Make sure to visit this restaurant on your FIRST night in Cappadocia, because otherwise, you’ll end up as we did: saddened that we didn’t discover it sooner!
On our fourth and final night in Goreme, we dined at Old Cappadocia restaurant and regretted that we didn’t visit sooner. Our other dining experiences were all disappointments: mediocre food for overly inflated prices. It was the opposite here at Old Cappadocia: EXCEPTIONAL in every way, and for very affordable prices.
The menu offers a large selection of choices. As ‘pescetarians’ we also had plenty of choices. We selected the Sebzeli Testi (pottery kebab with vegetables) and a grilled Levrek fish. Prior to our entrees being served, we were presented with a delicious loaf of bread, fresh from their special oven, which was paired with dipping dishes of marvelous za'atar spice and quality olive oil. We could have left happy, just from that portion of our meal, alone! The vegetables in pottery arrived in the form of a theatrical performance: delivered in a blaze of flames, and ceremonially opened by our expert server, it was a wow-worthy experience. We were expecting a fairly simple mix of roasted vegetables, but the light sauce they’d included was out of this world: so yummy! The whole fish arrived perfectly roasted: skin was crispy and bubbled, the interior flesh plump and juicy.
Our servers all spoke English, and everyone was warmly welcoming and attentive without being overbearing. We had the opportunity to meet the restaurant’s gracious owner, and could immediately understand the depth of care and passion he puts into every detail of his patrons’ experience. Turkish hospitality at its finest!
The atmosphere was also oh-so-lovely. During our July visit, we sat outdoors and enjoyed views of the Ottoman-style stone building, lush trees, and night sky.
We cannot recommend this marvelous restaurant more highly. You’ll have no regrets if you dine here every night...
Read moreHorrible experience as a tourist group of 4. Blatant racism was evident from the moment we walked in. As we approached and talked of going in, the waiter asked 2 dark skinned girls to move inside and give us their table. They obliged nicely even though we thought it was rude of the waiter. Now here's the fun part. We ordered our food and watched in disbelief as we were served one by one, with around 30 minute delays in-between dishes. One order was a clay pot kebab order and they just came and left the pot on fire with us and left. Few minutes later we asked for it to be opened and served like we saw them do with the other tables. And the waiter made us look like we are supposed to know how to open it ourselves and started serving as if we were stupid. And then he left, while completely forgetting that this dish came with rice. That was another 20 minutes of us asking for rice from another waiter. Last order, they had forgotten completely about it and we had to remind them. We ordered deserts too but did not get it and we finally asked for the bill (desert wasn't even on the bill) and left as quickly as possible. We felt neglected and invisible compared to the other white and local tables present. We should have gotten the hint at the entrance. Bottomline, this place is...
Read moreOld Cappadocia in Goreme offers a wonderful dining experience that strikes a perfect balance between quality, service, and affordability.
The food here is a highlight, featuring traditional Turkish dishes that are both flavorful and well-prepared. The menu has a variety of options, from rich, meaty kebabs to vegetarian-friendly dishes, all of which are made using fresh, local ingredients. The flavors are authentic and showcase the best of Cappadocian cuisine.
The service is another standout aspect of Old Cappadocia. The staff is friendly, attentive, and eager to make sure you have a pleasant dining experience. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to make recommendations or explain the dishes if needed. Despite the restaurant being busy, the service is prompt and efficient, without feeling rushed.
What makes Old Cappadocia even more appealing is the value for money. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality of food and service you receive. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank, whether you’re a traveler on a budget or just looking for a good deal.
Overall, Old Cappadocia is highly recommended for anyone visiting Goreme. It offers a delightful combination of tasty food, excellent service, and affordable prices in a...
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