Once mostly known for its kebabs and mezes, Turkey (Türkiye) now stands as one of the most rewarding food destinations in the world. Today, you’ll find creative chefs reimagining Anatolian flavours, small family-run lokantas preserving regional dishes, and a new wave of restaurants from Istanbul to Gaziantep earning global attention without losing their soul.
This is the land that gave us the slow-cooked stews of Hatay, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the flaky börek of Thrace, the spice-laden breakfasts of Van, and the rich olive oil dishes of the Aegean. Turkish cuisine is a voyage through centuries of taste, formed by empires, regions, and people. It goes from Istanbul to Gaziantep and from Izmir to Antakya. Tradition and innovation go together in the restaurants of Turkey, with old recipes living next to new, bold offerings, where the plates are generous and the ingredients unforgettable.
Here, you’ll find everything from historic bakeries to tasting menus rooted in Ottoman heritage. In cities like Adana, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin, local ingredients and ancient cooking methods are still honoured in their purest form.
Turkey should be at the top of the world's food list too, because some of the best dining experiences occur here. In this foodie guide, you’ll discover 31 of the best restaurants in Turkey that you can find across the country.
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants
The vegetarian and vegan scene in Turkey encompasses a wide variety of dishes, from handmade plant-based feasts served in cave dining rooms to mountaintop farm specialities. All of these meals are meat-free and full of flavour.
Oburus Momus, Kaş
Oburus Momus is a restaurant that serves only vegetarian and vegan food. This beautiful eatery in Kas, with a lovely garden setting, serves dishes from around the world, like sesame-oil-sautéed vegetable fried rice. Every day, they make their own breads and sauces. Founders Zeynep and Ürün Çakırca run the kitchen. They want to make plant-based eating more appealing by using tasty recipes served in a relaxed setting. The area encourages sustainability and fair work for people in the area.
Plato’da Mola, Rize
In Ortan village and on the Pokut Plateau, Plato’da Mola runs two rural residences. You will taste farm-to-table, hand-prepared meals using grains, dairy, and vegetables that are grown nearby. Vegetarian and entirely natural foods include sourdough bread, kale rolls, clotted potatoes, and muhlama. Simple yet high in calories, the meals are appropriate for the harsh mountain lifestyle of the area. Meals are served throughout the day, and with advance notice, guests can also stay overnight.
Topdeck Cave Restaurant, Göreme (Cappadocia)
This small, family-run eatery in a cave house in Cappadocia serves seasonal Turkish food and has traditional floor seating. The highlights are the mezze platters, which come in seven or twelve options and include hummus, carrot dip, beetroot dip and other dips. Shepherd salad, mushroom-dill soup, and spinach-feta pastries are popular vegetarian options and some of the best dishes to taste in Cappadocia. They serve Efes beer and local wines. Reservations are necessary.
Yuvarlakçay Defne Restaurant, Muğla
Ideal for local village-style breakfasts, Defne Restaurant is situated along a river in Köyceğiz in Muğla province with astonishing views of waterfalls and forested streams. Under the shade of plane trees, guests eat in wooden pavilions on stilts erected over the river. Anticipate cheese, eggs, tomatoes, olives, and homemade jams, most of which are locally sourced and vegetarian. Especially for breakfast, it's popular in the summer. To avoid lines, arrive early.
House of Kamer, Adana
Guests dine at House of Kamer in a restored Mediterranean home from the 1940s, surrounded by antiques and orange trees. Anticipate a sophisticated à la carte menu with international and Mediterranean dishes prepared with natural and fresh ingredients. Weekday open buffet lunches and Sunday home-style breakfasts feature a variety of traditional Turkish fare, including simit, cheeses, olives, and homemade pastries. Freshly made in-house desserts like Fruity Mille-Feuille and Kamer Dessert are signature dishes. There are vegetarian selections, and almost all of the food is prepared from scratch, emphasising fresh, in-season produce.
