Cappadocia, Turkey is one of the most magical places on earth, and it’s no surprise that it’s on many a bucket list. It was certainly on mine, and the first time I visited, I was shocked at just how much there is to see and do. The area is far bigger than most people realize, me included, and there are some fantastic Cappadocia restaurants to try during your stay.
One thing you need to know about Cappadocia: comfortable shoes are a must! This isn’t a place you can walk around in flip-flops, as I unfortunately found out first-hand. But a few blisters certainly didn’t spoil my time, and I don’t believe this is somewhere you can ever get bored of.
After full days of sightseeing and exploring fairy chimneys, you’re going to need to know where to eat in Cappadocia. Thankfully, I worked my way around quite a few spots, so I can share my culinary knowledge with you.
15 Best Restaurants in Cappadocia
The food on offer in Cappadocia, Turkey is extremely varied; from international dishes to traditional fare, so even if you’re a picky eater, you’ll find something to suit your needs. Some top restaurants in Cappadocia serve the most mouth-watering dishes, alongside street food-style eateries to grab something small on the go.
To help you work out where to eat, I’ve put together a list of the best 15 restaurants in Cappadocia, based on the quality of food, service, decor, surroundings, vibe, and of course, price. The hard work is done for you, now you just need to enjoy it.
1. Topdeck Cave
(Best Restaurant in Cappadocia Overall)
For me, Topdeck Cave is one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia, and I’ve been a few times now. The range of food here means there’s something to suit everyone and the traditional dishes are so flavorful it’s hard for me to put it into words. The other plus point is that the prices aren’t as high as you might think, considering its reputation and quality.
There are a few Michelin-star restaurants in Cappadocia, and this is one of them. The fact it’s also a cave restaurant gives you that authentic feel to your evening, and it’s a top spot for couples and families. The ambiance isn’t too upmarket, which I particularly liked, although it still has that sense of high quality about it.
It’s a very small restaurant so I recommend either getting there early or reserving a table to avoid disappointment.
Topdeck Cave Information
Address: Hafız Abdullah Efendi Sk. No 15, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 2474
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Sunday, 5 pm – 11.15 pm, closed on Tuesdays
Must-Try Meals: Sarma beyti kebab, testi kebab, mücver
Average Cost: $5-$8 per starter, $8-$30 per main, $5 for desserts
2. Dibek Restaurant (Best for Traditional Food)
One of the best traditional restaurants in Cappadocia is without a doubt Dibek Restaurant, and this is one you’ll hear about a lot if you ask locals for recommendations. If you want to try testi kebab (often called pottery kebab), this is the place to go. The meat literally melted in my mouth – it’s the best one I’ve ever had.
It’s a good idea to reserve a table here as it’s quite a small spot and it’s very popular. However, it’s particularly welcoming, and the decor makes you feel like you’ve been invited into a local’s home for dinner. The menu isn’t huge, but every item on it is delicious and made with the freshest local produce available.
Dibek Restaurant Information
Address: Belediye Cad. Hakkı Paşa Meydanı, Cami Sk. No:1, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 2209
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 1 pm – 10 pm, closed on Sundays
Must-Try Meals: Testi kebab, mercimek corba, guveç
Average Cost: $7 per starter, $8-$28 per main, $7 for desserts
Website: dibektraditionalhomecook.business.site
3. Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant & Art Gallery (Best for Organic Meals)
Out of all the Cappadocia restaurants, this one should catch your eye because it’s also an art gallery. As you sit and eat, you can look around at the amazing artwork on the walls; dining here is quite an experience and showcases the artistic talents of Cappadocia’s locals.
The menu here is quite large and varied, and in my opinion, it’s the best vegetarian restaurant in Cappadocia as there’s a large range of dishes for non-meat eaters too. Children will find plenty on the menu, and there’s plenty of traditional fare to choose from if you want to try something native to the region.
I went here for lunch, and I really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, however, dinnertime can get quite busy, so as always, reserve a table.
Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant & Art Gallery Information
Address: Isali Mah, İçeridere Sk. No:21/A, 50180 Göreme/Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (542) 808 5050
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 6.30 am – 11 pm
Must-Try Meals: Sirloin steak, vegetable lasagne, Turkish breakfast
Average Cost: $6-$8 per starter, $7-$25 per main, $7 for desserts
4. Aysel’in Mutfagi (Best for Laid-Back Dining)
Some restaurants just give you that chilled-out feel so you can eat your meal without feeling like you’re in an overly formal setting. That’s exactly what I liked about this eatery. For me, this is one of the best local restaurants in Cappadocia because it feels like you’re completely immersed in the culture.
