10 bes coffee shops in Nicosia
Nicosia is not only the island’s culture capital, but also a bustling hub for the contemporary coffee scene. The city’s streets and alleyways are brewing with vivid aromas of specialty blends, robust flavours of single-source beans and creative venues, waiting to be discovered.
Today, we'll embark on an exciting journey in search of the best coffee in Nicosia district and review coffee shops to find the top 15 venues. So, if you’re an avid coffee lover or enthusiast, let's sip into it!
Quick picks: top 3 Nicosia coffee shops at a glance
Best overall
Green Colibri rates well across all categories — from excellent brews, to a wide variety of food choices and an easygoing atmosphere, perfect for work or time out with friends.
Best for remote work
Ksoffee Project is extremely laptop-friendly, with plenty of seating, great coffee and a relaxed vibe. It is often featured in local guides as one of the favourite spots for remote work.
Best for speciality brews
Considered one of the best specialty coffee venues in Nicosia, UTU Coffee has an extensive and frequently updated beans selection, multi-roaster offerings and expert brews.
How we chose the best coffee shops in Nicosia
Our evaluation criteria
Singling out just 15 venues out of the many options was not an easy choice. However, in order to represent Nicosia's unique coffee scene, we’ve tried to make our selection as diverse as possible. We’ve chosen a wide variety of venues with unique ambience as well as top coffee choices and barista expertise.
Coffee quality and roasting experience
All the coffee shops on our list have been consistently selected amongst the top 33 Nicosia district venues by expert guides and publications. They offer specialty coffee blends as well as sustainably sourced single estate beans, in-house roasting and expert brewing techniques to deliver the best flavour and aroma.
Atmosphere and ambience
Each coffee shop we’ve selected has something unique to offer — a secret hideaway place, a bustling community hub or an artistic venue. However, they all have something in common — stylish and cosy decor and welcoming friendly vibe, and, of course, quality coffee.
Service and hospitality
Being specialty brewers, all venues on our list pride themselves on their excellent baristas who deliver the best coffee in town with a smile. They are always happy to share their advice, tell you all about the origins of the beans and roasting techniques or just have a friendly chat.
Value and unique offerings
We all know good brew requires quality beans, expert equipment and experienced baristas. Yet, all our selections boast moderate prices which are comparable to the chain coffee shops. Each venue offers extensive vegan milk alternatives and food options — some make amazing cakes, whilst others offer scrumptious pastries or hearty brunches. You can also pick a place, based on your mood and aesthetics. Whether it's a Scandinavian «hygge», a strictly minimalist vibe or an eclectic mix — you will surely find something your heart fancies.
The 15 best coffee shops in Nicosia: A guide to the top spots
Daily Roast — best for a classic vibe
For a rustic and hearty vibe visit the Daily Roast in Strovolos. They offer daily in-house roasted coffee and cold brew options as well as an extensive brunch menu. It's a perfect option for your daily brew and a bite, catching up with friends or remote work.
Senman coffee shop — best for unique design
Located in the quiet street in central Nicosia district — Lykavitos, Senman coffee shop has a cosy ambience with lots of plants inside and out. Its quirky interior is filled with light and an eclectic mix of details. They serve specialty coffees as well as a big choice of vegan treats and are pet-friendly. Easygoing and inviting, Senman feels more like a private lounge rather than a coffee place.
The Workshop — best for barista experience
With its laconic and private setting, The Workshop feels like a perfect hideaway in the heart of bustling Strovolos. Its clean minimalist interior and a perky brew made by experienced baristas make it an ideal space to work on your project or catch up with friends or colleagues.
The Elysian Kitchen Bar — best for coffee and brunch
Situated in the central Nicosia district, this award-winning family establishment is famous for its unique health-food menu. Featuring a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes, The Elysian also does amazing coffee. Whilst they are undergoing refurbishment until March 2, their delicious coffee and food are still available for delivery.
Katakwa Culture.Art.Cafe — best for art and culture fusion
Nestled in the heart of Strovolos, Katakwa is a unique concept space, featuring a coffee shop, art space and an incense and candle shop. Free-spirited and authentic, it's a hub not only for awesome coffee and creative desserts, but also for regular artistic events — an art class, yoga practice or bonsai workshop, just to name a few. For the best coffee, desserts with a twist and community spirit, it's certainly worth a visit!
A Kxofee Project — best for a modernist approach
This family-run venture, tucked just steps away from historic Nicosia district, offers artisan coffees, including a cold brew.
