Eating & Sightseeing
Eating
North Cyprus is literally studded with restaurants ranging from the authentic Cypriot cuisine serving, which offer very good value for money, to the fashionable restaurants like French, Chinese or Indian. In the humble Çorbaci (Soup House) visitors are served a truly ethnic cuisine. Prices in the restaurants vary accordingly.
Lying on the crossroad of the three continents, the Turkish-Cypriot cuisine has been influenced by different cultures throughout history, owing most of its heritage to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Many dishes vary from region to region making North Cyprus a marvellous place to eat. The finest restaurants are, however, found in and around Kyrenia.
Each dish has a specific taste and is well presented reflecting the Cypriot character. Molohiya, Arab in origin is a well developed dish appealing to Cypriot taste, preparation and presentation. A few Cypriot dishes: yalanci dolma (vine leaves stuffed with rice, onions, and tomatoes); shish Kebab (marinated lamb, skewered and grilled over charcoal); mousakka (layers of mince, potatoes, and aubergines baked in the oven with cheese topping).
Local dishes are delicious, particularly the meze. This is a speciality of Cyprus and consists of a large number of cold and hot hors d’oeuvres such as different salads, meats, vegetable, and fish dishes. It is taken either as an appetizer or a main course. Among the two most served meze dishes are grilled haloumi cheese and sigara borek (feta cheese rolled in filo pastry and deep-fried).
Turkish coffee, which is a part of everyday life across Northern Cyprus, has been introduced to the West by the Ottoman Turks in the fifteenth century. It is very popular all over the world today and is preferred as a delicacy in most fashionable circles. The secret of making Turkish coffee is that the coffee beans are ground into a fine powder and then it is cooked together with sugar producing a thick cream on top. Turkish coffee is served in small coffee cups in three ways, called sah-de, which is unsweetened, ortah, which is moderately sweet, and shekerli, which is very sweet. One is always asked before the coffee is brewed which of the three one would like.
This is a list of some of our recommended restaurants. Please feel free to leave your comments on restaurants that you have visited, good or bad
Niazi’s Restaurant (815 2160)
Niazis has been serving good quality food, mainly kebabs and steaks, to locals and tourists for over 40 years. With a wide selection of desserts to suit every taste, you really are spoiled for choice. Positioned in the heart of Kyrenia centre, just 2 minutes walk from the Harbour, you are also in the perfect position to seek out some late night entertainment. Open 7 days a week.
Efendi (815 1149)
A favourite with the locals and visitors alike is the Efendi’s House situated in the old Turkish quarter with a delightful courtyard garden and giant apricot tree. Recently under new management this old time restaurant has a small but delicious menu, the staff are all friendly and the atmosphere is perfect. Closed on Mondays.
Jashan’s (822 2027)
If you are looking for a good quality Indian restaurant, look no further. The location is both convenient and impressive and offers diners a wide choice of menu including authentic Indian dishes, some French cuisine and an impressive choice of Italian. Something for everyone.
Chinese House (815 2130)
Peking and Cantonese dishes served at Kyrenia’s popular Chinese House situated just 1.5km west of the city centre. There is an indoor and outdoor seating arrangements so you can enjoy the authentic dishes any time of the year. Closed on Sundays.
Carob (815 6277)
Rich in history and architecture, this delightful restaurant is situated right in the heart of Kyrenia Harbour , with its old fishing boats and imposing backdrop of the ancient Kyrenia castle. There are 3 floors in total with the “roof top terrace” being the most popular place for diners to enjoy the amazing view on offer. The menu is extensive and there really is something to suit all tastes, so whilst in North Cyprus the Carob is a must. Open 7 days a week.
Saint Tropez (821 8324)
Looked upon as one of the superior restaurants in Northern Cyprus , and quite rightly so, Saint Tropez has built up a superb reputation over the years. With an excellent menu to suit all tastes, friendly and efficient staff, a separate ‘cocktail bar’ and a wine list to rival all others, Saint Tropez is perfect for that special evening out. Open 7 days a week.
The Address (822 3237)
One of just a few restaurants that stay busy all through the year, and when you taste the food you will know exactly why. Whether it’s on the terrace in the summer, or indoors in the winter, the Address always has a fantastic atmosphere. A favorite with both locals and tourists alike. Open 7 days a week.
The Ambiance (822 2849)
The Ambiance offers its diners something different from the average restaurant. Set right on the seas edge in the very popular village of Karaoglanoglu , you can relax and enjoy one of the most extensive menus on the island whilst listening to the waves gently splashing against the rocks. The evening is busy and the atmosphere is perfect, the day is laid backed with the chance to relax on loungers and soak up the rays… all in all, the perfect choice. Open 7 days a week, booking essential.
List of restaurants, locations and phone numbers (click to show/hide):
(please feel free to add your comment on any of the places you have visited)
Sightseeing
Visiting historical sites of Northern Cyprus can be exciting especially for those who like experiencing countries’ cultural and historical heritage. Every town of North Cyprus, with its castles, museums, monasteries, tells you its story. Kantara Castle and St. Barnabas Monastery, Kyrenia Castle and Shipwreck Museum, the Vouni Castle and St. Mamas Monastery – all of them have something interesting to tell you about the island’s life and history.
Check the opening hours for museums and learn more information about the sites of interest in each town of North Cyprus:
Nicosia
| Museum | Summer opening hours |
Winter opening hours |
| Bedestan and Lipadary | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Dervis Pasa Mansion | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Luzignan Mansion | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Mevlevi Tekke Museum | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Milli Mucadele Museum | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Museum of Barbarism | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
Kyrenia
| Museum | Summer opening hours |
Winter opening hours |
| Antiphonitisi Abbey | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Icon Museum | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Baris Ozgurluk Museum | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Bellapais Monastery | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Girne Castle and Museum | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Kantara Castle | 10.00-17.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Museum of Folk Art | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| St. Hillarion Castle | 09.00-17.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| The Fine Art Museum | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
Famagusta
| Museum | Summer opening hours |
Winter opening hours |
| Akkule | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Ayios Yuanais Church | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Canbulat Museum | 09.00-17.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Enkomi Ruins | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Namik Kemal Museum | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Othello Castle | 10.00-17.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Royal Tombs and Museum | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Salamis Ruins | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Sipahi Ay Tiras Bassilica | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| St. Barnabas Museum | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Yeni Iskele Icon Museum | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
Guzelyurt
| Museum | Summer opening hours |
Winter opening hours |
| Guzelyurt Museum and St. Mamas | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Icon Museum | 09.00-14.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Soli Ruins | 09.00-19.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
| Vouni Palace | 10.00-17.00 | 09.00-13.00/14.00-16.45 |
Please note that some of museums are closed at the weekends:
Nicosia – Kumarcilar Hani, Buyuk Han, Mevlevi Tekke, Bedestan, Lapidary Museum;
Famagusta – Othello’s Tower, Canbulat Museum.