Must-see restaurants in Türkiye

  • Zencefil

    Safranbolu

    This place dishes up good soups and plenty of local dishes, but portions are on the small side compared to other restaurants in town and service can be a…

  • Emir

    Side

    The Emir almost leans on the ruins of the Roman baths where Cleopatra is said to have dallied. The open kitchen produces a large menu of mezes, grills,…

  • Gamze Döner

    Western Anatolia

    This smart kebapçı (kebap eatery) with bow-tied waiters serves all the standard kebaps plus a sucuk döner (spit-roasted spicy veal sausage) option.

  • Hafız Mustafa

    Sultanahmet

    A branch of a well-known local chain, this şekerlemeleri sells lokum (Turkish Delight), baklava, milk puddings and börek (filled pastry).

  • Foça Restaurant

    İzmir & the North Aegean

    Highly recommended by locals, this seafood restaurant enjoys a prominent position on the quay just opposite the sanctuary of Cybele. The mezes are…

  • Can Restaurant

    Göcek

    With a lovely shady terrace and beachside seating, this local favourite serves a great selection of meze with some unusual options, including delicious…

  • Çınarlar Pide & Pizza House

    Kaş

    Family-run restaurant with well-priced pide, pizza, beer and pop music, 'Plane Trees' has a pleasant courtyard garden tucked away off the street. Try a…

  • Antep Sofrası

    Black Sea Coast

    Genial, English-speaking owner Erol ushers diners into Antep's split-level avocado-green dining rooms for kebaps and pide. It's a reliable, family…

  • Gebora

    Bodrum Peninsula

    On the main beachfront boardwalk near Yalı Camii, Gebora is a straightforward old standby for fresh fish, a selection of more than 20 mezes and home-grown…

  • Beach House Restaurant

    Side

    With a beachfront terrace perfect for a tranquil meal, head here for Turkish meat classics and regular seafood specials. Kick off with a few mezes and a…

  • Çarşı Lokantası

    İzmir & the North Aegean

    This lokanta is a great lunch choice. Make your choice of meat, vegetable and rice dishes from the bain-marie (the friendly Mesut and Fatoş will help).

  • Etabal

    Kadıköy

    To sample one of the market’s greatest treats, stop at this honey shop and ask for a serve of yoghurt with a generous swirl of honey from the comb on top.

  • Lokma Tatlı

    Trabzon

    The freshest lokma ('mouthfuls') of deep-fried pastry in syrup are piled up behind the window of this buzzing outlet on the main shopping street.

  • Seçkin Firuze

    Selçuk

    Long-running family-run eatery on Selçuk's 'restaurant row' serving good grills and seafood dishes on a street terrace. There are excellent mezes too.

  • Metin Pide

    Dalyan

    A garden restaurant popular locally for its pizza and pide (Turkish-style pizza), with all the classic toppings on offer. Oher dishes are not as good.

  • Ada Patisserie

    Kalkan

    A good spot for a Turkish or Western breakfast, this charming little cafe/patisserie also dishes up sweet and savoury delectables, including baklava.

  • Evin Pasta & Börek Salonu

    Istanbul

    Stop at this neighbourhood bakery cafe for a quick lunch of meat or cheese börek (filled pastry), followed by a cake or Turkish dessert.

  • Siesta

    Bodrum Peninsula

    Commanding pride of place at the start of the restaurant parade along Gümüşlük Yalısı, Siesta serves fish and meat dishes in ample portions.

  • Karavan Gözleme

    Western Anatolia

    This snack bar alongside the stone walls of the Kuçuk Hamam serves gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) and börek (filled pastry).

  • Sarmaşık Lokantası

    İzmir & the North Aegean

    One of the more dependable local restaurants on the main street, the ‘Ivy’ has a heavy rotation of ready-made stews, soups and rice dishes.

  • Black & White

    Kuşadası

    Close to the balık halı (fish market); they'll cook the fish of your choice well here. Also offers good chicken kebabs and salads.

  • Kırçiçeği

    İzmir

    This Alsancak branch of the national chain serves tasty soups, pides, kebaps and lahmacun (Turkish-style ‘pizza’). No alcohol.

  • Karamanlar Unlu Mamülleri

    Ayvalık

    Established in 1903, this bakery in the Macaron quarter of the Old Town has hardly changed over the century. Sells bread and sweet treats.

  • Soğanlı Restaurant

    Cappadocia

    This popular lunch pit stop for Soğanlı day tours rustles up a decent gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and simple casserole dishes.

  • Emek Restaurant

    Datça & Bozburun Peninsulas

    Datça's oldest and most reliable seafood joint on the marina, Emek serves good grilled catches and köfte with views of Symi.

  • Weekly Market

    Fethiye

    Fethiye's enormous market takes place on Tuesday along the canal between Atatürk Caddesi and Pürşabey Caddesi, next to the stadium.

  • Nazilli Pide Salonu

    Fethiye

    This snack bar–style eatery on a quiet lane serves pide with all the classic toppings and lahmacun (Arabic-style pizza).

  • Kordon Restaurant

    Turquoise Coast

    Above the market, Kordon has an attractive, breezy terrace overlooking the harbour, and fresh fish – try the grilled sea bass.

  • Reyhan Pastanesi

    İzmir

    This institution is serious about the sweet stuff. Decadent delights include fruit-topped cheesecakes and creamy gateaux.

  • Mado

    Beyoğlu

    One of the two branches of this much-loved dondurma (Turkish ice cream) chain that are on İstiklal Caddesi.

  • Pasaport Mado

    İzmir

    To enjoy an ice cream while strolling along the kordon, head to this branch of the popular national chain.

  • Antep

    Kars

    No-frills, cheap but excellent pide (Turkish-style pizza).

  • Kılıcoğlu

    Trabzon

    Irresistible pastries and ice creams in 20 flavours.

  • Bim Supermarket

    Western Anatolia

    Self-caterers can stock up at the Bim supermarket.

  • Oba Beach Hotel Restaurant

    Ölüdeniz

    Partly housed in a wooden cabin, the restaurant of the Oba has a reputation for home-style food at palatable prices. The menu offers everything from…

  • Üstad

    Trabzon

    For ultra late-night dining on the meydan, head for this compact, popular lokanta (eatery serving ready-made food) which never closes. Staples include…

  • Mavi Haliç Pidecisi

    Istanbul

    Fight your way through the crowds of shoppers that jam Hasırcılar Caddesi and you'll eventually come to this tiny pideci on the corner of Limoncu Sokak,…

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