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Guests gathered for dinner at Califorian

2000 — Today

A Quarter-Century of Flavour

From the first hearth lit in the heart of Nicosia to a culinary family serving across three branches — Califorian's story is a promise made to great food.

Flames over a wood-fired grill

№ I · Nicosia · 2000

The First Hearth

In 2000, Salih Kayım lit the first fire on Dereboyu — then known as Mehmet Akif Caddesi — in the heart of Nicosia. His vision was straightforward but ambitious: bring Northern Cyprus its first genuinely premium dining experience, pairing local produce with the rich flavours of the Mediterranean. From a modest kitchen, word spread quickly, and Califorian became one of the city's most beloved addresses.
Guests gathered around the table

№ II · 2000 — Present

A Family Grows

Founded with a team of 25, Califorian has grown into a family of approximately 1,000. From Nicosia to Famagusta, and then to the serene shores of Esentepe, each new branch became the defining meeting point of its neighbourhood. As the restaurant grew, so did Califorian Catering — now delivering thousands of meals daily across the island, an inseparable arm of the same family.
A chef plating a dish in the kitchen

№ III · ISO 22000 · HACCP

At the Peak of Flavour

The Califorian kitchen follows a world-cuisine philosophy filtered through a Mediterranean lens. Every plate is a meeting of fresh local ingredients and international technique. To formalise this commitment, we earned ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications — placing food safety and consistent quality at the centre of our culture. "At the Peak of Flavour" is not a tagline; it is a pledge renewed with every meal.

“When you bring together the passion of young people and quality ingredients, everything else follows. That belief built Califorian.”

— Salih Kayım, Founder
25Years
3Branches
1.000+Families