The food here is all cooked with the freshest seasonal ingredients, and the staff are fantastic at helping you choose if you’re not sure what you want. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors, but the view from the patio is fantastic at sunset, so if you’re lucky enough to get a table at that time, I highly recommend taking some snaps.
Aysel’in Mutfagi Information
Address: İsali mahallesi müze yolu caddesi no:66, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 3040
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 12 am
Must-Try Meals: Turkish breakfast, gözleme, kavurma
Average Cost: $6 per starter, $8-$20 per main, $5 for desserts
5. Nazar Börek & Cafe (Best for Cheap Eats)
If you’re looking for cheap eats in Cappadocia to sit in and enjoy or grab on the go, I highly recommend Nazar Börek & Cafe. Börek (a traditional filled, flakey pastry), is one of my favorite foods in the world, and this place does some of the best around. Try the kıymalı or the potato version along with a warm glass of çay (tea).
If you’re visiting Cappadocia in winter, this place is great to pop into for a warm drink, a snack, and to thaw from the cold weather, but it’s also a great spot for breakfast or lunch. I think this is the best cheap restaurant in Cappadocia because you’re getting quality and something truly delicious, without having to pay a fortune.
Nazar Börek & Cafe Information
Address: Karamızrak Sk., 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 2201
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12 pm – 10 pm
Must-Try Meals: Kıymalı börek, çay, Turkish coffee (kahve)
Average Cost: $2-$4 per starter, $6-$10 per main, $3 for desserts (average)
6. CANCAN Cafe & Restaurant (Best for Family-Friendly Dining)
If you’re traveling with children, head to this restaurant for dinner. Not only will they find plenty to fill their bellies, but the whole vibe is so relaxed and welcoming too. You can have a formal meal here, or you can find some of the best street food in Cappadocia, with wraps and kebabs to go if you choose.
The prices at this restaurant are very reasonable, and the portion sizes are quite large; you’ll definitely be full until the next meal time. Before your meal, you also get some meze on the house, which I thought were pretty considerable in size on their own. I then had the chicken shish kebab, which came with rice, chips, and salad, and the chicken was juicy and delicious.
CANCAN Cafe & Restaurant Information
Address: Avcılar Mahallesi, No.27, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 2440
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 11 pm
Must-Try Meals: Apricot tea, mantı, chicken shish kebab
Average Cost: $2-$4 per starter, $6-$10 per main, $3 for desserts (average)
7. Fat Boys (Best for Groups)
Despite the rather unfortunate name, this is one of the best places to eat in Cappadocia, especially for groups of people who are looking for a sociable vibe. I liked the fact there were quite a few vegan choices on the menu, which makes it a good choice for all, and there was a great mixture of both traditional and international meals. I’m not vegan, but I had the lentil burger, and it was super flavorful.
They even do a vegetarian version of the famous testi kebab (pottery kebab), which I thought was pretty ingenious and makes this a spot that’s inclusive for visitors. However, if you are a meat eater, the kebabs on offer are very high quality, and the portion sizes are huge. As for prices, I thought they were reasonable and somewhere in the mid-price range.
Fat Boys Information
Address: Turgut Özal Meydanı, Belediye Cd. No:38, 50180 Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (536) 936 3652
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 12 pm
Must-Try Meals: Lentil burger, vegetable testi kebab, mixed grill
Average Cost: $7-$10 per starter, $9-$25 per main, $6 for desserts
8. Zen Cappadocia Hotel & Cafe (Best for Views)
Located in Uçhisar, Zen Cappadocia Hotel & Cafe is my favorite restaurant in Cappadocia with a view outside of Göreme itself. As the name suggests, this is also a hotel as well as a restaurant, and it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner until late. It’s a pretty small restaurant that offers a cozy feel that I appreciated and enjoyed.
The meze here is especially tasty and sourced from seasonal, local produce. Give the mixed grill a try if you want to sample different types of kebab-style meat, and finish up with katmer, which is a delicious dessert made with filo pastry and pistachios. Of course, you can enjoy all of this with a stunning view in front of you.
