The Ultimate Cappadocia Food Guide: Tasty Dishes, Unique Restaurants, & Fun Culinary Experiences

Cappadocia may be known for its fairy chimneys and hot air balloon rides, but its food is just as memorable. From slow-cooked pottery kebabs its unique Turkish coffee, this region has a rich and unique culinary tradition worth exploring. If you're planning a visit, this Cappadocia food guide will help you make the most of every bite.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about what to eat in Cappadocia, where to find the best restaurants and local spots, and how to experience the region’s food culture through immersive culinary tours.

Whether you’re a curious foodie or just want to try something new, this guide will point you to the best flavors Cappadocia has to offer.

Cappadocia Food Guide: A Brief Intro

before diving into the top dishes to try in Cappadocia, and the best restaurants in the region, we want to give you a bit of an idea what it's like to eat and drink in Cappadocia. Here are some details about the cuisine, as well as some frequently asked questions by travelers.

 What is Anatolian Cuisine?

Anatolian cuisine refers to the traditional food of the Anatolia region, which makes up much of modern-day Turkey. It’s a melting pot of influences from the Middle East, Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and even the Balkans. 

Expect rich flavors, generous use of spices, lots of yogurt, fresh vegetables, meats cooked over open flames, and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Many dishes are slow-cooked, layered with texture, and heavily influenced by Ottoman culinary traditions.

 What is the Most Popular Food in Cappadocia?

There are a lot of popular foods in Cappadocia, which we'll go over in the Turkish Dishes section of our article.

Cappadocia is known for specific Anatolian dishes, along with traditional Turkish ones. Being a tourist-friendly destination, you'll also find plenty of options for vegetarians, and a variety of other cuisines like Indian, Italian, and modern fusions.

What is the Signature Dish of Cappadocia?

Without a doubt, the most iconic dish in this Cappadocia food guide is Testi Kebab. Cooked in a clay pot that’s broken open at your table with a dramatic flair, this dish is as much an experience as it is a meal. 

The pot is typically filled with beef or lamb, vegetables, garlic, and tomato sauce, then sealed and baked over coals for hours. The result? A tender, juicy stew that’s bursting with flavor - definitely one of our favorites!

Can You Drink Cappadocia Water?

The water in Cappadocia is technically safe to drink, but it's usually not recommended by locals. If you're using it in a kettle to make tea or for cooking, it's completely fine. However, to avoid having an upset stomach, it's typically suggested to stick to bottled water.

We recommend purchasing large jugs of water in a supermarket and refilling a reusable water bottle to be a more eco-friendly traveler.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Cappadocia?

There is a common misconception that because Turkey is mostly a Muslim country, that people cannot drink. The truth is that Cappadocia is very tourist-friendly, and unless it is a strictly Muslim establishment (which is quite rare), alcohol is offered.

Cappadocia is also known for their wine-making, so you'll certainly want to try the local wines. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are commonly found sold in shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Along with the wine, don't forget to try Raki, Turkey’s signature anise-flavored spirit.

 Meals in Cappadocia

Now let's take a look at what meals look like in Cappadocia:

Breakfast in Cappadocia

Most of the top hotels in Cappadocia have breakfast included, and typically have massive spreads of breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, dips, eggs, nuts, and fruits. You'll also find restaurants offer international-style breakfasts.

In Cappadocia breakfast starts early (for sunrise), since one of the top morning activities is watching the hot air balloon rides. Honestly, it was our favorite meal while there!

Lunch in Cappadocia

With really heavy breakfasts, we typically had super light and easy lunches. We'd either grab some burek, a pizza, or sandwich and hit the road. Save your big meals for dinner, because there are some great spots!

Dinner in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is full of dimly-late dining spots, romantic terraces, and magical cave restaurants. Most restaurants open early and stay open until 10 or 11, but we'd really recommend eating early, since some of the best things to do in Cappadocia happen early in the morning.

There is limited seating in many places, so if you visit in high season, we recommend making reservations.

