What And Where To Eat In Cappadocia In 2026: 23 Best Restaurants (Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, Avanos)

What and Where to Eat in Cappadocia in 2026: 23 Best Restaurants (Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, Avanos)

Alissa Walker

Travel writing based on first-hand experience

February 11, 2026

Wondering what and where to eat in Cappadocia? Read our full guide- cave dining, pottery kebab, vineyard kitchens—map-led picks with prices, must-book spots, and what to order.

What to eat in Cappadocia

Pottery Kebab (Testi Kebabı)

Cooked low and slow inside Avanos clay pots with vegetables. Like all slow-cooked meats, it turns meltingly tender. Because it simmers in the vegetables’ juices, the flavors mingle, and you can’t help but dunk bread into the sauce. The presentation is a show, too: the pot is brought to the table and the server cracks it at the neck, then serves what’s inside.

If you tried it once and didn’t love it, try a couple more places. If we’d judged by our first experience, we would have written something very different.

Where to Eat Pottery Kebab in Cappadocia?

Saklı Konak: We had pottery kebab at Saklı Konak and found it much better than our try a few years back. Details are in the restaurant section below.
House Of Memories : Locals say the best pottery kebab in Cappadocia is at House of Memories. Details are in the restaurant section below.

Erişte Noodles with Pumpkin Seeds

In Nevşehir, erişte often plays sidekick to dishes like “erişte pilav.” It’s a winter staple here. This version—also called “dilik kız mantısı”—is worth a try on its own.

Where to Eat Pumpkin-Seed Erişte in Cappadocia?

Tık Tık Kadın Emeği :One of the places to taste pumpkin-seed erişte. Find more about Tık Tık in the restaurant section below.
Millocal Restaurant: One of Cappadocia’s most famous restaurants; you’ll find pumpkin-seed erişte on the menu. More in the restaurant section.
Saklı Konak: Another spot to try pumpkin-seed erişte. Address: 2. Karlık Sokak No:3, Uçhisar.

Stuffed Vine Leaves (Yaprak Sarma)

Cappadocia is famous for vineyards—so no surprise it’s also known for top-quality grape leaves. Most restaurants will have yaprak sarma on the menu.

Where to Eat Yaprak Sarma in Cappadocia:

Kadıneli Restaurant: A good place to try local Cappadocian dishes including yaprak sarma. Address: Yukarı Mahalle, Fatih Caddesi, 50240 Merkez. Click for location.
Saklı Konak: Another address for a great yaprak sarma. Address: 2. Karlık Sokak No:3, Uçhisar. Click for location.
Tık Tık Kadın Emeği: Another option for yaprak sarma. Address: Yeni Cami, 50350 Ürgüp/Nevşehir. Click for location.

Ürgüp Köfte (Meatballs)

The Nevşehir area is famous for potatoes, and Ürgüp köfte uses grated potato in the mix—its local signature.

Where to Eat Ürgüp Köfte in Cappadocia?

We only spotted Ürgüp köfte on the menu at Tık Tık Kadın Emeği. Tasty, worth ordering. Address: Yeni Cami, 50350 Ürgüp/Nevşehir.

Kayseri & Nevşehir Dumplings (Mantı)

Nevşehir mantı is a much less labor-intensive cousin of Kayseri mantı. The big differences: it’s baked, made with bread dough, and instead of tiny filled bites it’s rolled with minced meat and onion, then sliced and baked.

Where to Eat Mantı in Cappadocia?

Fatıma’nın Sofrası: Award-winning for its mantı. Address: Bahçelievler, Açık pazar yeri, Mithat Dülge Cd. 2/A, 50500 Avanos.
Tık Tık Kadın Emeği: We liked Tık Tık’s mantı just as much as Fatıma’s. Address: Yeni Cami, 50350 Ürgüp/Nevşehir.

Düğü Soup

“Düğü” is a fine bulgur. This simple soup is made by adding düğü and water into a base of butter and tomato paste toasted together.

Where to Eat Düğü Soup in Cappadocia?

We found it at Saklı Konak—a light winter soup. Address: 2. Karlık Sokak No:3, Uçhisar.

Kuru Kaymak (Dried Clotted Cream)

A different kind of kaymak—like a milk wafer. Not the soft, spreadable kind; it’s firm enough to slice with a knife or break by hand. It takes at least five days to make: boiling the milk, resting, drying the cream. Keeps 10–15 days in the fridge.

Made only in the town of Kaymaklı (note the name) in Nevşehir, and it’s a registered local product. So yes, you’ll need a little detour to taste it. Dip it in jam or drizzle with honey. Our favorite is the honey pairing.

Dolaz

Flour halva, Cappadocia-style—with eggs and walnuts. Sweetness comes from grape molasses or honey instead of sugar. A simple dessert you can make at home.

