Is it cheap to eat out? 1st time in North Cyprus

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 13:54

I am looking forward to my holiday in North Cyprus with my husband in October.



We are booked into a nice Villa and have the option of choosing bed and breakfast or Half board. I am tempted to go half board as it works out as £20 extra per day for 3 course set meal for the two of us but at the same time I am thinking that it would be nice to explore the local area and visit local restaurants - is it cheap to eat out? We are staying in Kyrenia/Alsancak area. Any suggestions for nice restaurants?



Thank you for your help!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 13:55

Obviously depends on the quality of restaurant you choose. I think, by and large, for good food it's not cheap.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 13:58

sarah,



Always eat out it may cost a little more (it might well not*). You have at least three benefits when you eat out, choice, quality/price is often better & you will meet other people either locals or expats.



*I have often eaten in the area for a lot less than £10.00 per person.



Explore

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:05

Hi Sarah,

I met a couple holidaying who were half board, they wished that they were b&b because of the choice of restuarants here. It's also another way of exploring the island, and meeting different people.

If you mean £20 each extra, I'm sure you'll find meals cheaper than that.

Happy holidays

burty1987


Joined: 21/07/2009
Posts: 79

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:07

£20 a day visiting a mixture of *proper* Turkish Cypriot restaurants and the more touristy ones will probably work out the same overall.



But you will have the benefit like you say of exploring the island, meeting lots of friendly people and exploring the wonderful food Northern Cyprus has to offer!

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:05

Wow! Thanks so much for all of your advice! I wish I had found this forum earlier as I have been googling and looking on trip advisor for hours which hasn't told me anything!



Thank you for helping me make my mind up, I'll definitely stick with the bed and breakfast option.



Sarah

chinaeyes


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 425

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:16

Where are you staying in Alsancak,maybe we all could give you directions of a few eateries etc.Plenty of choices ,cheap and cheerful to full on dress up.You'll have tremendous fun trying them out.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:24

mess 3 - "eat out for £10 per person" - what were you eating ? - soil ??



A takeaway kebab can cost half that...

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:40

nn

58 ytl=£24.00+£12.00 each

Meze between 2, and not the poor excuse you sometimes get these days

1 full kebab with the works.

1 sea bream meal with the works.

2 drinks.

Lovely meal everytime we have went and you have to be a glutton to finish it.

Between town and harbour.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:42

sorry that should have been 58ytl =£24.00=£12.00 each and not+

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:44

girne29 - sounds lovely, but what's the name of the place please?



J

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:50

at the end of the day you get what you pay for.. depending on where you are staying there are some fantastic restuarants:



Sevkets - lapta

15's Alsancak

travertalowa - alsancak

14s - girne

el sabour- girne

di figaro - karaolgualou

ambiance - -" -

there is also another good rest in the turkish quarter but cant remember the name

Pujab - Lapta

Mos - Karakum

Chop sticks - girne

cenaps - alsancak

Dolphin - Alsancak

Yummies - Girne



hope this helps but these are some of the ones we like

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:55

Think I'll be living on kebabs then!!!

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:55

Thank you girne29. Now that's what I call good value!!! Sorry what's the restaurant called and where is it?

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:55

Tuttut, Thank you for the list - I'm staying in Alsancak for 11 nights so will be able to work my way through most of those places!! I don't think I realised there were so many places to eat out.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 20:56

NN When you eat local you can do it, I have lunched in what was called Didems for £12.00 or less for two relativley recently - you just try to be normal and eat local.



I have a belly that likes good grub it keeps growing to prove it but some good food with ekmek and su plus maybe a chai suits me well, that does not need to be expensive see Msg 9 for what sounds palatial.

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:04

Sarah some of the places i have listed are a bit pricey but the food is lovely, im sure its sevkets in Lapta but that is really good and the man that owns it is really lovely.



Oh there is also Veni veci in Lapta.



15's is new but VERY good, ive eaten there and the pwners are lovely people and the husband cooks...................................... makes a change

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:09

Thanks flightholiday. Just had to google 'ekmek' - looks delicious. I think eating locally is the answer. It certainly looks cheaper to eat over there than here where I seem to get ripped off all the time!

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:09

Sarah,



If you want to have a treat & splash out a little try Guido's in Alsancak (it's an Italian bistro, professional and good).



There you might pay a little over the £20.00 each but worth it. You can save a little on some other meals.



