The Capital's Underrated Gourmet Scene

Most authentic restaurant scene – less tourist influence. Cypriots eat for themselves here. Old town density of excellent restaurants unmatched.

Old Town

Zanettos: institution, no menu, 15-20 plates of meze (€20-25). Piatsa Gourounaki: pork specialties (€8-12). Kathodon: modern-Cypriot in hip Phaneromeni area. Agora: renovated market hall food stands.

This was exactly our experience: Old Town Zanettos: institution, no menu, 15-20 plates of meze (€20-25). Piatsa Gourounaki: pork specialties (€8-12).

– Home cook from Cologne, in Limassol since 2022

In the North

30 seconds across Ledra Street: different world. Büyük Han: Ottoman caravansary, coffee €2-3. Sabor: Turkish-Cypriot cuisine (€8-15). Lunch in north: fascinating experience, cheaper than south.

Tips

Phaneromeni: hippest area. Ledra: pedestrian zone, checkpoint to north. Summer dinner: from 8:30 PM. Parking: difficult, use garage or Bolt.

Restaurants in Nicosia

Topics: The Capital's Underrated Gourmet Scene, Old Town, In the North

CMC Practical Tip

Tips Phaneromeni: hippest area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best restaurant?

Zanettos (no menu, 15-20 meze plates, €20-25). Most authentic meze in all Cyprus.

Worth eating in the north?

Absolutely – 30 sec across checkpoint. Turkish-Cypriot cuisine in Ottoman setting. Cheaper (€8-15).

Which area for dinner?

Phaneromeni (hip). Old town (traditional). Ledra (touristy). First evening: Zanettos then Phaneromeni bars.

Good cafés?

Independent old town cafés. Büyük Han (north): most atmospheric. Nicosia: hippest coffee scene on island.

How CMC Supports You

At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.

As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.

Further Reading