Food & Drink
Recommended Restaurants (South Nicosia)
★★★ Zanettos
The most legendary meze tavern in Nicosia, an institution for decades. 25+ courses of traditional meze — no menu, the host serves what he deems best. Halloumi, Koupepia, Sheftalia, Kleftiko, Afelia (pork in coriander wine), Loukoumades to finish. In an old stone house in the old town.
Trikoupi 65, Old Town. Meze approx. 22€/person. Evenings only, Mon–Sat. Reservation required!
★★ Inga's Veggie Heaven
Nicosia's best vegetarian restaurant — a rarity on the meat-heavy island. Creative dishes with local ingredients, excellent salads, homemade lemonades.
Stasikratous 34. Main courses 9–14€.
★★ Hamam Omerye (Café in the old hammam)
Have coffee in a restored 16th-century Ottoman bathhouse. The hammam is still in operation (steam bath from 25€) — but the café in the courtyard under the historic dome is an experience.
Plateia Tillirias 8. Hammam Tue–Sun 10:00–21:00.
Recommended Restaurants (North Nicosia)
★★ Bereket Türk Mutfağı
Authentic Turkish cuisine right next to the Büyük Han. Affordable, honest, delicious: Kebab, Pide, Lahmacun, Ayran. Lunch for under 10€.
★ Sabor Latin Café (Büyük Han)
Good coffee, freshly pressed pomegranate juice, and light snacks in the courtyard of the caravanserai. The perfect place for an atmospheric break.
Troodos Specialties
- Trout: Fresh from the mountain streams, grilled or fried — the signature dish of the mountain villages
- Afelia: Pork marinated in coriander seeds and red wine — a Troodos classic
- Palouze: Grape must pudding made from thickened grape juice, sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts
- Soutzoukos: Nuts on a string, dipped in grape syrup — the Cypriot "sausage" candy
- Mahalepi: Milk pudding with rose water and almonds — a summer dessert
