Where to Find Delicious Gözleme in Northern Cyprus?

We are on a quest to discover the best spots to enjoy traditional Turkish gözleme.

• What is Gözleme?
• How is Gözleme Prepared?
• Gözleme in Kyrenia and Surrounding Areas
• Gözleme in Nicosia
• Gözleme in Famagusta
• Gözleme in Karpaz
• Frequently Asked Questions About Food in Northern Cyprus

What is Gözleme?

Gözleme is a delightful Turkish pastry made from thin dough filled with a variety of ingredients. Typically, the dough is unleavened, although some versions may be made with yeast.

The fillings for gözleme are diverse, depending on regional preferences and personal tastes. Common ingredients include various meats (such as minced beef, chopped lamb, fresh or smoked seafood, sucuk, and basturma), vegetables (like spinach, zucchini, eggplant, leeks, chard, various peppers, onions, shallots, and garlic), mushrooms (including white mushrooms, chanterelles, and truffles), tubers (such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and radishes), cheeses (including feta and Turkish beyaz peynir), as well as eggs, seasonal herbs, and spices.

How is Gözleme Prepared?

Gözleme is made by filling and sealing thinly rolled dough with various fillings, which is then cooked on a convex, round baking plate over a wood fire, known as a "sac." Before grilling, the dough is always brushed with butter.

Gözleme in Kyrenia and Surrounding Areas

• Rabinez Gözleme Evi Located near Kyrenia, close to Ozanköy, Rabinez Gözleme Evi is highly praised on both English-speaking forums and in our Telegram group.

  Phone: +905338805326
  Location

• Mantı Sofrası This café in the heart of Kyrenia's old town offers a variety of Turkish dishes and is particularly famous for its gözleme.

  Location

• Çitir Simit Evi This bakery in Alsancak, not far from Kyrenia, prepares various pastries, including gözleme. Make sure to visit just as it's being made!

  Phone: +905338222325
  Location

• Verigo Specializing in classic Turkish breakfasts, this establishment in Kyrenia also serves delicious gözleme.

  Phone: +905338338821
  Location

• Bellapais Sports Bar and Café Despite its sporty name, this venue offers gözleme, lahmacun, and pide. Customers rave about the fresh orange juice. Just across the road is the stunning Bellapais Abbey.

  Location

• Beşparmak Gözleme Evi A little further behind Çatalköy, this café specializes in gözleme, as evident from its name. The reviews are excellent!

• Phone: +905428598999
  Location

Gözleme in Nicosia

• Gözleme Dunyası This café, located across from the state hospital in Nicosia, specializes in the famous Turkish flatbreads.

  Phone: +905338893949
  Location

• Şirin Gözleme Evi In addition to gözleme, this place offers other dishes as well and is also located near the hospital.

  Location

• Eziç Lefkoşa In this chain restaurant, you can also order gözleme. The menu is standardized across all locations.

  Phone: +905338738888
  Location

• Hamur This eatery offers a variety of Turkish dishes near the old town of Nicosia, including the featured gözleme.

  Phone: +903922280052
  Location

• Pirgon Restaurant Specializing in gözleme, this restaurant is slightly away from the center of Nicosia, heading towards the Famagusta-Güzelyurt road.

  Phone: +905391329661
  Location

Gözleme in Famagusta

• Mardo Kaleiçi Located in the heart of the city, opposite the former St. Nicholas Cathedral (now the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque), this café offers various dishes, including gözleme, though you might have to wait for your order during the busy season.

  Phone: +905391069999
  Location

• Petek Pastahanesi This well-known café and pastry shop near the city walls offers gözleme, although it specializes more in sweets.

  Phone: +903923667104
  Location

Gözleme in Karpaz

Even in this remote region of Northern Cyprus, you can find excellent gözleme:

• Nehir Gözleme near Bafra.
• Gozleme Bus Kumyali, a food truck further down the road to Dipkarpaz.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food in Northern Cyprus

Is Gözleme Vegan?
No, this dish is not vegan, even if spinach is used without cheese. The dough is always brushed with butter before grilling.

What are Purely Cypriot Specialties?
The island's most significant asset is halloumi cheese, and we have discussed dishes made with this cheese in our article. Another interesting item is the edible cactus, opuntia, and how it is consumed.

Feel free to join our food chat about Northern Cyprus, where you can ask questions or share your favorite dining spots!