Çarıklı Et Restaurant, Fethiye
Located along Fethiye’s Kordon waterfront, Çarıklı is a butcher-owned meat restaurant known for dry-aged steaks, lamb tandır, homemade sucuk, liver, kokoreç, and kelle paça soup. Their open kitchen showcases charcoal-grilled cuts, and daily specials vary. Though meat-heavy, vegetarians will find crispy courgette with strained yoghurt, hot herb dishes with almonds, mung bean salad, and various mezes. They serve home-baked breads, lahmacun, pizzas, pastas, and complete Turkish breakfasts with options like menemen. There's a well-stocked bar offering wines and cocktails. All meats are from their own livestock, ensuring traceable and sustainable sourcing.
Halal Restaurants
These halal establishments serve up hearty stews, famous kebabs, and mezze spreads in ancient houses, city squares, and family-run jewels. They are rooted in regional customs and Islamic dietary guidelines; for this reason alcohol is not served in these Turkish restaurants.
Halil Usta, Gaziantep
Halil Usta was founded in 1972 and is well-known for its traditional Gaziantep kebabs, which include yarım simit kebabı and rare küşleme (fatless lamb neck cuts), both of which are grilled over charcoal. This simple restaurant also serves baklava made locally with natural ingredients and kaşık salatası. Service is fast, portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. The meat quality and preparation make this a top choice in Turkey's culinary capital, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, even though there isn't a vegetarian option. It is well-liked by both locals and tourists and is close to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
İskender Efendi Konağı, Bursa
The original Iskender kebab is the only dish served at this famous Turkish restaurant in Bursa, which is housed in a historic Ottoman mansion with gardens surrounding it. It is prepared by arranging thinly sliced beef döner over pide bread, covering it with melted butter and tomato sauce, and serving it with yoghurt. The restaurant, which is family-run by the descendants of İskender Efendi, the chef who invented this recipe in the 19th century, has a classy yet friendly atmosphere and is one of the best things to do in Bursa. Enjoy the on-site small museum and sample the house-made grape drink, "Sarı". There are no vegetarian or other options available here.
Konya Sufi Restaurant, Konya
Traditional Konya dishes such as Furun kebab, wedding pilaf, okra soup, etliekmek, and tirit are served at this restaurant close to Alaeddin Mosque. Dishes like zerde and semolina halva are among the offered vegetarian menus. There is effective service and a relaxed, family-friendly, and Sufi atmosphere. The preferred drink pairing is tea, and the costs are reasonable. It has a simple yet well-kept decor. If you want to try real Central Anatolian cuisine, this is a good place to visit.
Hamdani Restaurant, Mardin
In the centre of Mardin, Hamdani Restaurant serves set dinners with live sıra gecesi music close to Kırklar Kilisesi. Anticipate regional specialities such as rib dolma, lamb shank, boiled stuffed meatballs (ikbebet), and stuffed dried aubergine. There are vegetarian options for the eight-part appetiser tray, which includes hummus, freekeh salad, küflü yoghurt, and muhammara. Desserts include saffron semolina halva and harire. Tea, coffee, and mirra are free, and all dishes are prepared from scratch using ingredients that are found nearby.
Urartu Han Van, Van
This elegantly designed eatery, with the full name of Urartu Han Van Kahvaltısı ve Yöresel Yemekler, serves hearty portions of traditional Van regional cuisine. Salads, local ayran soup, and Ali Nazik are all on the tasting menu. The staff is friendly and speaks English, and the interior is comfortable with live music. Prices are very fair, and their house specialities include hearty stews and slow-cooked meats. There are vegetarian options, particularly in the breakfast and meze selections, and the service detail is a noteworthy feature.
Mersin Hatay Restaurant, Mersin
A family-run business since 2003, Mersin Hatay Restaurant serves Hatay-style food with warm hospitality, one of the best in Mersin. The menu is dotted with vegetarian options like muhammara, zahter salad, and çökelek salad in addition to sini kebabı, kağıt kebabı, sac oruk, and stuffed meatballs. Traditional and filling, the food is prepared by Süleyman Usta and run by the 6 Öztürk brothers. Up to 250 guests can be accommodated in both indoor and outdoor areas, while service is on time and reasonably priced.
