Cuisine of Nicosia for gourmets. Places for dinner - best restaurants

In Nicosia, you can try the most popular dishes of Cypriot cuisine, which has always been famous for its diversity and culinary delights. It is customary to start a meal with traditional appetizers, the leader among which is "Tzatziki". This is how they call thick yogurt with finely chopped cucumbers, garlic, and mint. Such a light snack is a perfect refreshment in hot weather. The townspeople have it on the table every day. A more original version of the appetizer is “Tahini” - a thick paste of sesame seeds with various spices and seasonings.

Traditional Cypriot cuisine is often compared to classical Greek - last but not least due to the active use of olives, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables. Olives are served in a variety of ways, and olive oil is a must-have component of most local specialties. Interesting salads are made from vegetables and olives, and the most common one is “Village Salad”. The classic “rustic” salad is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, traditionally seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice.

Among the main courses, it is worth mentioning meat cooked over an open fire. In Nicosia restaurants, you can try various types of pork, lamb and chicken kebabs. Small “Souvlaki” skewers have long become a popular international dish. In Nicosia, they can be tasted not only in restaurants but also in small cafes and markets. Fans of meat will have the opportunity to try wonderful young lamb specialties. Most of them are cooked on the grill or over an open fire. The most common meat dish in Nicosia taverns is “Kleftiko”. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

An important component of local cuisine is dairy products produced at local farms. They are all distinguished not only by heavenly taste but also by premium quality. Much attention in the region is paid to environmentally friendly animal husbandry. One can fully appreciate the variety of dairy products at local markets where customers are always offered fresh yogurt, as well as dozens of cheese varieties. The selection of sweets is equally impressive, from traditional Turkish delight and baklava to candied fruits and molasses almond, which often serve as tourist souvenirs.

One of the most attractive restaurants specializing in traditional food should be looked for in the Old Town. Here you can visit Zanettos, a charming tavern popular among both tourists and locals. It is one of the oldest taverns operating in the city. It serves dozens of types of fish and seafood, vegetable salads, and traditional snacks. Guests will be offered to complete a meal with a cup of aromatic coffee.

An iconic restaurant for Nicosia is Ocean Basket - the largest and most famous sushi & seafood restaurant in Cyprus. This is a must-have for those who have long dreamed of trying exotic sea delicacies. To complement exquisite meals, guests are offered a large selection of wines and soft drinks, as well as original fruit desserts.

The opening of Kalamies tavern took place more than forty years ago. Since then, it has remained one of the most popular among locals. Here, besides classic Cypriot food, they serve traditional Greek and Mediterranean meals. Chefs use exclusively seasonal products for cooking, so the tavern's menu is updated every season. Another advantage of the tavern is a large selection of local beer and wine.

Greek restaurants are very common in the city. One of the best in this category is Greco's Nest. All its guests can count on some pleasant compliments of the chef. Here you can try wonderful cheeses and meat delicacies. Be sure to try classic Greek salad, grilled fish and shrimp, traditional snacks and fresh pastries baked in a wood-burning oven.

Connoisseurs of fine cuisine would likely be interested in Cook Shop, a restaurant that serves common Cypriot dishes according to special signature recipes by the chef. They also widely use regional products for cooking. The restaurant shares a building with a gastronomic shop selling products and components for popular local dishes. This restaurant is also a permanent venue for culinary master classes and tastings.