Zen Cappadocia Hotel & Cafe Information
Address: Tekelli, Mahalle, Karlık Sk. No:10, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (546) 176 0050
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 11 pm
Must-Try Meals: Meze platter, mixed grill, katmer
Average Cost: $8-$10 per starter, $8-$27 per main, $7 for desserts
9. Seyyah Han (Best for Entertainment)
If you’re looking for something a little livelier, then Seyyah Han is the place for you. Not only is this likely the best outdoor restaurant in Cappadocia away from Göreme, but it also has entertainment most evenings. You can choose to sit inside if it’s a little chilly, but the heated area is comfortable and toasty.
I thought the prices at this restaurant were very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. I had lamb shish and, oh it was so juicy – the menu is really extensive, and there are several vegetarian options. The live band plays until around 10.30 pm, so this is a great place to enjoy a little entertainment before heading back to your hotel.
Seyyah Han Information
Address: 2.küme mahallesi Maltepe Sokağı, no 144, Avanos/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (532) 622 6290
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11.15 am – 11 pm
Must-Try Meals: Lamb shish, Sultan’s kebab, baklava
Average Cost: $8 per starter, $8-$20 per main, $6 for desserts
Website: seyyahhan.com
10. Inci Cave Restaurant (Best for Cave Dining)
Right in the middle of Göreme, you’ll find this charming little restaurant that doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once you go in, it’s like walking into a fairytale. If you’ve never dined in a cave before, this is the place to do it, as it’s one of the top cave restaurants in Cappadocia, despite its quaint size.
The menu is small but very high quality; if you’ve never tried lamb in Turkey before, this is the place to order it from. I don’t enjoy lamb back in the UK, but Turkish lamb is particularly juicy and not at all dry; the lamb kebab I had here was hands down one of the best. They also have a large choice for vegetarians and plenty for children to choose from.
Inci Cave Restaurant Information
Address: Orta Mahalle, Cami Sk. No:22, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 2017
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12.30 pm – 11 pm, closed Mondays
Must-Try Meals: Meze platter, lamb chops, vegetarian moussaka
Average Cost: $7-$9 per starter, $8-$27 per main, $7 for desserts
Website: incicaverestaurantgöreme.com
11. Seten Restaurant Cappadocia (Best for Fine Dining)
One of the best Cappadocia restaurants for a special occasion is Seten Restaurant. While it’s certainly not the cheapest, it’s the perfect spot for a high-class meal – the ambiance has that high-end, sophisticated feel. Of course, fine dining in Cappadocia means you need to reserve your table ahead of time and, if possible, I’d recommend at least two days before with this restaurant.
The presentation is ridiculously good, but of course, it also comes down to taste—it doesn’t disappoint. The portion sizes aren’t the largest, but that’s to be expected with fine dining spots. Personally, I’d head here if you’re looking to celebrate something special or if you want a super-romantic meal with your special someone.
Seten Restaurant in Cappadocia Information
Address: Aydınlı Mah, Aydınlı Sk. No:42, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 3025
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Must-Try Meals: Mamzana, oxtail tandoori, çökertme kebab
Average Cost: $10-$13 per starter, $11-$35 per main, $10 for desserts
Website: setenrestaurant.com
12. Lagarto Restaurant (Best for Couples)
Lagarto is one of the most romantic restaurants in Cappadocia, as it’s set in a small stone courtyard with amazing views right over the Cappadocia landscape. It offers that laid-back, magical atmosphere that you need for a special evening and it definitely doesn’t disappoint in terms of food quality either. I had the mamzana with delicious fresh bread to start and shared a testi kebab; I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Aside from eating, this is a great rooftop bar in Cappadocia if you want to share a bottle of wine with a loved one and enjoy the view. It’s open until late, and it’s an ideal place to wind down after a long day of sightseeing. I recommend reserving a table to be on the safe side.
Lagarto Restaurant Information
Address: Dereler, Dereler Sk. No:49, 50400 Ürgüp/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 038 (434) 13051
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 11 pm, Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 12 am
Must-Try Meals: Mamzara, mantı, testi kebab
Average Cost: $7-$9 per starter, $9-$24 per main, $6 for desserts
13. Cafe Şafak (Best for Breakfast)
I visited this restaurant for a full Turkish breakfast, and it was huge and truly delicious. The prices at this restaurant are really reasonable; making it a great choice for families to dine too. For me, this is the best breakfast in Cappadocia, and I was full until dinner.
