglu 822 2709
OLIANDER, Karaoglanoglu 822 2219
BEYTI, Girne (Kyrenia) 815 2573
PADISAH, Girne (Kyrenia) 815 9763
BURGER CITY, Karaoglanoglu 822 3577
CAFE DUKKAN, Girne (Kyrenia) 815 2200
DI FIGARO, Karaoglanoglu 822 4040
EFENDI, Girne (Kyrenia) 815 1149