Cappadocia Food Guide: Top Anatolian & Turkish Dishes to Try

Now that you know a bit about Anatolian cuisine, and what to expect while eating and drinking in Cappadocia, let's dive into the next part of our Cappadocia food guide, covering all of the must-try dishes!

Appetizers to Try in Cappadocia

Honestly, we could live off of appetizers in Turkey! Meals in Cappadocia typically start with meze, which are small plates. Many of these are dips, served with fresh bread. If you're looking to have some drinks and eat light, then getting a few of these to share is an excellent option!

Here are some appetizers in Turkey to try while in Cappadocia:

• Hummus: A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic.
• Haydari: A thick yogurt dip with garlic and herbs.
• Babagannus: Roasted eggplant mashed with yogurt or tahini.
• Atom Mezesi: Yogurt with spicy fried chili peppers and garlic oil.
• Kiz Güzeli: Another yogur-based dip made with beets and garlic.
• Yaprak Sarması: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and herbs.
• Çiğ Köfte: Traditionally made with raw meat, in Cappadocia you'll mostly fin them vegetarian and made from bulgur, spices, and tomato paste.

Main Dishes to Try in Cappadocia

These hearty and flavorful dishes are the stars of this Cappadocia food guide:

• Testi Kebab: The must-try pottery kebab - it's one of the more expensive dishes, but incredibly tasty, and has a really cool presentation!
• Manti: Also known as Turkish Ravioli, these tiny dumplings are filled with minced meat and topped with garlicky yogurt sauce.
• Nevşehir Pan: A local specialty stew of vegetables and meat, named after the province’s capital.
• Kiremit Dishes: Meat served sizzling in clay trays: - typically with options for chicken (Tavuk), meatballs (Köfte) (meatballs), or beef (Et).
• Saç Tava: Thinly sliced meat and vegetables stir-fried on a large metal pan.
• Adana Kebab: Spicy minced meat grilled on skewers.
• Beyti Kebab: Minced meat wrapped in lavash, grilled, and served with tomato sauce and yogurt. (This is one of the most satisfying and filling dishes we tried!).
• Ali Nazik: A smoky eggplant purée topped with sautéed meat and butter.
• Döner Kebab: Classic Turkish street food - meat cooked on a vertical spit and shaved into a wrap.
• Menemen: A breakfast favorite made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices.

Desserts to Try in Cappadocia

No Cappadocia food guide would be complete without indulging in these sweet treats:

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry, nuts, and syrup.
• Künefe: A cheese-filled dessert with crispy shredded pastry, soaked in syrup.
• Turkish Delight (Lokum): Soft, chewy candy often flavored with rose, lemon, or pistachio.
• Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma): This ice cream is unique because it's thick, chewy, and served with a bit of a fun show from street vendors.
• Pistachio Cream: like peanut butter, but extra sweet and creamy

Cappadocia Food Guide: The Best Restaurants in Cappadocia

Now that you know what to order when you're out to all of the incredible restaurants in Cappadocia, let's bring you to the best ones out there!

Dining in Cappadocia can be really hit or miss - sometimes they are crazy touristy and overpriced, while others have delicious food, a cozy setting, and more budget-friendly prices.

After visiting dozens of restaurants in Cappadocia, we're here to narrow down some of our favorites for you.

The Best Restaurants in Goreme

Goreme is certainly the most touristy area of Cappadocia, but as long as you don't stay on the main strip, you can certainly find some good spots! Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in Goreme, Cappadocia.

Happena Restaurant

Part of Kelebek Special Cave Hotel, Happena Restaurant has it all - great food, beautiful views, and a stunning interior. Make sure to reserve in advance for this one, as it was super busy when we went!

Veranda Rooftop (Mithra)

We stayed the night at Mithra Cave Hotel, and absolutely loved it. While we typically steer clear of hotel restaurants, we were exhausted and decided to give their rooftop restaurant a try.

The food was incredibly good, especially the lamb shank with orzo. The rooftop is also super romantic and has great views, making it one of our top picks for hotels and restaurants in the area.