Its clean modernist interior attracts a diverse crowd — from students and freelancers to corporate executives. Stylish, yet easygoing, Ksoffee Project is a must-try for those who are into specialty roasts.
Green Colibri Specialty Coffee — best for sustainability
Run by true coffee enthusiasts and sustainability ambassadors, Green Colibri offers a perfect brew from organic single-origin beans. Whether you come here to enjoy the best coffee or to get some work done whilst at it, its cosy atmosphere and a friendly service will make you feel right at home.
Gustav Roasting Co — best for in-house roasting
Gustav Roasting is an award winning (SCA) specialty coffee shop, located in the northern side of Nicosia district. They offer expertly roasted beans and brew them to perfection. This coffee place effortlessly blends Scandinavian simplicity with Mediterranean charm. Open until late evening, with regular music events and performances it is also a lively community hub.
Brew Lab Cyprus— best for experimental coffee
Tucked away in the trendy Stasikratous Street, in the bustling central Nicosia district, Brew Lab takes coffee seriously. This small but stylish coffee shop attracts coffee enthusiasts from all over Nicosia. Being the capital's first specialty coffee house they certainly know a thing or two about good coffee. They use sustainably sourced single estate coffee beans, have an in-house coffee roaster and always experiment with preparation techniques in order to deliver a perfect brew.
Amber & Joe — best social favourite
Amber & Joe is more than just a specialty coffee shop but also a bustling social hub. In this laptop-friendly venue you can enjoy some of Nicosia's best crafted coffees, accompanied by the delicious pastries, in the cosy and stylish setting. With two central locations — one in the central Nicosia district, near Eleftheria Square, and the other — in cosmopolitan Strovolos, Amber and Joe is one of the local favourite spots for a good morning coffee and beyond.
UTU Coffee — Best for minimalist design
Nestled almost discretely on quaint Evagorou street, just a few steps away from Eleftheria Square, UTU elevates the coffee experience to the next level. In fact, its minimalist design, featuring white walls and stainless steel counter, reflect the philosophy of the place where coffee itself is the centrepiece. UTU offers exquisite coffee blends for true connoisseurs.
Simpl. — Best for Scandinavian-inspired vibe
Situated in a trendy central Nicosia district location on Themistokli Dervi, Simpl. is, as the name suggests, a cosy and wholesome place with Scandinavian interior and hearty brew. In addition to specialty coffee blends it also serves delicious pastries for a perfect break in the midst of the capital's hustle and bustle.
BLCKBRD SOCIAL — Best social hub
BLCKBRD houses a specialty coffee shop, library and gallery under one roof.
Considered one of the best places for catching up with friends and for remote work, it offers a single origin drip coffee in addition to the standard coffee options. Located in the North Nicosia district, it is considered a true local hub with regular meetups and events.
iheart coffee roaster — Best for passionate baristas
Nestled in a beautiful suburb of Aglantzia, iHeart coffee offers an elevated coffee experience with a cosy vibe. It's a true magnet for coffee enthusiasts with its specialty beans, and passionate baristas who are always eager to talk about coffee and recommend you the perfect blend.
Swimming Birds — Best for artistic vibe
Located just a stone's throw away from the Municipal Art Centre, the Swimming Birds coffee bar is just as creative. It serves specialty coffees, drinks, snacks and food platters — all in a laid-back and artistic setting. This hidden gem in the heart of old Nicosia district is equally perfect for a timeout with friends over a nice coffee or as a solo escape.
Mana Specialty Coffee — Best for single origin beans
Those who take the origin of their coffee seriously, mustn't miss Mana Specialty coffee house, which can be found in Nicosia's north. This «third wave» coffee shop uses only single origin farms and light roasts to craft deliciously smooth specialty coffees. Tasty salads, sandwiches and sweets are also on the menu.
Find your perfect spot: Nicosia coffee shops by category
Best for breakfast and lunch
Elysian Kitchen Bar is the number one choice for delicious brunches and variety of healthy and vegan options, whilst Amber & Joe offers great breakfast choices with sumptuous pastries as well as brunch options and sandwiches. At the same time, UTU Coffee is famous for delicious pastries and scones.
Best for remote work and studying
Green Colibri and Ksoffee Project are probably the best options for remote work and study as they are very laptop friendly and offer a calm and comfortable environment throughout the day.
Best for outdoor sitting and people watching
Daily Roast, Green Colibri and BLCKBRD SOCIAL all offer outdoor seating, especially during warmer months are located on side streets with a fair amount of passers-by.
