Old Greek House

The story

Old Greek House Restaurant in Ürgüp | Bib Gourmand Turkish Country Cooking

Old Greek House, Ürgüp

In the quiet stone village of Mustafapaşa, just outside Ürgüp, Old Greek House occupies a building that has stood since the 1850s — a structure once described as the most significant civilian building in Cappadocia. The restaurant is part of a small hotel, and the atmosphere is the first thing you notice: a covered courtyard, terraces, and stone rooms that feel like a step back in time. The space is warm, unhurried, and far from the tourist crowds of the region’s more famous spots.

The cooking here is traditional Turkish country cooking, straightforward and deeply flavored. Guests consistently praise the family-style dishes, the variety of mezes, and specific plates like yaprak sarma (stuffed vine leaves) and karnıyarık (stuffed eggplant). One reviewer noted that the food tastes as if it has “anne eli değmiş” — a mother’s touch. The kitchen relies on organic ingredients, and the menu changes with the seasons, though the emphasis remains on the hearty, home-style dishes of the Anatolian table.

The restaurant’s reputation has earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that recognizes good quality, good value cooking. It’s a fitting nod to a place that delivers genuine Turkish cuisine without pretense, in a setting that feels both historic and lived-in. The service is family-run, and the welcome is genuine — the kind of place where the owner might offer a tour of the house after your meal.

Old Greek House is open for dinner, with outdoor seating in the warmer months. It’s a strong choice for anyone seeking real Turkish country cooking in Cappadocia, served in a building that holds its own story.