Cappadocia Food: The Best Restaurants in & Around Göreme

Cappadocia food & cuisine is next level good! We went on a mission to eat at the best restaurants & cafes in & around Göreme… these ones came out on top 👇

This Cappadocia food list includes, the cheap eats, the Michelin recommendations, the casual dining, the hidden gems and MORE! Simply put, this is my quick, go-to, personal favourites list of the best restaurants and cafes in and around Göreme… one for the food loving traveller.

We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Cappadocia a number of times, and each time the food options leave me in awe. Honestly speaking, these are just some of the best restaurants and cafes in and around Göreme. A small sample among the plethora of incredible food options available in Cappadocia.

Over our visits, we’ve made it our mission to sample all quintessential dishes and typical foods of Cappadocia, as well as a few others! Also all photos are my own… proof that I left a couple of kilos heavier than when I arrived.

A huge thanks to my friend Linda who lives in Cappadocia, and who during our most recent stay to Göreme, took us to her favourite restaurants. This advantage gave us an insider’s knowledge on the best places to eat in Cappadocia… and now you have the inside scoop too you lucky thing. 🤗

✨ Tip: Make sure you read right to the bottom, for my absolute favourite hidden cafe in Cappadocia.

The Best Restaurants & Food to Try in Cappadocia

If you’re on a bucket list holiday of a lifetime to Cappadocia, in town for the hot air balloons and iconic cave hotels… then you need to add some bucket list restaurants and cafes on your radar too. After all, how many times in your life are you on holiday in Cappadocia. I highly suggest you don’t waste this once in a lifetime opportunity on poor food choices!

We’d also heard that the lovely people from Michelin had visited, and so we added some of their favourite choices to our must-try list. A sort of Michelin food trail of Cappadocia you might say – hey someone had to do it!

Fortunately you’ve found my personal list of some of the best restaurants and cafes in Göreme! So you’re already on the right path. Read on for my favourite restaurants… as well as the must-try dishes… a Cappadocia food bible if you will!

Seten Restaurant

Seten Restaurant – Menu
Timings: 7 days, 12.30-10:30pm
Location: Sultan Cave Suites Hotel
No reservations: Walk-in Only

We launched our most recent stay, with dinner at Seten restaurant. It’s located in one of the highest hotels overlooking Göreme, as such has the best views in town. Additionally it was awarded a Michelin recognition, which means it has all the best foodie vibes you could ask for.

We loved Seten so much we ate here twice. While we didn’t sample everything on the menu, we certainly gave it a good try. My conclusion, I definitely recommend the Mixed Appetizer tray, for a perfect selection of Turkish flavours and spreads. Then for a hot appetizer, the Stuffed Squash Blossoms are to die for!

Moving on to mains, we loved the Lamb Shank, which was cooked delicately and deliciously. But the Mutancana or the Pottery Kebab are something super unique, very traditional, and worth it for the experience alone. And for dessert you can’t go past the Pumpkin Creme Brûlée, or the Tahini Soufflé.

A special shout out to the incredible team, the kitchen and chef, the wait staff, the sommelier... they all contribute to the delightful dining experience at Seten. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best dining experiences in Göreme! Get there early for sunset for all the feels. If they’re busy take a drink on the terrace while you wait for a table.

Nana Cappadocia

Nana Cappadocia – Menu
Timings: 7 days, 8:00-11:00am / 12:30-11:00pm
Location: Cappadocia Cave Suites
Reservations: Via website

Centrally located in Göreme is the restaurant Nana Cappadocia. On first impression, the restaurant and decor is as pretty as a picture… clearly a great deal of care and thought have gone into the aesthetic and dining experience. And then comes the food!!

Nana, is somewhat a hidden gem… it feels like the word isn’t yet out, on how truly incredible the dining quality is here. The cuisine concept takes inspiration from the idea of eating at Nana’s table, but elevates it. While the menu is traditional, it’s also refined.

The standout dishes are certainly the İçli Köfte Haşlama, as beautiful on the eye, as it is on the taste buds. Don’t miss the Hünkar Beğendi, which on occasion comes with a display of rose buds and a dramatic smoky dry ice show. And for dessert the unique take on Baklava and ice cream, or Kıtır Künefe are definitely worth your time and Turkish lira!

Happena Restaurant

Happena Restaurant – Menu
Timings: 7 days, 1:00-10:30pm
Location: Kelebek Cave Hotel
Reservations: Via website

Happena Restaurant is located in the Kelebek Cave Hotel, which was where we stayed in Göreme. As such, we enjoyed dinner and the breakfast buffet each morning from Happena.