Best with vegan and gluten-free options
Whilst all coffee shops from our selection offer plant-based milks for coffee and other drinks, Green Colibri and Elysian Kitchen Bar have some of the most extensive vegan and gluten-free meal options.
Understanding Nicosia's coffee culture
The rise of speciality coffee in Cyprus
Coffee has always been an integral part of Cypriot life. However, only at the beginning of 2010s Nicosia coffee scene has gone through a complete transformation, giving rise to the third-wave coffee movement. This global trend, which endorses ethically sourced single‑origin beans, carefully controlled roasting and precise brewing methods, has taken Nicosia by storm. Specialty coffee shops have started popping up everywhere, especially around the central Nicosia district. Brew Lab with its in-house coffee roaster first opened in 2013, soon followed by Ksoffee project and The Daily Roast. This trend, fuelled by the rise of travellers, expats and Cypriots returning from overseas, has turned Nicosia into a sophisticated specialty coffee hub.
The local choice: Freddo Espresso and Cappuccino
Today it is impossible to imagine a hot summer day without sipping an icy and robust «espresso freddo» or a milky «freddo cappuccino». It's not surprising that these beverages have been invented in Greece and then adopted in Cyprus to the extent that now they are beating the infamous frappe in terms of popularity. Refreshingly chilly and invigoratingly perky, these cold coffees are simply the best companions for the warm Mediterranean climate. Luckily, these days they can be found everywhere — from specialty brewers and chain coffee shops, to smaller kiosks or even petrol stations. So, don't miss your chance to try one!
How to order a traditional Cypriot coffee
Despite the increasing popularity of trendy specialty brews, the traditional Cypriot coffee still stays strong. Besides, it is not merely a beverage, but the island's living culture and heritage in a cup.
Finely ground arabica beans are slowly brewed in a traditional copper pot — «briki» until the coffee starts to rise and some foam appears on top. Usually, it is served with a little foam, however, depending on your preference, you can ask for a foam-free version. It is served in a tiny cup, accompanied by a small sweet, usually a «spoon sweet» (glyko tou koutaliou), or a traditional biscuit — «koulourakia», and a glass of cold water. The art of enjoying a traditional Cypriot coffee requires you to leave the worries behind and just take your time. Usually, the locals sip it slowly over long conversations with friends or whilst watching passers-by from the shade of their outdoor tables.
Ordering a traditional Cypriot coffee is very easy. You just need to keep in mind two things — whether you want a single or a double coffee and the level of sweetness. For a sugar-free Cypriot coffee, ask for «sketto», for a moderately sweet one, order a «metrio», and, if you want a sugary version, get a «glyko». In terms of size, a traditional Cypriot coffee is served in a tiny cup, which is slightly bigger than an espresso. However, if you need a double dose, order a large one — «megalo», which is double the size.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which area in Nicosia has the best cafes?
Whilst you can find excellent coffee shops and great coffee in almost every part of the capital, it's safe to say that the central Nicosia district has the widest selection of specialty cafes, closely followed by the Strovolos area.
What's the average price of a coffee in Nicosia?
It all depends on the coffee choice and on the establishment. Typically, the average prices range from 2,00 euro for an espresso, around 3,60 euro for a latte or cappuccino and higher for specialty brews.
Are there coffee shops in North Nicosia worth visiting?
Yes, North Nicosia district also has its fair share of interesting establishments, including the two, mentioned in our guide — Mana Specialty Coffee and Gustav Roasting Co, offering great coffee in a nice setting.
Do most coffee shops in Nicosia accept card payments?
Yes, definitely, all capitals’ venues, especially chains and specialty coffee shops, accept cards.
What's the difference between a Cypriot coffee and a Turkish coffee?
On the outside both drinks may appear almost identical as they are both brewed in a «briki» and served in tiny cups. However some light nuances still exist — a Cypriot coffee is made with a more finely ground and lighter roasted beans and it's usually served with a lighter foam. Whilst the traditional Turkish coffee is darker and more robust in flavour, often served with a thicker foam.
Whilst we can review great coffee venues and provide suggestions, finding the best coffee is a purely subjective experience. It's all a matter of finding that perfect brew and flavour profile that works just for you. Nicosia district abounds with top quality coffee establishments and hidden gems — each with its own unique vibe, story and philosophy. So, grab your perfect brew, take a sip and let the story unfold!
