Top Restaurants in Cappadocia: Where to Eat

Cappadocia offers an exceptional dining scene, from traditional Turkish restaurants serving authentic local cuisine to upscale establishments offering modern interpretations. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a quick bite, this guide will help you find the perfect restaurant in Cappadocia.

Must-Try Turkish Dishes in Cappadocia

Testi Kebab

Meat and vegetables cooked in a clay pot, dramatically broken open at your table. A must-try Cappadocian specialty.

Mantı

Turkish dumplings served with yogurt and garlic sauce. A comfort food favorite.

Gözleme

Stuffed flatbread cooked on a griddle. Perfect for a quick, delicious meal.

Turkish Breakfast

Extensive spread of cheeses, olives, bread, eggs, honey, and more. A meal in itself!

Best Restaurants by Location

Göreme Restaurants

Local Cave House Restaurant

Authentic Turkish cuisine in a cave setting. Known for testi kebab and traditional dishes. Moderate prices, excellent value.

Seten Restaurant

Fine dining with modern Turkish cuisine. Beautiful terrace views, romantic atmosphere. Higher prices but exceptional quality.

Ürgüp Restaurants

Ziggy Cafe

Upscale restaurant with international and Turkish fusion cuisine. Great wine selection, beautiful setting.

Sömine Restaurant

Traditional Turkish restaurant with excellent local dishes. Family-friendly, reasonable prices.

Uçhisar Restaurants

Elai Restaurant

Fine dining with Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. Stunning views, romantic atmosphere. Perfect for special occasions.

Best Cafes in Cappadocia

Cappadocia has numerous charming cafes perfect for Turkish coffee, tea, or a light meal:

Cafe Safak: Popular spot in Göreme with great views and Turkish breakfast
Mado Cafe: Chain cafe with excellent ice cream and desserts
Local cafes: Many small cafes offer authentic Turkish tea and gözleme

Dining Tips for Cappadocia

Reservations: Book ahead for fine dining restaurants, especially in peak season
Tipping: 5-10% is customary in restaurants
Portions: Turkish portions are often large—consider sharing
Turkish Breakfast: Many hotels include it, but it's worth trying at a local cafe too
Local Eateries: Don't miss lokantas (traditional Turkish restaurants) for authentic, affordable meals
Vegetarian Options: Many Turkish dishes are vegetarian-friendly (mezze, gözleme, salads)

Budget-Friendly Dining Options

Cappadocia offers excellent value for money when it comes to dining:

Lokantas: Traditional restaurants serving home-style meals ($5-10 per person)
Street Food: Gözleme, döner kebabs, and simit from vendors ($2-5)
Markets: Fresh produce, bread, and cheese for picnics
Hotel Breakfast: Many hotels include extensive breakfast—take advantage!

For more budget travel tips, check our Cappadocia on a Budget guide.

Fine Dining in Cappadocia

For special occasions, Cappadocia offers several fine dining options:

Restaurants with panoramic valley views
Modern Turkish cuisine with international influences
Extensive wine lists featuring Turkish wines
Romantic settings perfect for couples
Expect to pay $30-60+ per person for fine dining

Discover more restaurants and cafes in Cappadocia to plan your perfect dining experience.