Köftür

Harvest time in Nevşehir isn’t just about picking grapes from Avanos vineyards. October is also for making pekmez (grape molasses), fruit leather, and a beloved local sweet called köftür. Think “Anatolian gummy”—a kind of grape delight. Just three ingredients: grape must (şıra), flour, and starch. Zero added sugar. A lighter, “healthier” sweet. You’ll find it in most markets and bazaars.

Chickpea Stew (Nohutlu Yahni)

Traditionally cooked in a clay pot or buried in embers in a tandoor. Chickpeas are soaked overnight; the next day onion and mutton are sautéed, water and tomato paste added, combined with chickpeas, then left to cook slowly—often buried in the tandoor’s coals.

Stuffed Quince (Ayva Dolması)

A classic Ottoman pairing of fruit and meat. In the Nevşehir style, quinces are hollowed and filled with a spiced minced-meat mixture (no rice), then cooked.

Zerdeli Pilaf

A Nevşehir pilaf with a gentle sweetness from dried fruit—like an “inner pilaf.” It’s two layers: on the bottom, a pekmez-and-raisin “zerde” pilaf; on top, a classic chickpea pilaf.

Zerde

Common across Anatolia, not just Nevşehir—think of it like a saffron rice pudding/jelly. Its vivid yellow comes from saffron; the aroma leans on clove. We still rate aşure > zerde, but it’s a traditional dessert to try while you’re here.

Aside

An Ottoman dessert you’ll meet in many Anatolian cities—more closely associated with Kayseri, but found in neighboring Nevşehir too. Made with flour, butter, and molasses; the texture is like a pourable flour halva.

Apricot Stew (Kayısı Yahnisi)

One of Anatolia’s fruit-and-meat dishes. In this Nevşehir recipe the main actors are dried apricots and lamb, though you can swap in yellow dried plums if apricots aren’t available. If the fruit isn’t very sweet, a little molasses goes into the pot.

Gendirme

Nevşehir’s name for keşkek. The difference: the wheat stays whole rather than being pounded to a paste as in classic keşkek.

Best Restaurants in Cappadocia

Where to Eat in Uçhisar?

Millocal

With service, plating, and views to match, Millocal is one of Cappadocia’s most sought-after restaurants. It serves modern Turkish cuisine, but you’ll also find local flavors like pottery kebab and erişte. Address: Tekelli Mah. Karlık Sok. No:30, Uçhisar, 50240. Click for location.

Saklı Konak

A modest café run by Pembe Hanım. She puts a large pot of pottery kebab on early in the morning and simmers it for hours, then portions it into small pots for serving. You’ll also find other home-style regional dishes like pumpkin-seed erişte and yaprak sarma. Prices aren’t sky-high, though tourism has nudged them up. Breakfast is tasty, and there’s a terrace for open-air seating. Address: 2. Karlık Sokak No:3, Uçhisar. Click for location.

Seki Restaurant & Lounge

The restaurant of Argos Hotel. Quality service and very good food, with lovely views and ambiance. Best to reserve just in case. Address: Tekelli Mahallesi, Argos In Cappadocia Hotel, 50240 Merkez. Click for location

Lil’a Restaurant by Museum Hotel

The à la carte restaurant of The Museum Hotel, and one of Cappadocia’s more luxurious dining rooms. The menu features distinctive flavors worth trying, and the presentations match the setting. Favorites include beef kuşgömü, duck confit with fig sauce, and lamb shank, though the menu changes often—check their website for the latest. Prices are well above average. Great for romantic evenings and special occasions. Open daily 11:00–22:00. Address: Tekeli No.2, Eski Göreme Caddesi. . Click for location.

House Of Memories

Recently a favorite stop for pottery kebab. They do it the traditional way, but you must order a day in advance. Bayram Bey is both a master of pottery kebab and the owner. Cozy atmosphere, generous portions. Pottery kebab comes with rice, salad, and pide. Address: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir. Click for location.

Elai

Another Uçhisar pick for a romantic dinner. Dim lighting, elegant decor. The menu is Turkish cuisine with a fine-dining twist. Prices are on the higher side, but flavors deliver. Address: Tekelli, Göreme Cd. No:61, 50420 Uçhisar. Click for location.

Çiko’nun Yeri

A small tea garden and viewpoint where you can sip tea or Turkish coffee with Uçhisar Castle in sight. Instagram. Address: Tekelli, Cici Ahbab Sk. No:12, 50240 Uçhisar. Click for location.

Kadıneli

An initiative of the Uçhisar Development and Solidarity Association, right in Uçhisar center—affordable, tasty local dishes. Yaprak sarma, mantı, and gözleme are the stars. Address: Yukarı Mahalle, Fatih Caddesi, 50240 Merkez. Click for location.

Where to Eat in Ortahisar?

Tandır

The sunset view is fantastic—go at that hour if you can. Great with meats; the lamb tandır and shank are favorites. Pottery kebab is excellent too, but you must order three hours ahead. Add their house-made erişte to your must-try list. Address: Manzara ve Kültür Parkı. Click for location.