009 0533 873 0156 will book you a place for that something special.

andrew4232



Joined: 04/07/2009
Posts: 1543

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:11

why is it all ways CHEAP there is never any mention of quailty or good surroundings or good service

madturk


Joined: 25/03/2009
Posts: 217

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:13

try arif at tervoluta restaurant. we had meze and shish kebab, fruit, brandy and coffee. all for 32 lira about

£13 . food fasntastic

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:14

hell yer forgot that one sorry very very very good

i had lobster there and it was bloody lovely. it was pricy but hell can we not treat ourselves now n again.



veranda is also another nice place to eat and right on the sea in Karaoglanglou

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:15

Hello Sarah - we have a holiday home in Alsancak and you can rest assured that you have made the right choice in going "B & B". There are lots of good places round and about (as you have seen) but I think, especially as it's your first visit, it would be worth venturing into Girne to try a couple of places there (but avoid the harbour for eating). I know you'll get a lot more recommendations for restaurants and I'm sure you'll enjoy trying them out.



Hope you have a lovely holiday (and don't put on too much weight )



Jean

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:15

or you could meet some nice locals and go round there homes for dinner brilliant cooks

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:16

Flightholiday. I've written the number down for Guido's. I've heard a lot of good stuff about Guido's - the name keeps coming up so that's definitely going on my list. Andrew4232 - quality and good surroundings is always on the top of my list but as we are coming out for a holiday for 11 days, I have to be realistic and a bit careful with the money. as people have told me, you can eat well if you eat locally.

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:19

Think I'll either have to extend my holiday so i can visit all these places or not come home. Not come home sounds like a good idea!

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:20

yes i understand sarah as you are on holiday but it is still cheaper to eat out... it depends on what you order and quality.. just enjoy yourself and the island and also the people. we are a friendly bunch and enjoy sosializing so do a diary tell us where you are and maybe well meet you there

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:20

Has anyone heard of the kyrenia tavern? Is it any good?

Aysesdaddy



Joined: 21/03/2009
Posts: 392

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:25

Hi Sarah

We have just returned from 4 weeks in Kyrenia and found our meals ranged from 50tl to 120tl and that was for 3 of us with one or two drinks aswell. Sometimes we ate really local, sometimes not. Sele, Beyti's, Kyrenia Tavern, Padisa? (by fire station), Bafidi, Cafe de Paris, Chopsticks and Tree of Idleness to name a few. Never had a bad meal anywhere. In fact our best meal was at Kyrenia Tavern, which cost 105 tl for the three of us. But wine is expensive so we stayed of it and drank Efes or local spirits. Hope you have a great time and many good meals out.

Nigel

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:27

Tuttut, I will keep you posted and do a diary - We are travelling out on 2nd October and I can't wait! I think I might need to start dieting now so I can go out and try all these lovely places!

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:35

Sarah - would agree with Aysesdaddy re: wine. I drink wine at home but tend to stick with the Efes or local spirits whilst we are on holiday. I think most people have to watch their pennies these days. What we tend to do (especially if we are on holiday for three weeks) is to do a couple of cheaper nights (nothing to do with the quality of food - we love the kebabs and salads(kebabs are nothing like you get over here) followed by a more 'expensive' night - again, not talking a King's ransome!



You'll get the hang of 'mixing and matching'.



If you'd like any more help, we've been visiting NC for a lot of years, as have many others on here, and I'm sure we'd all be more than pleased to help with anything else you'd like to know.



Kind regards.



Jean

Tuttut


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:37

ive not eaten there and will defo try it.



Sarah defo if you are here for holiday or looking at buyin it does not matter as there are some great people, explore the place and take everything in.



local drinks are cheaper.. and get you a bit tippsy quicker which is all good.

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:39

Hi Nigel (Aysesdaddy) Thanks for the recommendations. I bet you had a wonderful 4 weeks! I reckon we'll be having a lot of good meals out by the sound of it! I'll definitely be dropping by to the Kyrenia Tavern to book a table (Thanks Kingbast - I would have just turned up and it might have been closed if you hadn't told me to book first!).



I now have so many places to eat out at and so little time! I will post on here and let you know which were my favourites!



Thanks all!