This is another Michelin recognised restaurant and for good reason. The restaurant experience takes an authentic and sustainable approach to their menu. Based on historical Hittite and Anatolian themed dishes, the team have plated up dishes that pay tribute to their heritage. But also respect, through their commitment to ensure that nothing goes to waste.

This means, you’ll find some interesting items such as intestines, liver and even testicles feature on the menu. But if you’re more the play-it-safe kind of eater, then there are plenty of options for you too. Our favourite was the tender Tirit Lamb Neck, over pita bread, and the Oven Roasted Oyster Mushrooms. Also the Pumpkin Dessert with Turkish Cotton Candy was a winner for the finish!

This is a small restaurant, very popular and books out in advance, so be sure to make your reservations well ahead. And side note, if you want to stay in the perfect cave hotel accommodation… Kelebek Cave Hotel is one of the best.

Aiza Restaurant

Aiza Cappadocia – Menu
Timings: 7 days, 12:30-11:00pm
Location: Aza Cave Suites
Reservations: Via website

This one is for the food lovers, who want some Asian-fusion, sushi comfort food. So this isn’t the traditional food of Cappadocia, but in my opinion, it’s still one of the best restaurants in Göreme. The setting, is located in the Aza Cave Hotel, is the idyllic Cappadocia backdrop, fairy chimneys, hotel pool and Pigeon Valley in the distance, which makes for a great photo.

In terms of food, it is outstanding. Who would have thought you could enjoy some of the best Japanese cuisine in Cappadocia! We asked the chef to surprise us with his favourites, and the result was excellent. We had a little bit of everything, the best selection and the most tastiest menu sample!

The Truffle Soy Paper Roll, was a personal show stopper for me. This combined with the Maki Rolls and Seabass Nigiri, all washed down with a refreshingly cool Turkish Bomonti Beer and I was in food heaven. It’s the perfect lunch spot, or dinner setting with a few fancy cocktails. I recommend you book in advance to avoid missing out.

Babayan Evi Restaurant

Babayan Evi Restaurant – Menu
Timings: 7 days, 8:00-12:00am
Location: Ibrahimpaşa
Reservations: By appointment only

Another gem among them, Babayan Evi Restaurant was awarded the Michelin Green Star… a very prestigious recognition. Naturally then, it comes as no surprise the complete experience is a special one. The restaurant is set in the quiet, rural valley of Ibrahimpaşa, a hidden corner of Cappadocia very close to Göreme. In fact it’s worth a visit for the view alone.

Then at Babayan Evi Restaurant, you’ll find this authentic, home style cooking kitchen and restaurant. A family run restaurant, that gives the feeling like you’ve just stepped into a beautiful, typical Turkish farm house. The best part, is that the family will proudly show you the outdoor tandoor oven, where their dishes have been slowly cooking over the coals.

You absolutely must book in advance, as everything is cooked in preparation for their guests. They have multiple set menus to choose from, that includes a delicious spread of food from soup, to salad, to appetisers, to mains.

I absolutely recommend the menu that includes the Mantı. This is a very typical Turkish handmade ravioli, and while you’re in Cappadocia, Babayan Evi is a great place to try it. Also a must-try are the Stuffed Grape Leaves, and for dessert the Halva.

Old Greek House

Old Greek House Restaurant – Menu
Timings: 7 days, 12:00-10:30pm
Location: Mustafapaşa
Reservations: via website

The Old Greek House, awarded Michelin recognition, is located outside of Göreme in the nearby village of Mustafapașa. This is an historic home built in the 1800’s, and purchased by the current family in 1938. Explore the vast mansion of a setting, smaller rooms, off larger indoor/outdoor courtyards, upstairs lounges… every nook and cranny. There is a great deal of history wrapped up in the walls of the Old Greek House. They’ve even had their fair share of famous visitors, with photos on display to prove it.

On the menu you’ll find a selection of some of the more quintessential Turkish dishes. In other words, the type of food that you can’t leave Cappadocia without trying. Staples such as Gözleme which is a thinly rolled bread filled with meat, cheese and other options. Köfte, made with lentils or minced meat; mantı – Turkish ravioli; Testi Kebab – a Central Anatolian meat stew cooked in a clay pot; stuffed eggplant and stuffed grape leaves among others.

It’s simple, honest food, made with heart. And for that reason, it earns a place here on my list of best restaurants in and around Göreme!!

Cappadocia Pide House

Cappadocia Pide House
Timings: 7 days, 10:00-2:00am
Location: Göreme Central

In the centre of town you’ll find the Pide House, while it doesn’t come with any prestigious awards, it is a good place to get freshly made pide. We’ve eaten at Pide House a few times over our visits. I always find, when you’re in need of a quick, easy bite, this will tick the box.

