Places to eat in Cunda Island

Ada Restaurant is one of our favorites due to its fresh seaside location and the delicious local dishes prepared by Zeynep Hanım.

For breakfast, Kekik and Bahçecik are our top choices. Bahçecik is set in a spacious garden, where they grow their own olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

For lunch or dinner, we recommend Körfez (their eggplant mezze, marinated bass, and herb fritters are amazing) or @larancia_cunda, which offers a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The owners are warm and have created a welcoming environment. Be sure to try their serpme kahvaltısı (traditional Turkish breakfast), the "famous" burger at dinner, and the seafood pasta.

There are many old Greek settlements on Cunda Island, especially in the Pateriça Villages area, which is worth a visit. You can enjoy incredible seasonal fish and delicious mezes at the seaside restaurants. For a memorable rakı-balık experience, visit Cunda Deniz Restaurant on the dock in Ayvalık. Try the zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and yogurt and walnut mixed Girit mezesi, as well as the fried fish fillet, which melts in your mouth. Don’t miss the cheese-stuffed eggplant pastry.

You can also try papalina fish (local to the island) and various mezes, as well as the traditional Lokma dessert. For a refreshing treat, don’t miss melon ice cream.

Make sure to taste the sweets from Karadeniz Patisserie, including Lor Cookies, Kavala Cookies, Almond Keşkül, and the syrupy Lor dessert served with mastic ice cream. For Ayvalık Toast and lemonade/tea, visit Taş Kahve in the afternoon.

For lunch, we recommend PAŞA Lokantası, UNO, L'ARANCIA, or AYNA Restaurant in Ayvalık. For a quick bite, don’t miss trying the famous Ayvalık Toast.

For dinner, Körfez, Lal Girit Mutfağı (with a great Girit (Crete) menu, where you can share everything), Ayna, Bay Nihat, Deniz Restaurant, and Teos are excellent choices.

For dessert, try the Lor Cookies and Kavala Cookies from Karadeniz Patisserie, the Almond Keşkül, and the Lor dessert (served with mastic ice cream). You can also taste the delicious cookies from Ayvalık İmren Patisserie and the sweets at Ayna and L'ARANCIA.

Vino Wine House is a cozy spot on Cunda's stone streets, offering Mediterranean, European, and Turkish cuisine, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan options. It’s also known for its carefully selected wines and homemade liqueurs.

Cunda Taş Fırını (Cunda Stone Oven) is famous for its traditional breads and pastries, especially the bread and pastries baked in a wood-fired oven.

Son Vapur is known for its delicious mezes, generous portions, and friendly service, offering a great dining experience with Aegean music. Try the bagel, fish lokum, and eggplant with béchamel sauce.

Nona Cunda, one of the newer spots on the island, offers cold and hot coffee varieties, fresh desserts, and healthy snacks. Their cheesecake and granola are particularly famous.

1909 Cunda is a historic building dating back to 1909, where you can enjoy quality coffee during the day and expertly crafted cocktails in the evening. It’s also known for its street food.

Cielo Bistro stays open late and is known for its live music performances and extensive drink menu. It’s a favorite spot for those looking to enjoy lively evenings.

Adab Çorba specializes in various soups, including soup with mastic-flavored almonds, Sultan’s Soup, and artichoke soup. It’s also open late into the night.

Neş’e Meyhanesi offers a casual and friendly atmosphere with homemade mezze and affordable prices. Try the shrimp dumplings, Girit ezmesi (Cretan dip), and octopus with béchamel sauce.

Dantela Cunda combines an antique shop, café, restaurant, and bar, offering a fusion of Turkish and international cuisines along with homemade desserts.

Frenk Cunda is a bar with a striking red façade, popular for evening visits, especially for a fun time with good music.

Ares Cafe is a popular spot in Cunda known for its wide selection of drinks and relaxing atmosphere. It stands out for its coffee varieties and snacks.

Orman Coffee & Cocktail is a popular café known for its desserts and ice creams. It stays open late and is perfect for casual meet-ups.

These spots offer a range of delicious options for those looking for different tastes and experiences on Cunda Island.

Cunda’s Tastes:

• Lor Dessert and Lor Cookies
• Girit Mezes (Cretan appetizers)
• Papalina Fish
• Mastic-flavored Coffee
• Sakızlı Cookies (Mastic-flavored cookies)
• Zucchini Flowers
• Sea Bean Salad (Deniz Börülcesi)
• Grilled Octopus

For accommodation suggestions, check our Cunda Island Hotels page.