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 21:45

Hi Jeannie



I also drink wine at home but maybe I'll swap to local spirits too whilst on holiday. Excuse my ignorance but what is efes? I think we'll do a few cheap nights like you say and then a more expensive night here and there which will even it all out. In reality, we'll probably get carried away at the beginning of the holiday, spend most of our money and will have no choice but to eat on a budget!!

madturk


Joined: 25/03/2009
Posts: 217

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 22:08

ezic tuesday nights , all you can eat and drink buffet 30 lira. about £12.50 good value

kaysera


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 22:08

Sarah

Efes is the local beer/lager, although wine seems expensive I would say it's no worse that the mark-up in UK restaurants, so worth having on a few special nights perhaps.

As everyone else has said, some great restaurants to choose from, enjoy!!

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 23:04

The last time I went to Kyrenia Tavern it was 25TL a head for meze and main course. It was a while ago so may have increased a little in price. You should definitely try it Sarah the couple who run it are delightful. There is no menu, just a meze starter followed by whatever the lady has cooked that day.

If you are here on a Sunday and you like lamb then another good choice is "Lamb in the Well" at the Deniz Kizi Hotel in Alsancak. Slow cooked lamb with potatoes, onions, rice, salad, yoghurt and bread followed by fresh fruit. It costs 28TL per head and is really good value in my opinion. A bottle of white Angora is 25TL.

boglefan



Joined: 07/06/2009
Posts: 511

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 23:25

In Alsanjak for kebab at lunch with really cold Effes Fast Food is delicious and watch the world go by. We usually toddle from Sea side Lapta up thro village and walk to Alansajak (bottles of water of course), and by the time we reach Fast Foods we have earned our Effes and to die for Kebabs. Must be honest the food and the Effes usually takes effect and we take the dolmuch (sp) back to Flippers on the main road. Ohhh how I envy you. Would normally be there now but due to circumstances (health thing) need to wait a while yet. Please enjoy, all I will say is slow down live the lifestyle. The villages are majic and the children a joy, just walk slowly and observe -let all your senses work. If humans had not spoilt it I believe Cyprus (the Island) is the original Garden of Eden.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 23:36

Sarah - even if you are a wine drinker like me, in UK -I'm sure you'll get a taste for Efes. I love it!!



Our place is just behind Dolmaci supermarket in Alsancak village, so well within walking distance of Dolphin, Fast Food (don't be put off by the name) and Charcos - that hasn't been mentioned yet, has it?



Again, let me know (off board, if you likie) if there's anything else you would like some information on.



J

Aysesdaddy



Joined: 21/03/2009
Posts: 392

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 00:11

Hi Sarah - That is exactly what we do, a few cheapies and then a few expensive. We worked it out that on average we spent 20lr per head. Of course you can spend alot more but we really enjoy eating where the locals eat. We have been visiting Kyrenia for more than 27 years and just love the place. Please feel free to contact me by email if you want any other help. I am sure you will have a great time in a beautiful place.

Nigel

phylray



Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 00:21

You do not have to pay much for good quality simple local food (despite what NN says) Most of you talk like

ex-pats who want to eat in pretty places and pay through the nose for it. You can get delicious food in small

restaurants unbelievably cheap, but excellent. All depends what you want.

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 14:10

Jeannie and Aysesdaddy - Thanks for your help, I have been trying to email both of you but it says that i need a certain number of posts to see members email addresses so will post here in the meantime and hope you read it!! If you could let me know of any nice day trips or places to visit, nice beaches etc. that would be great. I expect a lot of our time will be spent at the beach or around the pool (basically winding down from work!!) but we really would love to do a bit of exploring as well and also do a boat trip. Would it be best to hire a car or could we just rely on the bus? Also and I bet you get asked this one a lot ...what's the weather generally like in October? Is it warm enough to sunbathe??!



Thanks Boglefan for the suggestion - a walk then a kebab and a cold effe watching the world go by sounds absolutely perfect! I can't wait!!!



Thanks everyone for your restaurant ideas - If anyone knows of a way I can reply to individual posts, please let me know!!

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 14:20

Hi again Sarah



Yes, silly of me, I'd forgotten that you have to have a minimum number of posts to be able to see e-mail addresses. Paul (my husband) is at work at the moment. We'll put our heads together when he gets home and leave a message on here about car hire, beaches, etc. Meanwhile, I daresay you'll get lots more useful information.



Do you know roughly whereabouts in Alsancak you will be staying? I appreciate that this will be your first visit, by Alsancak covers quite a large area.



Back soon!