Kaira Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Looking for an amazing sunset spot? Well, Kaira Rooftop sits hit in the hills of Goreme, with panoramic views and a front row seat to the sun going down. They have live music on the terrace, and it's the most sought-after spot in the evening. Make sure to get there really early!

Panorama Wine House

We couldn't get into Kaira Rooftop, but luckily Panorama Wine House was right next door. It has equally beautiful views, and you can actually hear the music from next door, making it an excellent alternative to Kaira.

Keyf i Ala

Located right where you enter into Goreme, Keyf i Ala is a moody cave restaurant tucked right into a fairy chimney. We recommend going on a weekend at night so that you can enjoy their live music too.

Topdeck Cafe

Topdeck was definitely our favorite restaurant in Goreme. Located inside a cave, they have the cutest atmosphere, and even have tables on the floor with tons of cushions. The portions were big, the food was absolutely delicious, and the servers were friendly. All around, it was a 10/10 experience.

Pumpkin Goreme 

Looking for a trendy little spot with just great food? Pumpkin was a place recommended to us a few times, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

Goreme Kadin Kooperatifi

If you're looking for good Anatolian home cooking for affordable prices, then this is our top recommendation for you. The place is modest-looking, but damn they know how to cook. It certainly is one of the best places to eat in Goreme for authentic flavors, without spending a fortune.

King's Coffee

King's Coffee lured us in with its cute pink decor, but what we really loved was their pistachio late. It's a great place to stop if you plan on spending some time working while traveling. Although it's certainly overpriced, it was a good little splurge moment justified by the few hours we spent there.

The Best Restaurants in Uchisar

Uchisar is home to many of the most upscale hotels in Cappadocia, and it's restaurants certainly reflect that. Here are some amazing restaurants in Uchisar to check out.

Elai

Elai was hands-down our favorite restaurant in Cappadocia. Every detail from the restaurants decor and the plating to the immense flavors of each dish blew our mind.

If you're looking for a romantic night out or something special, then definitely make sure to make a reservation for Elai.

Elai Bistro

Looking for some great food but something a tiny bit more casual? Elai Bistro has the same incredible owners and equally talented chefs. 

While Elai is a bit more of a fine dining establishment, Elai Bistro is excellent for a cocktail, pizza, or burger. It's chic, social, and is packed full of flavor, making it one of the top restaurants in Uchisar.

Sunset Wine Garden Uchisar

Looking for a nice sunset view with great pictures? Well, Sunset Wine Garden is the place to be. They have various patios, a plastic dome, and a little indoor area. Unfortunately when we stopped by it was raining, so we'll definitely have to go back to report about the drinks!

Reserved Restaurant & Lounge

This cave restaurant has romantic dimmed lighting and a totally incredible atmosphere. We loved our food as well, and we'd highly recommend it for a nice night out.

Millocal

Another fabulous restaurant in Uchisar, Millocal is one of the most popular and recommended places to eat in Cappadocia. It is a bit pricey, but the atmosphere is great and the menu has an amazing variety.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

The Best Restaurants in Avanos

Welcome to one of the most underrated cities in Cappadocia, which is home to some incredible pottery. But our favorite part of Avanos wasn't even the incredible ceramics there. It was actually because of a few places we ate while there!

Akdeniz Kebap Salonu

We were starving while walking around Avanos and couldn't decide where to have lunch. Everything seemed like a tourist trap - and then we found this restaurant on the corner. It was quiet, simply decorated with old photos, and didn't have anything particularly special looking about it.

We gave it a shot and wow, it really was incredible. We highly recommend the Beyti kebab. It was incredibly delicious, and the plate was big enough for two of us!

Mersin Tantuni

Looking for something quick and tasty? Well Mersin Tantuni has the best kebabs we've ever had. What made them special was their tomato and yogurt blend of sauces, and the spicy peppers we added to them. We got one to split for a quick bite and loved it so much we got two more!

