The 9 Best Restaurants in Cappadocia, Turkey

Straddling the mighty continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey has long been a desirable country for keen travelers across the globe looking to delve into the breadth of beauty on offer in the Middle East. 

From its volcanic canyons to its verdant valleys and ancient settlements home to the remnants of some of the world’s most powerful ancient civilizations, Turkey offers a culmination of natural marvels and mesmerizing sights that remain engrained in the memories of travelers long after they’ve left. 

And for those looking to experience one of the most unforgettable places to go in Turkey, the Cappadocia region should be at the top of your list.

This historical region is located in Central Anatolia, spanning a range of provinces that each harbor their own hidden gems and natural wonders. Composed of secret caves, colossal towers of rock, and waves of volcanic vistas shaped over millions of years, its landscapes are unlike anything else in the world.

Known worldwide for its hot air ballooning, with over 50% of the world’s balloon trips happening here, in Cappadocia visitors take to the air and dot the bright blue morning skies with bursts of vibrant color amidst the towering fairy chimneys of the region, making for a truly magical experience for those experience this and those who get the chance to see it equally.

But, what many of Cappadocia’s visitors may fail to realize is that the region is home to some of the best of Turkey’s rich and authentic cuisine, where you can sample the very best of local Central Anatolian delicacies. Whether you’re looking to sink your teeth into the Testi kebab, one of the region’s specialties, or a wider selection of the food of Turkey, by visiting Cappadocia you’ve come to the right place. 

That’s why, here at Unforgettable Travel, we’ve sought to reveal the 9 best restaurants in Cappadocia, Turkey. We’ve broken these down based on their provinces too so that visitors can sample the very best of Cappadocia, and Turkish, food across the region. From luxury restaurants serving traditional eats to fine-dining specialties, there’s a breadth of options, and opportunities, to choose from.

Topdeck Cave Restaurant 

Located in the town of Goreme, Top Deck Cave is one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia, hands down. This authentic restaurant is within one of the region’s caves and serves up traditional and hearty Turkish cuisine. Its interiors are homely and cozy, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and are also decorated with Ottoman-classic details alongside Middle-eastern rugs, tablecloths, and wall pieces. 

This family-run restaurant serves authentic dishes, cooked by the owner Mustafa, who is one of Goreme’s most renowned chefs. The menu is composed of a small selection of delicacies, but these are all perfectly executed, with dishes including deep-fried rolls, known as Sigara Böregi, which you can’t afford to miss out on. 

Table seating and floor seating are both available, accommodating both a Western or Eastern style of dining. However, capacity is limited in the restaurant due to its size, so be sure to make a reservation if you’re set on visiting this atmospheric and intimate restaurant to savor the Cappadocia Turkish cuisine. 

Dibek Restaurant

As the most historic eatery in the region, Dibek Restaurant has solidified its position as one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia, offering its guests an unforgettable dining experience. 

Giving its visitors a taste of real local Cappadocia food and cuisine, Dibek restaurant is set in a characterful home in the heart of the old town center of Goreme. Its building has stood in Cappadocia’s landscape for over 475 years, making it a pillar of the Cappadocia foodie scene and Goreme’s landscape. 

The eatery was renovated in 2004 and features charming traditional Turkish seating for an authentic Turkish dining experience. The restaurant is also renowned for serving some of the best Testi Kebabs in the country.

The Testi Kebab is a kebab variation that is traditional to the Cappadocia region. It is a stew of vegetables, tomatoes, and meat cooked in a sealed clay jug, which Dibek delivers to your table to add to the authenticity and tradition of your eating experience here. If this piques your interest, be sure to stop by to sample this Turkey famous food!

Pumpkin Restaurant 

Also located in Goreme, Pumpkin restaurant is one of Cappadocia’s most highly rated restaurants that, similar to TopDeck Cave, is located within one of the town’s many cavern settings.

Its arched ceilings and ambient lighting set the tone and atmosphere in this intimate and charming eatery. the restaurant is able to host a small number of guests, so should you be wanting to sample some of Pumpkin’s selection of delicious eats, we would recommend making a reservation beforehand. 

Pumpkin restaurant is known for offering its set menu, which also has vegetarian and vegan options available, which is truly divine and serves a breadth of delicious Turkish dishes. You’ll also walk into the restaurant to see an open-plan kitchen-dining space so that you can observe the chefs crafting the delicious delicacies that you order right in front of you. 

