The Best Meze Restaurants in North Cyprus: A Complete Guide

Introduction: What Makes Meze So Special in North Cyprus?

Meze is more than a meal in North Cyprus—it’s a social ritual, a celebration of flavour, and one of the most iconic dining experiences on the island. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset dinner in Kyrenia Harbour or a countryside taverna in Karpaz, meze brings people together with a generous selection of small, fresh, and flavour-packed dishes.

This guide explores the best meze restaurants in North Cyprus, what to expect, how much you’ll typically pay, and insider tips to help you choose the perfect spot.

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What Is Meze? A Quick Overview

Meze (or "mezze") refers to a collection of small dishes served as a shared meal. In North Cyprus, meze meals often include:

Cold Meze

• Hummus

• Cacık (tzatziki)

• Beetroot salad

• Tahini

• Babagannuş

• Freshly baked village bread

Hot Meze

• Grilled halloumi

• Hellim börek (halloumi rolls)

• Köfte (meatballs)

• Calamari

• Garlic mushrooms

• Sigara böreği

Main Course Options

• Sea bream / sea bass

• Mixed grill

• Lamb şiş

• Kleftiko

• Grilled octopus

The sheer abundance means you won’t leave hungry—and the variety allows everyone at the table to enjoy their favourites.

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Top Meze Restaurants in North Cyprus

Below are some of the most popular and consistently well-reviewed meze restaurants across the TRNC. This list is curated for both tourists and residents looking for an authentic dining experience.

1. Niazi’s Restaurant – Kyrenia & Famagusta

Best for: Traditional Cypriot meze with perfectly grilled meatsNiazi’s is a household name in the TRNC, famous for its “Full Kebab” meze experience. With multiple branches and decades of reputation, it’s ideal for first-timers wanting a classic introduction to Cypriot food.

2. Archway Restaurant – Zeytinlik (Kyrenia)

Best for: A scenic setting and huge meze portionsArchway offers breathtaking views over Kyrenia and is loved for its massive hot and cold meze selection and friendly service. Their lamb dishes are especially popular.

3. Kybele Restaurant – Bellapais Abbey

Best for: A romantic settingLocated in the heart of the historic Bellapais Monastery, Kybele’s terrace overlooks the entire coastline. Their seafood meze is a favourite for visitors seeking atmosphere as well as cuisine.

4. Doy Doy Restaurant – Kyrenia Harbour

Best for: Waterfront diningPerfect for a laid-back evening by the sea, Doy Doy offers a well-balanced traditional meze menu with freshly grilled fish and raki served tableside.

5. Tervetuloa Restaurant – Alsancak

Best for: A local favourite for seafood mezeKnown for affordability and taste, Tervetuloa’s fried calamari and freshly prepared cold dishes always stand out.

6. Kıyı Restaurant – Lapta

Best for: Sunset meze with sea viewsA scenic seaside restaurant offering a generous meze spread, grilled meats, and some of the best fish dishes in the region.

7. Hilltop Restaurant – Esentepe

Best for: Mountain views and Cypriot hospitalityA family-run gem, Hilltop offers local meze dishes bursting with flavour, plus generous mains such as lamb şiş, kleftiko, and grilled fish.

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What to Expect When Ordering Meze in North Cyprus

✔ You’ll get more dishes than you expect

A typical meze experience includes 15–25 dishes, depending on the restaurant.

✔ Price is usually fixed

Expect to pay:

• 350–550 TL per person for meat meze

• 450–650 TL per person for fish meze

✔ Bread keeps coming

Warm, freshly baked Cypriot bread is constantly refilled—perfect for dipping into tahini or hummus.

✔ Raki and meze go hand-in-hand

For locals, raki is the traditional pairing (though wine and Efes beer are also popular).

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Tips for Choosing the Best Meze Restaurant

• Check if they offer meat or fish meze—some specialise in one or the other.

• Look for local crowds—always a sign of authenticity and fresh dishes.

• Book ahead, especially in Kyrenia Harbour, Bellapais, and Lapta.

• Try to go at sunset for the best views and atmosphere.

• Ask about the day’s fresh offerings, especially for seafood.

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Why Meze Is a Must-Try Experience in North Cyprus

Meze captures the very essence of North Cyprus: sharing, togetherness, and the joy of good food. Whether you’re travelling through Kyrenia, exploring Famagusta, or staying in Esentepe, there’s always a meze restaurant nearby ready to impress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is meze suitable for vegetarians?

Yes—many cold and hot meze dishes are vegetarian, and most restaurants offer a vegetarian meze option.

Do you need a reservation?

Highly recommended, especially on weekends or at popular restaurants like Niazi’s or Kybele.

Can kids enjoy meze?

Absolutely. Cypriot cuisine includes plenty of child-friendly dishes like halloumi, bread, potatoes, börek, and grilled meats.

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Conclusion

Meze restaurants in North Cyprus offer an unforgettable culinary journey filled with tradition, taste, and hospitality. Whether you’re a visitor looking for authentic local cuisine or a resident seeking your new favourite spot, there’s a meze restaurant waiting to welcome you with open arms—and an endless table of delicious dishes.