You can sit outside and enjoy the view, but if you’re having breakfast make sure you choose a large table so you can fit all the plates on (and take one of those iconic Cappadocia photos). The staff were attentive and couldn’t do enough, even entertaining my friend’s toddler when she got a little restless. This is definitely one of the Cappadocia restaurants to add to your list.
Cafe Şafak Information
Address: Müze Cd. No:28, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 2597
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm
Must-Try Meals: Full Turkish breakfast, gözleme, menemen
Average Cost: $5-$8 per starter, $18 for Turkish breakfast (serves around four people), $5 for desserts
Website: cafesafak.weebly.com
14. Millocal Restaurant Kapadokya (Best for Special Occasions)
This is one of the largest restaurants in Cappadocia, and it’s a good choice for special occasions thanks to the upmarket ambiance. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows give you a fantastic view if you want to stay inside and keep warm, but you can also dine outdoors during the summer months. This has some of the best food in Cappadocia and quite a large menu.
You can enjoy breakfast here, but it’s a good choice for a fancy evening meal. If you’re looking for nice restaurants in Cappadocia for a special family meal or a date night with your partner, go here, but make sure you reserve a table; this is a recurring theme across much of Cappadocia. And if you’re a wine lover, the huge selection is sure to make you smile.
Millocal Restaurant Kapadokya Information
Address: Tekelli, Karlık Sk. No:28, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (535) 100 1925
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12 pm – 12 am
Must-Try Meals: Turkish breakfast, beyti kebab, Adana kebab
Average Cost: $6-$9 per starter, $12-$30 per main, $8 for desserts
Website: millocalrestaurant.com
15. Coffeedocia (Best for International Food)
Yes, they serve coffee, but that’s not all. This stylish but chilled-out restaurant offers some of the best Italian food in Cappadocia; in fact, it’s great for international food overall. The pasta dishes here are especially tasty, but if you prefer something more American-style, opt for one of the huge gourmet burgers.
I had the best lunch in Cappadocia here, and I appreciated how quickly the food came out, and yet the quality wasn’t scrimped on. The cheesy mushrooms are a definite hit, and I was told before I visited to try them; I’m passing on that piece of advice to you. However, if you don’t want to eat, this is a good place to simply grab a coffee and a piece of cake and watch the world go by for a while.
Coffeedocia Information
Address: Turgut Özal Myd. No:12, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir
Phone: +90 (384) 271 2349
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 12 pm
Must-Try Meals: Cheesy mushrooms, gourmet burgers, pasta dishes
Average Cost: $6-$8 per starter, $9-$20 per main, $7 for desserts
Website: coffeedocia.com
Must-Try Meals in Cappadocia
Cappadocia cuisine is varied and delicious. Here are some must-try dishes to order during your stay:
Mantı
Many Cappadocia restaurants will serve mantı, a dish famous in the local area. You’ll often hear this referred to as Turkish ravioli, simply because it’s a kind of dumpling with a meat or vegetable filling. However, it’s a lot tastier than the description lets on, and when it’s covered in thick yogurt, it’s a mouth-watering dish to try.
Testi Kebab
If you visit a traditional restaurant, you’ll see testi kebab on the menu, and it’s a must-try. This is essentially an extremely tender meat stew that’s cooked in a clay pot in a hot oven and served to you with the fire still burning around the pot. The server will then smash open the pot and serve the delicious contents on a bed of rice and salad.
Börek
One of my favorite foods in the whole of Turkey is börek, and it’s an ideal street food snack when you’re in Cappadocia as you can eat it as you’re walking. This is a type of pastry/pie with various fillings. My favorite is minced meat, but you can get cheese with spinach, or potato as alternatives.
Koftur
Koftur is a traditional snack found in Cappadocia, and it looks a lot like Turkish delight. It’s made from grape molasses which have been dried and combined with starch, flour, and water. It’s then cut into pieces and served as a snack. I always have a bag of koftur with me whenever I’m sightseeing.
Aside
If you have a sweet tooth, definitely try aside – a sticky sweet treat that’s served warm and made of grape molasses. It’s served in a bag, and you just grab and munch as you go, which is ideal for when you might need a boost of sugar from all the walking around. At first, I was skeptical about it, but once I tried it, I was hooked.