Helvaci Ali

Looking for something to cure your sweet tooth? Helvaci Ali has a unique dessert worth stopping by for. I wish I could explain it, but you'll just have to trust me and try the Biscoff one.

Dinner in the Sky Cappadocia

We only recently came across this, but had to add it to our Cappadocia food guide because it is so damn unique.

We have seen a "dinner in the sky" in Riga, Latvia actually so knew it would be a similar concept. Imagine dining while being dangled by a crane! It's the perfect adventure for those that want to live on the wild side and have incredible views at the same time.

The Best Restaurants in Urgup

Urgup is one of those towns that most tourists skip - but it is home to some of the best hotels in Cappadocia, as well as some pretty unique restaurants. Here are a couple we recommend.

Lagarto Restaurant

It was one of our first days in Cappadocia, and we were checking out places for our wedding. I got taken to one of the most beautiful cave hotels in Cappadocia, and met the owner.

After showing me around the property he sat me down with some other of the guys there and we had a meal. He brought a meze to the table with serveral different dips, and then got me the testy kebab. Wow, just wow. Every morsel of food was incredible, and the cave we dined in was to die for.

If you have the time, don't miss out on taking a trip to Urgup, because you really won't regret it.

Ziggy Cafe & Shoppe

This was another restaurant recommended on several other blogs, and while we didn't personally have the chance to visit this one, we'd still recommend checking it out due to all of its great reviews.

We'll be visiting Cappadocia again in just days, so will report back when we have feedback on the food!

Other Cool Restaurants in Cappadocia

Now that you know many of the top places to eat in Cappadocia, we have a little bit of a surprise. These restaurants are all hidden gems tucked away in the gorgeous valleys of Cappadocia. They're all family-run, authentic, and charming, making them the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

Typical Turkish House Caffeteria

This is one of those not-so-hidden gems- a place we stumbled across as you will, but one that should also be much more well known.

Located right inside the valley of the Uchisar Castle viewpoint, there's a fairy chimney that is home to a couple that grew up there. 

They turned their home into a shop and restaurant with several different rooms, and a even have an outdoor balcony overlooking the valley. It's the cutest spot for a cup of tea or coffee, and to simply soak up the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia.

Mesgendir Valley Cafe

One day in Cappadocia we were driving around and in search of a cafe. I chose what seemed to be the closest place to us, and we started driving. All of the sudden we were going down a dirt road, and it suddenly ended, right in the middle of this beautiful valley.

Where was the cafe though? I had to know. Well, I started following the dot on my GPS. It led me through a few passageways, and finally to a small property with a smiley old man.

It's not crazy easy to get to (you'll want a 4x4). You'll lose service and have to pay cash, but seriously, if you like authentic and unique experiences, then don't miss out on this little gem for some freshly squeezed juices and snacks.

Kizilvadi Cafe (Red Valley)

While we're talking about cute caves in Cappadocia's valleys, we can miss out on our final Cappadocia restaurant recommendation. Kizilvadi Cafe is another cafe you'll need to walk to. It's tucked away right inside the Red Valley, and is a true gem.

This family-run place has the cutest and quirkiest outdoor restaurant, and feels like a little fairytale moment being there. It's certainly one for the bucket list!

Cappadocia Food Guide: Unique Food & Drink Experiences

Now that you know what to eat in Cappadocia, and the best restaurants to try, let's get into our favorite part of our Cappadocia food guide! We're all about unique experiences, and these activities will be sure to leave you with the best impressions of Anatolian cuisine and the local drinks of the region.

Anatolian Cooking Class

Anatolian food is so incredibly tasty- and what better way to enjoy the cuisine then by learning from the locals? There are a few different cooking classes in Cappadocia to choose from, from learning right inside someone's home, to whipping up delicacies inside of a cave.

VIP Breakfast Experience

Turkey is known for having some amazing breakfasts, and in some of the top hotels in Cappadocia you can find some truly special breakfast experiences. Not only do many places have incredible breakfast spreads, but some have special VIP breakfast opportunities.

