What Food To Try in Nicosia and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Nicosia for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Nicosia cafes and restaurants
$13.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $7.64
$57.3
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $49.13
$7.6
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.55
What to Try in Nicosia
Must-try Dishes
Hummus - Creamy chickpea dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon. Locals enjoy it as a meze before meals, often with warm pita bread for the perfect scoop.Halloumi Souvlaki - Grilled Halloumi Skewers - Thick slices of salty halloumi cheese chargrilled and served on skewers, often topped with sliced vegetables. A popular street food option, it's especially enjoyed during summer festivals and a quick lunch on the go.
Moussaka - Eggplant layered with spiced meat, béchamel sauce, and baked to perfection. This hearty dish is typically served during family dinners and offers a comforting blend of flavors that many locals savor.
Kleftiko - Lamb in Parchment - Slow-roasted lamb marinated with lemon and herbs, wrapped in parchment paper for steaming. This traditional dish is a favorite for Sunday lunches, bringing families together around the table.
S/arma - Stuffed Grape Leaves - Tender grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, rolled tightly and cooked in a savory broth. It's a customary dish served during celebrations and can be found at most home gatherings.
Koupepia - Cypriot Stuffed Vine Leaves - Similar to sarma, but stuffed with minced meat and rice, then cooked gently for a rich flavor. Locals typically enjoy this comforting dish during winter gatherings with family and friends.
Flaounes - Cheese Pastries (Seasonal) - Rich pastries filled with a mixture of cheese, mint, and eggs, often prepared for Easter celebrations. The flaky pastry and cheesy interior make it a comforting option enjoyed fresh from the oven during the holiday season.
Bulgur Pilaf - Pilav - Fluffy bulgur wheat cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, served as a staple side dish. It's commonly paired with grilled meats and is a popular weekday meal, especially on busy evenings. By the way, don't over-season; it's meant to complement rather than overpower!
Desserts & Drinks
Cypriot Coffee - Κυπριακός καφές (strong coffee) - A finely ground coffee brewed in a long-handled pot called a ‘briki’, served with the grounds settled at the bottom. Locals typically enjoy it in the morning or mid-afternoon at cafes, where the slow sipping serves as a social ritual. Tonik - Τόνικ (refreshing soft drink) - A fruity, fizzy soda made with lemon-lime flavors, often served over ice with fresh herbs. Usually a go-to choice during hot summer days at picnics or after long strolls, and a great base for mocktails. By the way, don't be surprised if you find it in every local shop!
Commandaria - Κουμανταρία (sweet dessert wine) - A rich, sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes, with a deep amber color and hints of spices. It’s traditionally served at special occasions or paired with desserts, but you might spot locals enjoying a glass on warm evenings. A common mistake is thinking it's similar to port; it's way more complex!
Baklava - Μπακλαβάς (layered pastry) - Flaky layers of pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup, often garnished with pistachios. Typically served at celebrations and family gatherings, it can be found everywhere from bakeries to homes; a little slice goes a long way for the sweet-toothed.
Loukoum - Λουκούμι (Turkish delight) - A chewy, sweet confection infused with rosewater or citrus flavors, often dusted with icing sugar. Commonly served with coffee or tea after meals, it’s a popular treat during festivals like Easter or Christmas. Pro tip: make sure to try the pistachio-filled version for a special taste!
Food and Groceries in Nicosia
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.94 |
| Bananas | $1.93 |
| Oranges | $2.05 |
| Potatoes | $1.24 |
| Apples | $2.91 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.99 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.71 |
| Imported Beer | $2.85 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.64 |
| Milk 1L | $1.6 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $9.57 |
| Chicken | $8.33 |
| Cigarettes | $5.46 |
| Rice | $2.58 |
| Local Cheese | $10.86 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the bustling streets of Nicosia around noon, you can’t help but notice the lively scene at every corner. Lunchtime here is a spirited affair, with locals flocking to their favorite spots, grabbing everything from quick souvlaki to leisurely meze. Meals typically start around 1 PM and can run late into the afternoon, reflecting a more relaxed approach to dining that differs from the hurried service often found elsewhere.
In neighborhoods like Ledra Street and the Old City, you’ll find plenty of eateries catering to a range of budgets. A quick lunch of grilled kebabs might set you back around €7-€10, while a full meze at a sit-down restaurant could be anywhere from €20-€30 per person. On the other hand, restaurants in the outskirts often offer similar meals at lower prices, sometimes as little as €5 for a simple dish. It’s worth exploring these less touristy areas for a genuine taste of local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Payment customs can vary here. Cash remains king in most places, though some establishments now accept cards—especially in tourist-heavy districts. Interestingly, service charges are not always included in the bill, so it’s common to leave a small tip, around 10%, if you're satisfied with the meal. This practice encourages good service and is appreciated by the staff.
A notable local habit is the enjoyment of coffee after meals, often accompanied by a sweet treat. This isn’t just about caffeine; it’s a leisurely ritual that can extend your dining experience for hours. Beware, though—this habit can sometimes lead to longer wait times if you’re in a rush to move along.
Peak dining hours can create a bit of a frenzy; lunchtime crowds tend to swell especially around 1:30 PM. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, aiming for lunchtime around 12:30 PM or later can help you dodge the rush. Dinner tends to start late here, with many not even sitting down until after 8 PM.
As I’ve observed lately, younger locals are beginning to shift their eating patterns, experimenting with takeout and delivery options, especially during the weekends. This emerging trend reflects changing lifestyles, influenced by technology and the fast pace of modern life, even in a city that prides itself on tradition.
Overall, Nicosia's dining scene is as dynamic as its history. With diverse price points, a mix of payment methods, and evolving dining customs, it's a reflection of the city’s unique blend of tradition and contemporary life—perfect for meals that linger in both taste and experience.
In neighborhoods like Ledra Street and the Old City, you’ll find plenty of eateries catering to a range of budgets. A quick lunch of grilled kebabs might set you back around €7-€10, while a full meze at a sit-down restaurant could be anywhere from €20-€30 per person. On the other hand, restaurants in the outskirts often offer similar meals at lower prices, sometimes as little as €5 for a simple dish. It’s worth exploring these less touristy areas for a genuine taste of local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Payment customs can vary here. Cash remains king in most places, though some establishments now accept cards—especially in tourist-heavy districts. Interestingly, service charges are not always included in the bill, so it’s common to leave a small tip, around 10%, if you're satisfied with the meal. This practice encourages good service and is appreciated by the staff.
A notable local habit is the enjoyment of coffee after meals, often accompanied by a sweet treat. This isn’t just about caffeine; it’s a leisurely ritual that can extend your dining experience for hours. Beware, though—this habit can sometimes lead to longer wait times if you’re in a rush to move along.
Peak dining hours can create a bit of a frenzy; lunchtime crowds tend to swell especially around 1:30 PM. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, aiming for lunchtime around 12:30 PM or later can help you dodge the rush. Dinner tends to start late here, with many not even sitting down until after 8 PM.
As I’ve observed lately, younger locals are beginning to shift their eating patterns, experimenting with takeout and delivery options, especially during the weekends. This emerging trend reflects changing lifestyles, influenced by technology and the fast pace of modern life, even in a city that prides itself on tradition.
Overall, Nicosia's dining scene is as dynamic as its history. With diverse price points, a mix of payment methods, and evolving dining customs, it's a reflection of the city’s unique blend of tradition and contemporary life—perfect for meals that linger in both taste and experience.