From harbour-side seafood to village kebabs — your guide to eating well in North Cyprus
Where to Eat
Ranked by Tripadvisor rating and review volume — from fine-dining lounges to harbour seafood and locals' kebab houses. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Kyrenia's top-rated fine-dining spot — and home to the best schnitzel in town. Pairs French technique with a sushi counter and a polished lounge vibe; book ahead, it's consistently full.
A newer sister-style fine-dining lounge that's quickly built a near-perfect rating. Small but ambitious menu mixing French plates with sushi rolls; the cocktail list is worth the trip alone.
A modern ocakbaşı doing serious work over charcoal — the lamb chops and Adana kebab are the locals' picks. Unfussy, smoky, and reliably excellent for a meat-led dinner.
The default answer when you need a break from kebab and meze. Properly spiced Thai curries, crispy duck, and dim sum from a chef who clearly knows the cuisine.
A coastal seafood restaurant east of Kyrenia where the day's catch is grilled simply and served with a sea view. Try the whole sea bass and the octopus carpaccio.
One of the most-loved fish houses on the coast — long meze parade, exceptionally fresh grilled fish, and a famous deep-fried ice cream finale. Worth the short drive west of the harbour.
A serious steakhouse-meets-grill where the dry-aged ribeye and the kuzu pirzola (lamb chops) are the things to order. Smart-casual and a notch more refined than the typical Turkish grill.
Cosy, candlelit, and great value — the kind of family-run spot where the owner stops by your table. Mixed grill, stuffed vine leaves, and a generous meze are the safe bets.
A proper meyhane experience — long meze parade, raki, and live fasıl music on busy nights. Best with a group; pace yourself through the cold mezes before the grilled mains.
A buzzy locals' kebab house just outside the centre — go for the Iskender, the Adana, and the warm pide bread that arrives the moment you sit down. Lively, loud, and good value.
The Kyrenia branch of Istanbul's legendary kebap institution. Splash out on the famous fıstıklı kebap (pistachio-studded lamb) and the künefe — pricier than rivals, but the quality shows.
A village-house restaurant in Zeytinlik with panoramic ravine, mountain and sea views from the terrace. The kleftiko and the slow-cooked lamb shank are the must-orders; book a sunset table.
A casual, fast-service Middle Eastern spot where the lahmacun, mercimek soup, and lamb shawarma punch well above their price. Perfect for a quick, cheap lunch.
A relaxed beach-adjacent fish restaurant that sources its catch the same morning. The grilled calamari and whole sea bream are the picks; ask what came in fresh that day.
The full-kebab institution — meze keeps coming, then waiters carry skewers of lamb, chicken, and köfte straight to your table. Touristy but the formula still works.
A long-standing all-day spot famous for huge portions, the trademark complimentary peanuts, and a sprawling international menu. Reliable for steaks, pasta, and a cold beer after the beach.
A modern lounge-restaurant aimed at the cocktail-and-tasting-plate crowd. Strong on presentation; come for the vibe, the DJ nights, and a well-made negroni.
The smarter sibling of Ezic Peanuts, with a more refined room and the same generous portions. The mixed grill and the seafood pasta are reliable choices for a longer dinner.
Set fifteen feet above the harbour walk, this is the best perch for fresh fish with a working-harbour view. Order the meze, the grilled sea bass, and a chilled local white.
A long-running expat favourite known for tender steaks, a blackboard specials menu, and a regulars-bar atmosphere. The fillet and the chicken livers are the long-time orders.
Ratings sourced from Tripadvisor, April 2026.
Sweet Tooth
Chain — 6+ branches near Kyrenia
The go-to ice cream brand in North Cyprus. Huge flavour selection made with real fruit. Branches in central Kyrenia, Alsancak (closest to villa), Karakum, Çatalköy, and Esentepe.
Kyrenia centre
The best baklava in the Kyrenia region. Owner Ilyas Bey is from Gaziantep — Turkey's baklava capital — and has run this shop since 2008. Authentic pistachio baklava that melts in your mouth. Also serves künefe and specialty desserts.
Kyrenia town centre
Modern, chic atmosphere. Rich chocolate cakes, fruity tarts, and artisan pastries. Great for coffee and dessert in a stylish setting.
Near Kyrenia Icon Museum
Handmade lokum in dozens of flavours — pistachio, rose, pomegranate. Gluten-free, no corn syrup. The pistachio lokum is legendary. Perfect edible souvenir.
Old Harbour waterfront
Walk the harbour and stop at any pastane for Turkish coffee with lokum, warm künefe, or a plate of fresh baklava — all with Kyrenia Castle as your backdrop.
At Alesta Bar & Kebab House
A signature dessert at Alesta restaurant — deep-fried ice cream that reviewers rave about. Order it after your kebab. You won't regret it.
The Food
Turkish and Cypriot cuisine is one of the great food cultures of the Mediterranean. Here is what you absolutely cannot leave without trying.
Uniquely Cypriot — seasoned lamb and pork wrapped in caul fat, grilled over charcoal. You won't find this anywhere else in the world.
Grilled halloumi cheese drizzled with local honey — a simple combination that's become iconic. Made fresh on the island.
Hand-minced spiced lamb on a flat skewer, grilled over open flame. Served with charred peppers, onion, and fresh lavash bread.
Not a single dish but a ritual — 15-20 small plates from hummus and cacık to grilled octopus and börek. A meze dinner can last three hours.
Warm shredded pastry layered with melting cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, topped with crushed pistachios. The ultimate Turkish dessert.
Layers of paper-thin phyllo, butter, and pistachios or walnuts, drenched in honey syrup. Every pastry shop makes their own version.
Mastic ice cream — stretchy, chewy, and unlike any ice cream you've had. Served with showmanship by vendors who tease you with the cone.
Fresh-caught çipura or levrek from the Mediterranean, simply grilled with lemon and olive oil. Best eaten at a harbour-side restaurant.
Thin crispy flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat, herbs, and tomato. Roll it with parsley, lemon, and onion — the Turkish pizza.
Strong, unfiltered coffee served in a small cup with a piece of Turkish delight. The traditional way to end any meal in Cyprus.