Henna Hotel is one spot in particular that has one that we love. The hotel has 3 different breakfast setups on their rooftops, offering tasty breakfast spreads in their various unique locations.

For $100 you can dine with a traditional cushion setup, inside a luxury cabana, or even with a chandelier hanging above you! Not only that, but these are offered first thing in the morning, with some of the most epic views of the hot air balloons.

Another one we love is the one at Local Cave House, where you can have a floating breakfast inside the pool!

Romantic Dinner in the Valley

If you're looking for the ultimate romantic dining experience, then you don't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity- which is to dine inside one of the stunning valleys of Cappadocia!

You'll have a gorgeous setup with rustic decor and lanterns, while enjoying a multi-course culinary experience in Turkey's most iconic destination. It's also perfect for special occasions, or maybe even a proposal!  

Sand Brewed Turkish Coffee Workshop

Turkish coffee has a pretty unique preparation, and whether it's your preferred taste or not, this hands-on activity is a super fun and unique experience to try while in Cappadocia!

You'll get the chance to experience the traditional way of making Turkish Coffee on sand and also learn about its cultural significance, while trying different Turkish desserts. It's not only fun, but it's also one of the most affordable activities in Cappadocia, making it a must-try.

Wine Tasting Tour

Did you know that Cappadocia is home to various vineyards? On this half-day wine tour you get to visit the largest vineyard in the region, learn about local wine-making culture and have a variety of tastings included.

Bar Crawl

Looking to experience a bit of Cappadocian nightlife? Well, joining this bar crawl is the perfect way to meet some other cool travelers and have a fun night out. You'll be taken to a variety of bars in the area, and get to socialize while having local drinks - one of the best activities in Cappadocia to enjoy in the evening!

 Traditional Turkish Dinner & Folk Show

If you're a foodie and also love to experience local culture, then this experience is the perfect combo! There are quite a few dinner shows in Cappadocia that offer live performances of traditional Turkish dances with dinner included! 

Some of them are even held in caves, offering the most authentic Cappadocian experience.

Cappadocia Food Guide: Final Thoughts & Recap

Now you have all of the information for eating and drinking your way around one of the most incredible destinations in Turkey! But in case you missed anything, here's a bit of a recap of our Cappadocia food guide:

• Cappadocia's cuisine is part of Anatolian cuisine.
• Anatolian dishes have a lot of yogurt and meats.
• Tap water is safe to drink, but not typical for locals.
• Alcohol is widely sold and consumed in Cappadocia.
• The signature dish in Cappadocia is Testi Kebab, and it comes with a show.
• Many of the top hotels in Cappadocia have great breakfast spreads.
• There are a lot of great cave restaurants in Cappadocia, as well as places with live music.
• There are a few hidden gem restaurants tucked away in Cappadocia's valleys.
• Cappadocia is known for its wine making.
• There are a lot of unique activities in Cappadocia for eating and drinking.

What's Next?

Now that you've experienced all of the top restaurants and food of Cappadocia, you'll probably want to know all of the fun things to do and see in the region! Here are some other guides we've written which will help you plan an incredible trip in Cappadocia:

 How to Get to Cappadocia

 20 of the Best Things to Do in Cappadocia

 29 Unique Activities & Tours in Cappadocia

 The Top Hotels in Cappadocia

 22 Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

 The Best Valleys in Cappadocia

 What to Do in Cappadocia When it Rains

 What to Expect on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

 The Best Places for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia

So are you ready to eat and drink your way around one of the most beautiful regions of Turkey? We hope you enjoyed our Cappadocia food guide, and that you are now fully prepared to dive into the awesome food and drink scene there.

Want to learn more about traveling in Cappadocia? Don't miss out on our other Cappadocia travel guides - and there are plenty of others coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, and for exclusive discounts on our shop!

Ready to start planning the most incredible trip to Cappadocia? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, crafting you specially-curated itineraries and saving you money along the way. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email so we can get started on your free consultation!

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