J

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 14:23

Hi Jeannie



Thanks for your quick response! We'll be staying at the Almond Holiday Village (have you heard of it?) which is apparently very close to Alsancak looking at their website. Thank you for all your help - I really appreciate it!!



Sarah

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 14:31

Sarah - the Almond Village is lovely - and only couple of minutes from us. Well, that's one thing you won't need to worry about - it's in a good location, not too far from beaches and the people who run it are lovely.



A good start



J

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 14:50

Jeannie, I'm so pleased that you say the Almond Village is a nice place to stay - I had read a lot of good reviews on tripadvisor which was the reason for booking it - I don't know anyone who's been to North Cyprus before to ask their opinion which is why I am lucky to have found this forum!!

Aysesdaddy



Joined: 21/03/2009
Posts: 392

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 15:28

Sarah, We don't drive so always use the buses. They are cheap and frequent in August but not sure about October. The taxi's are reasonable as well. A car is a good idea because it means you can explore all the beautifull parts of the Island. Bellapais is a must, also you can get boat trips all across the harbour in Girne. We have used quite a few of them. This time we used Prencess Boat Tours, which is one of the first you see as you walk on the harbour from The Dome end. I don't go on the trips because of a bad back, so my cousin took Ayse with them. My cousin was taken ill on board and they were marvellous. She had to be taken to Nicosia hospital and they kept the children (12, 13, 14 year olds) on board all day, giving them free drinks, and even brought them back to our house at 5 oclock. Excellent service

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 20:26

Hi again Sarah.



Rather than sending messages back and forth on here about your holiday, would you prefer to e-mail us?



If yes, here's the address:

paul@millfield27.fsnet.co.uk



Look forward to hearing from you



J

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 21:05

jeannie



Restaurant called Duramista nor Diramistan

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 21:13

girne 29



Thanks for that. Will make a point of looking it up.



Jeannie

janjin



Joined: 10/04/2008
Posts: 488

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 23:06

After your meal(s) look at the many delies that have recently opened.

Donuts, buns, pastries, fresh bread, oooohhhh.

The one on the opposite corner to Pia Bella was open at 11.30 one night!

Friendly staff - smiling at that time!!!!!

sarahdarah


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
04/09/2009 11:22

janjin, I love delis! That's my diet out of the window! will make a note of this!!!

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
04/09/2009 13:12

Msg 51 Milano Pastenesi used to be open that late for years (near Ezic)



Anyway Sarah - I assume you have a month to stay because you have that many recommendations!



I still say eat local most of the time and just a treat or two like Guido's - I guess you will still be in budget

leethemille



Joined: 16/01/2009
Posts: 296

Message Posted:
04/09/2009 17:06

We have just been out for a fortnight and didn't have 1 bad meal and the only one that wasn't good value was in the harbour in Kyrenia.



I would defiantely recommend Ambience it is such a great setting. 7 of us ate there for my brothers birthday and they even arranged a cake for us. Total cost was about £110 inc cake and drinks.



The Stonegrill is also very good value for money with excellent food that you cook yourself on a volcanic block.



Another one near the Mecure Hotel is Kervans. this place is fantastic for lunch or dinner.



Hope you enjoy yourself.

climakool


Joined: 09/11/2008
Posts: 190

Message Posted:
06/09/2009 22:59

Sarah



We have stayed at Almond Holiday Village a number of times and you definately wont be disappointed - the family that run it are lovely and cannot do enough for you - also the food there is excellent and it did make us a bit lazy on going out but it is nice to try different places - you will have a lovely time enjoy

janjin



Joined: 10/04/2008
Posts: 488

Message Posted:
07/09/2009 23:21

OK Tom presumed it was a new place.

Linnyloos


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 483

Message Posted:
07/09/2009 23:56

No to Veni Vici. We had a lovely meal there last year but when returning this year service was atrocious and meal was far too salty. None of our party ate all of the meal. Also had to walk up and ask for another drink because service was so bad. Won't be going back.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
08/09/2009 08:15

I agree that it will be the alcohol that will make the bill much more expensive wherever you eat so be careful of that, but in local restaurants eating out can be good value for money here

enjoy!

Natx

ricky


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 294

Message Posted:
09/09/2009 12:46

Hello Sarah,

Almond village is number 1 on TRIPADVISOR. I've already been there several times. Wonderfull service, clean, excellent food.