İstanbullu Bozacının Yeri

They make wonderful boza; if you want to try this traditional Turkish drink, don’t miss this spot. Prices are very reasonable, and the ambiance is lovely. Address: Tepebaşı Meydanı, Ortahisar. Click for location.

Where to Eat in Ürgüp?

Ziggy Cafe

A couple who moved from Istanbul restored an old mansion to sell clothing, jewelry, and antiques; demand grew so much it became a restaurant. It’s named after their dog, Ziggy. Prices are slightly above average, but the ambience and flavours outshine those of most places in Cappadocia. They offer tasting menus of meze + main. The main wasn’t mind-blowing, but the mezes were excellent—especially the olive-oil dolma and orange-scented Jerusalem artichoke. Open daily 12:00–23:30. Address: Musaefendi Mahallesi, Ahmet Refik Cd., Ürgüp. Click for location.

Tık Tık Kadın Emeği

The best place to try pumpkin-seed erişte and Ürgüp köfte made with potato. Also offers home-style dishes like yaprak sarma and mantı. It’s a women’s cooperative. Prices are fair—and you’re supporting women’s labor. Address: Yeni Cami, 50350 Ürgüp/Nevşehir. Click for location.

Old Greek House Restaurant

A beautiful setting in the courtyard of a historic mansion. It gained fame as one of the main filming locations of the early episodes of “Asmalı Konak.” Nearly everything is homemade and tasty. Try the mezes and olive-oil dishes. Address: Mustafapaşa Köyü, Şahin Cd. No:16, 50420 Ürgüp. Click for location.

Aravan Evi

In Ürgüp’s Ayvalı village, this is the restaurant of Aravan Evi Hotel, serving traditional Cappadocian cuisine. Fruits and vegetables come from the hotel’s eco-farm. If you’re not a hotel guest, call at least six hours in advance for reservations. Address: Merkez, Aravan Evi içinde, 50400 Ürgüp. Tel: 0384 354 58 38. Click for location.

Where to Eat in Göreme?

Topdeck Cave Restaurant

An atmospheric, authentic little place with only 10 tables. Delicious food. Closed Tuesdays. Open Sat–Sun 17:00–23:30; other days 18:00–00:00. Address: Hafız Abdullah Efendi Sokak No:15. Click for location.

Seten Anatolian Cuisine

A good choice for dinner with ambiance to match the flavors. Nice for a smart meal; presentations are as strong as the cooking. Try the pottery kebab. Prices are around Istanbul averages. Address: Aydınlı Mah., Aydınlı Sok. No:42, Göreme. Click for location.

Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant & Art Gallery

Small and friendly. The menu changes, so call to check, but there are usually a few mains. Staff is very attentive. Open daily 18:00–00:00. Address: İçeri Dere Sokak No:7, Göreme/Nevşehir. Click for location.

Cappadocian Cuisine

Order the pottery kebab and sac kavurma. Flavors aren’t wildly different from elsewhere, but prices are relatively modest, so it’s a decent pick. Open daily 07:00–23:00. Address: Uzundere Cad., Göreme. Click for location.

Where to Eat in Avanos?

Seyyah Han

Our favorite restaurant in Avanos—if you’ll pick just one here, make it this. Inside is full of character, and the terrace has lovely views right among the fairy chimneys. The food matches the setting. Open daily 11:00–23:00. Address: 2. Küme Mahallesi, Maltepe Sokağı No:144, Avanos. Click for location.

Uranos Sarıkaya Restaurant

Choose it more for the entertainment and atmosphere than the food. At lunch there’s no show, but evenings bring folklore performances with dinner. Lunch service 11:30–12:30; dinner 17:00–19:20; the show starts at 20:00 and runs until midnight. If your time is tight, prioritize tasting pottery kebab elsewhere; if you have extra days, come here once for the fun. Open daily 08:30–23:30. Address: Akbel Mevkii, Köprü Başı No:88, Avanos. Click for location.

Fatıma’nın Sofrası

A warm, family-run place to taste Fatıma Hanım’s cooking in Avanos. Local home dishes like mantı, pottery kebab, and bean stew made from heirloom beans. Their mantı is award-winning, but we liked the kavurmalı pilav even more. Portions are generous; house-made pickles and other side nibbles are delicious. Address: Bahçelievler, Açık pazar yeri, Mithat Dülge Cd. 2/A, 50500 Avanos. Click for location.

BONUS: For Those Flying via Kayseri: Buffalo Breakfast in Hürmetçi Village

If you’re using Kayseri Airport to get to/from Cappadocia, stop in Hürmetçi Village for a very different breakfast. The village raises water buffalo; breakfast is built around products from buffalo milk and meat. Think of every buffalo product you can: sucuk, kavurma, cheese, butter, kaşar, milk jam, yogurt, clotted cream, tulum, lor… Don’t expect a formal breakfast salon; a market called Kemer Doğal Köy Ürünleri serves it in a modest garden. It’s famous around Kayseri, so weekends require reservations. Click for location.