Gözleme
Undoubtedly, the best brunch in Cappadocia, or even as part of breakfast, is Gözleme. In fact, I’ve been known to eat this for dinner, it’s that delicious. It comprises a flatbread that has different fillings inside; the most common are cheese and spinach, minced meat, potato, or occasionally, it’s served on its own.
Food Tours in Cappadocia
I didn’t expect to learn so much about traditional food when I visited Cappadocia, and I honestly thought there would only be one or two restaurants. However, I was very wrong, and that’s evident by the different food tours you can take while you’re there. If you want to learn more about local food and the traditions and cultures behind it, I highly recommend taking one of these tours:
Private Cappadocia Food & Culture Tour
Food and culture are very closely linked, especially in this part of the country. This four-hour tour takes you into a local village where you’ll learn how to make delicious treats, such as gözleme, sarma, and börek. You’ll head into a traditional Turkish home and experience the high level of hospitality on offer, all with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
I went on this tour, and I really enjoyed it. I met some like-minded people that I’m still friends with to this day and discovered a deep love for börek. Click here for more details.
Cappadocia Traditional Cookery Class
The great thing about this tour is that you get to choose the ingredients you want to eat. The tour picks you up at your hotel, and you stop at a market where you purchase the food before heading to your host’s home. They’ll teach you how to cook delicious Turkish foods, but with the food that you know you love.
If you’re a picky eater or you have specific dietary requirements, this is a good tour for that very good reason. Click here to book.
Cappadocia Restaurants: FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the best restaurants in Cappadocia:
The cave restaurants in Cappadocia are some of the best in the region. These are a little higher in price, but they give you an experience you won’t have anywhere else. Inci Cave Restaurant is consistently rated as one of the best.
Dinner time in Cappadocia is anywhere between 6 pm – 9 pm. However, some people prefer to eat later, and you’ll find restaurants serving food until around midnight.
Most restaurants serve lunch between 11 am – 2 pm. This often overlaps breakfast, which can sometimes be an all-day affair!
Breakfast can go on all day long in Cappadocia, thanks to the huge feast you’ll be served. Most restaurants start their breakfast service around 8 am and it can go on to around 2 pm, or sometimes all day if the restaurant chooses to.
Whether you’re eating pub food in Cappadocia or fine dining, tipping is optional. However, remember that most waiting staff work for low wages, so if you enjoy the service, leaving a tip is always very appreciated.
Around 10% of the total bill price is a good rule of thumb. However, do make sure that a service charge hasn’t already been added, which is sometimes the case with more upmarket places.
Göreme has the greatest concentration of restaurants in Cappadocia, and there are some seriously high-quality ones to choose from. However, all of Cappadocia’s neighborhoods have great eateries.
Göreme is the most touristic part of Cappadocia, and as such, is where you’ll find the most international restaurants and menus. You’ll find pub food in several of these restaurants and in several bars that serve bar snacks.
If you’re looking for the best patio in Cappadocia to enjoy the stunning view, again, it has to be Göreme. However, Uçhisar is also known for its stunning views, particularly over toward the castle.
Cappadocia is mostly known for its mantı, a dish that is often called ‘Turkish ravioli.’ Aside and koftur are also snacks you’ll find locally in Cappadocia.
Aside is the most popular dessert in Cappadocia – it’s very easy to grab on the go and eat while you’re sightseeing. Aside is made of grape molasses and is traditionally served warm.
Most Cappadocia restaurants are halal and if you’re unsure, you can simply ask the staff to inform you. The same goes for any other dietary requirements you may have.
The price of food in Cappadocia ranges wildly from low-cost street food to more expensive options from high-end restaurants. If you opt for something like börek, you’ll pay less than 100 lira ($3.50) for a medium-sized box. However, if you go to a high-quality restaurant, you’ll pay anywhere between 200-900 lira ($7 – $32) for your main meal, depending upon what you choose.
In Conclusion
I didn’t expect Cappadocia to be a foodie’s heaven, but I was totally wrong. There are so many delicious Cappadocia restaurants where you can try traditional food or go for something international you know and love. It’s also a great place to grab a snack for the road before you head off and explore.
I also didn’t expect Cappadocia to be so big. I tell you, this place was full of surprises for me in the best possible way. For that reason, knowing the best places to eat will help you make good choices and fuel up ready for another day packed with amazing sights to see.