Seyyah Han 

Located in the charming town of Avanos, Seyyah Han is one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia with a view. 

The lively eatery often hosts live bands on evenings, so that you can be serenaded whilst sampling hearty Cappadocia Turkish cuisine and staring out over the horizon from its terrace’s archways, should you be seated outside. The view stretches out over the magical Cavusin fairy chimneys, and you can even observe as far as the Red and Rose valley, if weather permits!

Seyyah Han boasts a contemporary, yet rustic, dining experience, with a decor composed of antique paintings and other wall art covering its interiors, and wooden floors, making for a charming, and romantic, setting that is perfect for couples, families, and friends alike.

Lagarto 

Another Cappadocian venue with truly gorgeous views is Lagarto Restaurant. Located atop a hill, therefore offering a brilliant vantage point, in the area of Urgup, The restaurant boasts incredible views over the rooftops of Urgup and beyond through the stretching Cappadocian landscape. 

Sitting here at sunset and eating some delightful Cappadocian cuisine makes for a fantastic evening activity with a partner, with whom you can dine with delectable food and even better views for a romantic end to any day. 

The restaurant also features indoor seating in a cave-dwelling, which is beautifully furnished and has a cheerful atmosphere, should this suit you better than its rooftop terraced area. Some of its best dishes on the menu include its sumptuous mezze selection, making for the perfect bites to eat to be shared or eaten as an appetizer. 

Aravan Evi 

Aravan Evi, also located in the area of Urgup, is a superb dining experience for those looking for something truly special and unique. It is nestled in the pristine environment of Ayvali village, on the outskirts of Urgup, and offers home-cooked cuisine which you can tell has been cooked, prepared, and served with love by the three generations of family members here.

The meals at Aravan Evi incorporate freshly harvested ingredients that are exclusively supplied from its on-site garden and eco-farm, creating nothing short of healthy and hearty cuisine. 

Aravan Evi overlooks the local fairy chimneys, and diners can sit on its outside terrace to soak in these views and dine alfresco on any of the traditional dishes on its menu. Aravan Evi is, therefore, what we believe to be one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia.

Ziggy Cafe 

Ziggy Cafe is an eatery that was born from a couple’s move to the tranquil landscapes of Cappadocia from Turkey’s thriving capital. Set in an old house in Urgup, it boasts fantastic views of the surrounding Urgup area and offers a comfortable environment in which diners can eat a variety of bite-sized Middle Eastern dishes and mezze, which are known for being mouthwatering.

This charming eatery looks like a traditional Turkish home inside, with traditional light fixtures, mismatched furniture, and lovely wall decor adding to its causal vibe and snug interiors. There’s also an outdoor terraced area with plenty of seating for those looking to have their meal with a view or by candlelight in the evening to create a warming atmosphere. 

Seki 

Located in the craggy village of Uchisar, in the Vevsehir province of Cappadocia, Seki Restaurant is another Cappadocia restaurant with exquisite views, overlooking the stretching landscapes of the region. 

The restaurant itself is actually located in the Argos Hotel, a spectacular 4* accommodation that has been intricately crafted from a group of historic homes within the village, amidst the craggy-rock formations on Uchisar’s hillside. The hotel overlooks the rock formations of Cappadocia’s iconic Pigeon Valley and is most definitely one of the most atmospheric destinations to stay in the region. 

And equally, Seki itself is one of the most atmospheric, and best restaurants in Cappadocia. The eatery speaks for Cappadocia’s fine-dining scene, with modern dishes that still incorporate the traditions and techniques of Cappadocia Turkish cuisine, and showcase some of the best food in Turkey.

Sakli Konak 

Our final recommendation is another restaurant in Uchisar named Sakli Konak. Translating to Hidden Mansion, this is one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia and one of the top few in Uchisar. 

Sakli Konak’s dishes are cooked and served traditionally, prepared in a wood-fired oven, and cooked by a famous woman who has been perfecting her craft in traditional Turkish cuisine for years. So much so that her talents have been accredited with features in magazines, showcasing her excellent cooking skills. 

If Testi Kebab is on your list to try whilst you’re in Cappadocia, which we would highly recommend and suggest that it should be, Sakli Konak is unrivaled for this delicacy, boasting some of the best Testi Kebab in the area. 

Whether you’re coming for a light lunch or dinner, Sakli Konak is a fantastic option in Uchisar to sample some of the most mouth-watering cuisines in the area.