Hayri Usta Lokantası, Aydın
Traditional Turkish home-cooked meals with rich tastes and affordable prices are served at this popular restaurant in Aydın. Highlights in Hayri Usta Lokantası include kadın budu köfte, hünkar beğendi, and lamb shank. Chef Hayri Usta, in the historic city of Aydin, is well-known for his artisanal cuisine and friendly presence. Arriving early is advised because the restaurant has a lively and energetic atmosphere and is frequently busy during lunch. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are emphasised, and vegetarian options are plentiful.
Seafood Restaurants
These seafood places, located both in the city centre of Ankara and along the breezy Aegean coast, celebrate the daily catch with fresh mezes, grilled fish, and a strong feeling of place. Seafood culture is celebrated across the country in coastal regions such as the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Marmara, as well as on islands, where marine products are abundant.
Trilye Restaurant, Ankara
The seafood-focused fine dining establishment Trilye in Gaziosmanpaşa (Ankara province) serves seasonal and local fish that is prepared according to stringent sustainability guidelines. There are many vegetarian mezes on the menu, including artichoke hearts, aubergine with tahini and Cretan paste. House favourites include seafood kokoreç, prawn casserole and fresh fish like grilled sea bass and red mullet. Desserts like tahini profiteroles and pumpkin with walnuts give it a unique twist. A carefully chosen wine list featuring sweet dessert wines is also available. Semi-alfresco dining is available to guests in a clean, elegant setting with picturesque views and faultless service.
Ferdi Baba Restaurant, Alaçatı
Fresh seafood, daily fish, and vegetable-based mezes made with ingredients from its own farm, the Ferdi Baba Farm in Ovacık, Çeşme, Izmir, are all served at Ferdi Baba restaurant, which is situated in Alaçatı Marina. Cretan paste, artichokes, broccoli salad, and homemade cheeses are among the vegetarian-friendly dishes. Main delicacies include sea bass fish kebab with Mediterranean herbs, octopus marinated in wine, and lobster fettuccine. Traditional recipes are used for desserts like curd-filled katmer and bal badem. Everything, from pickles to olive oil, is produced locally, with a focus on sustainability and traceability. The location grants views of the marina and a cultured coastal atmosphere.
Mezgit Restaurant, Kuşadası
Since 2005, Şükrü Çalışkan has operated this seafood restaurant near Kuşadası Marina, which is well-known for its daily fresh catch and charming marina views. You can dine on grilled seabass, calamari, shrimp, and classic Aegean mezes. The wine list goes well with the seafood-focused menu, and there are vegetarian appetisers available. The staff is friendly and experienced. The relaxed beachfront setting makes it popular for both tourists and locals.
Pineapple Restaurant, Marmaris
Established at Netsel Marina in Marmaris, Pineapple is well-known for its views of the sea and yachts, particularly from its lush garden terrace. Its menu combines Mediterranean and Turkish dishes, including vegetarian salads, grilled meats, monkfish, and creamy fig cake. Here, steaks are an additional highlight. Mojitos and spicy mixes are popular cocktails.
Meyhanes
Turkey's meyhanes, found from Pamukkale to Bodrum, are traditional establishments where guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with grilled meats, mezes, and raki (anise-flavoured alcoholic drink) flowing freely under candlelight and discussion. These venues are not merely about food and drink; they represent a cultural experience that blends cuisine, social interaction, and celebration, making them a beloved aspect of Turkish dining culture.
Otantik Ocakbaşı, Bodrum
This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, which has a cosy terrace and is close to Bodrum's waterfront, serves grilled meats that are cooked over an open flame. Lamb, beef, kebabs, and sumac-topped fresh bread are all featured on the impressive mixed grill. Additionally offered to guests are yoghurt-based desserts like parfait and baklava, walnut salad, halloumi, and lahmacun. Beer, rakia, and local wines are served. Takeaway is an option, the prices are fair, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The emphasis is on meats, though there are vegetarian-friendly meze and salads.