Pide are the boat-shaped flat breads that you must try at least once on your visit to Türkiye. They come filled with your choice of filling, cheese, spinach, meats and that sort of thing. It’s essentially a Turkish pizza of sorts, and at the Pide House, the team cook them to order in a piping hot wood fired oven.

The menu is loaded with other options, but their pide, is the reason I keep going back. For another traditional Turkish fav, I recommend the künefe for desert. Imagine a combo of cheese, shredded phyllo, pistachio and a sweet syrup… it sounds strange, but it’s honestly strangely good.

Cozy Cave Cafe

Cozy Cave Cafe
Timings: 7 days, 8:00am-11:30pm
Location: Göreme Central

A cute little find on our walk around Göreme bought us to the Cozy Cave Cafe. A pit stop for some traditional Turkish çay (tea) or coffee and a slice of the crispy, buttery goodness of baklava. This is one of the yummiest places for baklava (in my opinion) in Göreme. It’s a bakery style coffee shop, set within an ancient cave typical to the region. A perfect pick me up and refuel. What’s more the owner Aleyna, is a lovely welcoming woman!

Cafeteria Bi Çay

Cafeteria Bi Çay
Timings: 7 days, Fri-Wed 9:30am-10:30pm / Thurs 9:30am-9:00pm
Location: Uçhisar

Last but not least, and possibly one of my favourite random finds on my most recent visit is the Cafeteria Bi Çay. Whilst on a hike of Pigeon and Love Valley, we planned a stop at the Uçhisar Castle, perched on the hill overlooking Göreme. The day was cold and we were in need of warm carbs and hot coffee… a quick google map search highlighted this star of a cafe.

Hidden away in a tiny space, the Cafeteria Bi Çay has big personality. While the owner churns out delicious coffees, his sister handles the gözleme and köfte sandwiches at the back of house. And honestly I can’t praise them enough… the most simple of potato and cheese gözleme, was by far the best I’ve ever had. While my pumpkin latte was certainly the best in Cappadocia!

There is just something about this special little place that speaks volumes. Ultimately I believe Ahmet the owner, with his genuine smile and warm welcome has made the Cafeteria Bi Çay everything it is. Browse the hundreds of 5 star Google reviews and everyone has the same story. It’s unique and perfect… I will be back next year, to sit on the terrace next time!

Must-Try Cappadocia Food & Cuisine

In my list above, I’ve mentioned some of the best types food that you should try while visiting Cappadocia. Here I break it down, so you know at a glance what you should be looking for.

Local Cappadocia Favourites

The region of Türkiye, from which the food and cuisine of Cappadocia stems from, is Central Anatolia.

Flavours typical of the Anatolian region include, dried fruits and apricots; pistachio and walnuts; tomatoes, peppers and eggplants; bulgar wheat and grains; strained yoghurt and cheeses. Meat stews and hearty bean dishes, are served with flat breads. Also Cappadocia also has a strong grape and wine production presence in the area.

Some of the main dishes include –

• Mantı – small, spiced minced meat stuffed ravioli, often served with a strained yoghurt sauce and tomatoes.
• Testi Kebab – a meat stew in a clay pot with pastry lid, slow cooked over coals in a tandoor oven.
• Bean Stew – a hearty meal, typically made with white beans in a tomato sauce.
• Candied Pumpkin – a common sweet treat to finish a meal, an almost translucent sweet and syrupy pumpkin.
• Koçabag Wine – one of the best in the region, local wine, made with local, regional grapes.

Turkish Favourites

• Köfte – Spiced minced meat, coated in bulgar wheat and fried.
• Stuffed Grape Leaves – Rolled grape leaves typically filled with rice, tomatoes and spices,
• Gözleme – A paper thin, unleavened bread, cooked over a large dome griddle, filled with meats, cheese or potato.
• Pide – A leavened bread, cooked in a wood fire oven, filled with meats, cheese, spinach and other options.
• Baklava – Layers of buttery, crispy phyllo pastry, filled with syrup and nuts, typically pistachio or walnuts.
• Künefe – Shredded phyllo pastry, with pistachio, cheese and syrup, served piping hot.
• Bomonte Beer – A more refined, smoother, cloudy pale lager – it’s what the cool kids (not actual kids) drink!

Map to the Best Restaurants in Göreme

Open my interactive map, for an easy view, to the best food and restaurants in and around Göreme, Cappadocia.

More on Göreme and Cappadocia

And there we have it… the best food, cafes and restaurants of Cappadocia! But this guide is one of many I have written for Göreme and Cappadocia. Actually, it’s one of my favourite destinations to write and share my knowledge on, so don’t miss the opportunity to skip through to some of my other posts.

🎈 Hot Air Balloons – are they really worth it?
⛰️ The best cave hotels with a view in Cappadocia
🤩 My full list of the best things to do in Cappadocia

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