Built in 1938, one of the most iconic cafes on our list and a must visit is Rustem's old bookshop and cafe located in central Nicosia. This old rustic bookshop is full of character with books stacked upon each other rising high into the ceiling like matchsticks adding a real sense of character. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee from the Gloria Jeans cafe found within the old book shop for a hybrid experience like no other. You can choose to go outside in the charming courtyard to enjoy a Turkish coffee or lounge inside of the old bookshop and get lost in a world of adventure, romance and passion while tucking into one of their signature desserts. During your visit you also have the option of purchasing a vintage book on your way out. Rustems book and cafe also boasts a stunning venue on the second floor which offers its guests magnificent views of the city along with vintage interior designs. Here, you can enjoy delicious meals and have a taste of their daily menus of traditional Cypriot cuisine, sandwiches and more. Take in the scent of nostalgia on every page you turn!
Feeling Artistic? Then visit Luna Cafe Art Shop in the old town of Nicosia. Here you can create art while enjoying a wide selection of delicious desserts and beverages. In this beautiful vintage styled hybrid art-cafe you can enjoy delicious home-made cheesecakes, pies or take a drink of the magical Luna-rabbit latte. If you choose to sit outside on the cobbled streets of the old town of Nicosia, you will be inspired by the views outside too. Awe at the unique street art on murals, and watch people stroll by as you indulge in these extraordinary flavours.
The Rest is a unique and friendly roastery found in the quaint village of Zeytinlik, Kyrenia. The cafe building is more than 100 years old and has a unique charm. The owner was actually a pianist with a vision to create world-wide specialty coffees, brewed teas and in-house quality chocolate bars using the very best quality and local ingredients. Its charming wooden accents as well as wide open terraces make it an ideal place to wind down with a great cup of coffee or delicious dessert. The cafe is known for their wide variety of unique flavours and aromas. Enjoy classics as well as international coffees here. It’s also great to know that it’s an environmentally friendly coffee shop, all materials used are recycled and all cup lids are made of sugar cane and are biodegradable. As a token to the owner, the rest cafe also hosts piano evenings where you can listen to some of the most relaxing compositions as you unwind and taste the richness of every sip.
Gave, meaning coffee in Turkish, is a traditional coffee shop in a quaint setting of drooping bougainvillaea against a charming sandstone brick building and has a nostalgic feel and friendly charm. Its aim is to revitalise Cypriot culture and values the preservation of Cypriot history and traditions. Here expect to sit on traditional straw-woven chairs as you sip your traditional Turkish coffee or enjoy your gourmet Cypriot delicacies. There are also fine delicious desserts and pastries and tuck into a traditional Cypriot breakfast. There are many local favourites and Cypriot dishes to enjoy.
Tezgah meaning ‘vendor’ in English is a very unique cafe found inside of one of the most charming boutique hotels in Kyrenia, Kemerli Konak. Its rustic and delicate interior designs as well as its open terraces with spectacular views make it a hotspot for a great brew. We also love the bold pop of red which paints the counter-tops adding vibrancy and charisma to the overall ambiance of this place. The cafe is also famous for its signature ‘Sebastian’ cheesecake, and it boasts many succulent cakes such as rich velvet or zesty forest cake. Overall, It really is perfect for those warm and cosy evenings.
Author: Sevilay Shakir