Mezze Grill Restaurant & Ocakbaşı, Alanya
Mezze Grill in central Alanya is well-known for its extensive menu of Turkish food and chic interior design. T-bone steaks, grilled fish, lamb shish, and mixed grills are all on the menu. Although the menu is dominated by meat, there are vegetarian options such as salads and cold mezes. An extensive wine list is available, and the highlight is the craft cocktails. With both indoor and outdoor seating in Alanya, it delivers a relaxed yet exquisite ambiance that is appropriate for both special occasions and daily meals. Consistent strengths include cleanliness and attentive service.
Kayaç Wine House, Pamukkale
The expansive views and extensive wine selection from local vineyards can be found at the Kayaç Wine House, which is located near the travertine pools in Pamukkale. The menu features vegetarian-friendly options like salads and yoghurt dishes in addition to turkey, mushroom chicken, and shish kebabs. Drink local beer, chardonnay, or house wines with your meals. Pudding and baklava are desserts. Modern furnishings and attentive service create a comfortable atmosphere. In the busiest times of the year, reservations are advised.
Scenic & Rooftop Restaurants
These rooftop restaurants in Turkey sit above beaches, mountains, and vineyards, giving you great views and fancy menus. They're perfect for sunset dinners and other special occasions.
Seki Restaurant & Lounge, Argos Hotel, Cappadocia
Seki Restaurant sits inside the luxury Argos Hotel, built into a former monastery overlooking Pigeon Valley, with panoramic views considered among the best in Cappadocia. You can expect a menu of modern Turkish cuisine, featuring meze like quail legs in phyllo, duck confit wrapped in chard, and traditional green beans (taze fasulye) slow-braised in olive oil. Main dishes include chicken mille-feuille, traditional Kırcı noodles with beef mince and yoghurt, and Kayseri manti served with garlicky yoghurt and spiced butter. Vegetarians will appreciate vegetable-based starters like taze fasulye. The restaurant’s extensive wine list highlights local Cappadocian vineyards, including the wines from the hotel’s own cellar. Dining here is about both the food and the setting, where you can expect atmospheric interiors, antique spoon collections, and some of the most authentic Turkish dishes in one of the best restaurants in Turkey.
Mikla, Istanbul
The 18th floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel in Istanbul is home to the Michelin one-starred and Gault&Millau three-toque, highly regarded Mikla restaurant, which grants visitors unparalleled 360° views of the city skyline. Its "New Anatolian Kitchen" uses minimalist design inspired by the Nordics to enhance traditional Turkish cuisine. Anticipate creative dishes such as smoked lamb loin with apple molasses and braised endive, and smoked duck breast with red wine pepper jelly, cider syrup and samphire. It is a great option for vegetarians and those looking for sustainable, seasonal options because it encompasses a fully vegan set menu in addition to a daily-changing à la carte or seven-course tasting menu. It is a must-visit for anyone looking for well-known restaurants in Istanbul or deciding where to eat in Turkey.
7 Mehmet, Antalya
A culinary landmark in Antalya, 7 Mehmet serves refined Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on grilled meats, seafood, and traditional meze. The menu changes seasonally and includes lamb kebabs, grilled octopus, fresh fish, and Turkish-style pilav. Some vegetarian choices are available, including salads and vegetable mezes. Its hilltop terrace overlooks Konyaaltı Beach and Antalya with panoramic sunset views. Meals here are best reserved in advance, especially for dinner. The legacy of the chef and the nostalgic interior make this one of the top Turkish restaurants in the region.
Popular Street Food
Every bite of Turkey's street cuisine, from Trabzon's traditional pilaf to Edirne's deep-fried liver, is wonderful. It is bold, full of regional peculiarities, and unapologetically outstanding.
Edirne Ciğercisi Kemal Usta, Edirne
Tava ciğer, thinly sliced veal liver that is deep-fried and served crispy with fresh salad and spicy fried green peppers, is the speciality of this eatery in the centre of Edirne. Additionally, you can sample their homemade thick yoghurt and hearty işkembe çorbası (tripe soup), which are frequently served with cold ayran. Kemal Usta's liver preparation is considered the best in town. Perfect for early spring, the area close to the covered bazaar has both indoor and tented outdoor seating. There aren't any sustainable or vegetarian options.
