Bizim Meyhane, Restaurant in Gönyeli, Cyprus
Bizim Meyhane is a restaurant in Gönyeli, a town near Nicosia in Cyprus, serving traditional Cypriot and Turkish-style food centered around sharing plates. The interior is simply furnished, with wooden tables, sports shirts on the walls, and handwritten phrases covering most surfaces.
The restaurant has been part of the Gönyeli community for many years, growing into a regular spot for locals rather than just a place for occasional visits. The owner, Emir Ali bey, has run it personally throughout that time, building lasting relationships with regular customers.
Bizim Meyhane means "our tavern" in Turkish, which reflects how the place is seen by locals: as a gathering spot rather than just a place to eat. The walls are covered with sports team shirts and handwritten sayings that give the space a personal, lived-in feel.
The restaurant opens mainly in the evenings and often stays open late into the night, so it works best as a dinner stop rather than a daytime visit. For special occasions like a proposal or celebration, it is worth contacting them in advance to arrange a table.
A regular presence at the restaurant is Besiktas, a cat around ten years old who often sits with diners at their tables. Many visitors mention the cat as one of the more unexpected parts of their evening there.
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