Italian Restaurants in North Cyprus

Italian Restaurants in North Cyprus: The Complete Guide

Looking for the best Italian restaurants in North Cyprus? From authentic wood-fired pizza to fresh handmade pasta, this guide highlights the must-visit spots for lovers of Italian cuisine across the TRNC.

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Introduction

Italian food has become one of the most beloved cuisines in North Cyprus, offering residents and tourists a delicious alternative to local dishes. Whether you’re craving a perfect Margherita, silky carbonara, or an indulgent tiramisu, the TRNC has seen a rise in high-quality Italian restaurants that rival those in Rome or Naples.

This guide explores the best Italian restaurants in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Lefkoşa, Iskele, Esentepe, and beyond, helping you discover where to find genuine Italian flavour—Mediterranean style.

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Best Italian Restaurants in Kyrenia (Girne)

1. La Piatto Ristorante – Kyrenia Harbour

Best for: Classic Italian dishes with a stunning harbour view

Located near the historic Kyrenia Harbour, La Piatto offers a modern take on classic Italian cuisine. The menu features handmade pasta, seafood risotto, and beautifully presented antipasti. Guests particularly love their creamy mushroom tagliatelle and wood-oven lasagna.

Must-Try: Truffle mushroom pasta, panna cottaPerfect for: Romantic dinners and sunset dining

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2. Bella Italia – Central Kyrenia

Best for: Affordable family-friendly dining

Bella Italia is known for generous portions and excellent value. Their pizzas are thin, crisp, and bursting with flavour thanks to quality ingredients imported from Italy. It’s a reliable, relaxed choice for families and casual lunches.

Must-Try: Pepperoni pizza, spaghetti bolognesePerfect for: Families and groups

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3. Limoncello Italian Bistro – Karaoğlanoğlu

Best for: Premium ingredients and modern Italian cuisine

Limoncello focuses on high-quality, fresh ingredients, offering an elevated Italian dining experience in a stylish setting. The menu changes seasonally, featuring seafood linguine, burrata starters, handmade ravioli, and excellent wine pairings.

Must-Try: Burrata with basil oil, seafood linguinePerfect for: Foodies, date nights, and celebrations

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Italian Restaurants in Famagusta (Gazimağusa)

4. Mamma Mia Italian Kitchen – Famagusta Old Town

Best for: Authentic wood-fired pizza

Mamma Mia is the go-to spot for pizza lovers, thanks to its traditional Neapolitan-style oven. The dough is fermented for 48 hours, giving each pizza incredible flavour and texture.

Must-Try: Margherita DOP, tiramisuPerfect for: Pizza enthusiasts, casual dinners

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5. Leonardo’s Italian – Salamis Road

Best for: Traditional homemade recipes

Leonardo’s has a loyal local following thanks to its warm atmosphere and genuine Italian recipes passed down through generations. Expect hearty portions and comforting flavours.

Must-Try: Lasagna al forno, gnocchi gorgonzolaPerfect for: Comfort food lovers

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Italian Restaurants in Iskele & Bogaz

6. Vento Italiano – Long Beach, Iskele

Best for: Beachfront dining with Italian flair

Located just steps from the sea, Vento Italiano offers freshly made pasta, stone-baked pizza, and refreshing Mediterranean salads. A brilliant option for those staying in the Long Beach area.

Must-Try: Four cheese gnocchi, seafood pizzaPerfect for: Holidaymakers and sunset meals

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7. Il Porto Bella – Bogaz Harbour

Best for: Seafood-focused Italian cuisine

Set within the picturesque Bogaz Harbour, this restaurant blends local seafood with Italian recipes. Expect dishes like prawn linguine, calamari fritti, and lemon-infused sea bass.

Must-Try: Prawn linguine, seafood risottoPerfect for: Waterfront dining

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Italian Restaurants in Lefkoşa (Nicosia)

8. Sapori Italiani – Dereboyu

Best for: Modern Italian dining in the capital

Sapori Italiani is one of the most polished Italian restaurants in Lefkoşa, focusing on elegant dishes and a refined wine list. The interior is contemporary and perfect for business lunches or cosy evenings.

Must-Try: Carbonara (authentic and creamy), tiramisuPerfect for: Couples, professionals, and fine dining fans

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Hidden Gem Italian Spots in North Cyprus

9. Pizza & More – Esentepe

Best for: Artisan pizza in a peaceful coastal village

This small but highly rated spot in Esentepe offers some of the best pizzas on the east coast. With thin crusts, generous toppings, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a favourite among locals and expats.

Must-Try: Mediterranean vegetable pizzaPerfect for: Casual nights out

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10. The Italian Corner – Alsancak

Best for: Rustic home-style cooking

Expect traditional comfort dishes, rich sauces, and homemade desserts. It’s not fancy, but it is delicious.

Must-Try: Ravioli, tiramisuPerfect for: Home-style food lovers

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What to Expect from Italian Restaurants in North Cyprus

1. Fresh Ingredients

Many restaurants source local produce combined with imported Italian cheeses, meats, and sauces.

2. Wood-Fired Pizza

A growing number of venues now use true Italian pizza ovens.

3. A Mix of Casual and Fine Dining

From budget-friendly pizzerias to premium bistros, North Cyprus offers options for every taste.

4. Mediterranean Influence

Expect Italian classics with local touches—fresh herbs, halloumi variations, and seafood from Cypriot waters.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Italian Restaurant in TRNC

• Look for wood-fired ovens for authentic pizza

• Check for handmade pasta on the menu

• Try local wine pairings—Cyprus produces excellent bottles

• Book ahead during weekends and tourist season

• Explore off-the-beaten-path villages—some hidden gems are outside major towns

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Conclusion

Italian cuisine has firmly taken its place in North Cyprus’s growing food scene. Whether you’re living on the island or visiting for a holiday, these Italian restaurants offer everything from casual pizza nights to luxurious pasta dinners with Mediterranean views.

Explore, taste, and enjoy—Buon Appetito!