EasyIslanders guide
Restaurants in Lefkoşa (Nicosia)
Lefkoşa (Nicosia) has the most dynamic casual dining scene in North Cyprus. Whether you're looking for traditional Turkish-Cypriot meze, quick street food, artisan coffee, or international brasseries, the capital delivers. The main dining hubs are around Dereboyu for casual spots and the Walled City (Suriçi) for atmospheric, historic courtyard dining.
- Dereboyu is the centre for casual dining, burgers, and cafes.
- The Walled City (Suriçi) offers atmospheric courtyard restaurants.
- Find the best traditional Turkish-Cypriot kebabs and meze.
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Where to eat in Lefkoşa
For a quick lunch or casual dinner, Dereboyu is packed with modern brasseries, burger joints, and cafes. If you want a longer, atmospheric dinner, head into the old Walled City (Suriçi) near the Büyük Han, where historic stone buildings have been converted into excellent local restaurants. Tap any linked name below to open its card and see photos, menus, and locations.
- Big Chefs — all-day brasserie in Lefkoşa.
- Hamburg XL — burgers and grills, Dereboyu.
- Chinese Kitchen, Ortaköy — Chinese food.
- Yıldırım Pide — Turkish pide and lahmacun.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best restaurants in Lefkoşa (Nicosia)?
The capital has the biggest casual scene, mostly around Dereboyu — Big Chefs, Hamburg XL, Katsu Express, Yıldırım Pide, and Burger Tunes.
Where can I eat in the Walled City of Nicosia?
The Walled City (Suriçi) has beautiful courtyard restaurants, particularly around the Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque, serving traditional Cypriot meze and grills.