Tarihi Kalkanoğlu Pilavı, Trabzon
Serving traditional Ottoman-style pilaf made with clarified butter, beef stock, and rice, Tarihi Kalkanoğlu Pilavı has been in business since 1856. In this Black Sea Region restaurant, to honour its Crimean War roots, the only dish offered is pilaf with side compote. There aren't any vegetarian substitutes. For those who enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine while in Trabzon, this simple, one-dish legacy restaurant is a must-visit.
Cevahir Han, Şanlıurfa
Set in a restored Silk Road-era han, this massive Southeastern Anatolian venue serves authentic Şanlıurfa cuisine with historical flair. Try Urfa kebab, stuffed meatballs, eggplant kebab, onion kebab, and lamb tandoori. The daily breakfast comes with live local music. While not fully vegetarian-focused, some side dishes like borani and salads may appeal to plant-based visitors. Indoor and outdoor seating is extensive, accommodating over 1,400 guests in an enchanting atmosphere.
Fine-Dining and Luxury Restaurants
These fine-dining establishments, including a Relais & Château gem, showcase Turkey at its most upscale, ranging from jazz-lit Anatolian mansions to Istanbul's Michelin-starred restaurants.
TURK Fatih Tutak, Istanbul
At this Michelin-starred restaurant in Şişli (Istanbul), Chef Fatih Tutak crafts seasonal Turkish dishes using only local produce and traditional techniques reimagined with modern precision. Consider dishes such as grilled lamb in fermented vegetable jus, confit mackerel with kaffir lime, and dry-aged tomato tartare with Oscietra caviar. The tasting menu is designed as a multi-stage adventure, featuring hors d'oeuvres served in a lounge with a view of the city and desserts presented in the open kitchen. Turkish labels such as Blanc de Noir Karası 2021 are featured on a robust wine list. There are few well-executed vegetarian options available.
Lil’a Restaurant, Uçhisar, Cappadocia
At Lil’a Restaurant, inside Cappadocia’s only Relais & Châteaux property, the Museum hotel, you will taste traditional Turkish food and rare Anatolian recipes reinterpreted with a modern touch by award-winning Chef Saygın Sesli. Expect a seasonal à la carte menu based on organic produce from the hotel’s gardens and ingredients sourced from local farmers, including ancient Alyanak wheat and the rare Topaç garlic. Vegetarian options are available, and the entire culinary philosophy revolves around sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and preserving regional heritage. You can dine indoors or enjoy private meals in Love Valley or the Loggia venue, both offering panoramic views. Wine tastings feature top Anatolian wines from the hotel’s cave cellar. This is one of the top-rated restaurants in Turkey for authentic Turkish dishes with a contemporary touch.
Güzelyurt Restaurant, Erzurum
Jazz music, a sophisticated atmosphere, and Eastern Anatolian cuisine are all combined at Güzelyurt Restaurant. Their signature crème caramel, smoked aubergine, spicy sautéed liver and lor-stuffed curd are among the top recommended dishes. Vegetarians can enjoy a variety of appetisers, such as smoked aubergine and yoghurt-based options, and the menu with a large selection of meze and desserts. The service is commended for its style and cleanliness. It is located in Yakutiye in Erzurum and is a good place to eat slowly in a peaceful environment.
OD Urla, Izmir
Under the direction of Chef Osman Sezener, this Michelin one-star and green-star glasshouse restaurant in Urla (Izmir), lying on a hilltop estate, serves set menus based on sustainable and ultra-local sources. Their own farm and garden provide about half of the ingredients. Slow-cooked beef rib with celeriac textures and grilled squid with onion jus are among the restaurant's specialties. There are set menus for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The experience is defined by open-fire cooking, a zero-waste policy, and locally produced foods such as cheese, eggs, and olive oil. Visitors can spend the night on-site or take a tour of the gardens.