Eastern Mediterranean
This cheerful kebap place right in the middle of the main drag along the seafront never shuts, and its hearty portions of döner (spit-roasted lamb slices)…
Must-see restaurants in Turkey
Eastern Mediterranean
If you fancy trying the local speciality Adana kebap (minced beef or lamb mixed with powdered red pepper grilled on a skewer) in style, head for this…
Kadıköy
The front window and interior of this Kadıköy cake shop, which opened in 1961, have stood the test of time and so too has its popularity. Regulars tend to…
Central Anatolia
The best place for lunch in Divriği is this homely wooden restaurant that does a bustling trade in pide (Turkish-style pizza), grills and sizzling saç…
Eastern Mediterranean
Compile a meze platter at this excellent local place, serving İskenderun residents for over half a century. Kebaps include a mini-mountain of fresh herbs…
Eskişehir
This local gathering spot, in the garden of the Archaeological Museum, churns out solid plates of burgers and grilled meat as well as smaller snacks…
Side
Karma has an unbeatable garden fronting a patch of iridescent blue ocean (lit by submerged turquoise lights). The emphasis here is on meat – try the…
Trabzon
Good for inexpensive local snack meals like lahana dolma (pencil-thin stuffed vine leaves) or kaygana (eggy pancake), this little courtyard is an oasis of…
Cappadocia
Our pick of Avanos' multitude of kebap joints is this welcoming place in the centre of town. Its pide (Turkish-style pizza) is good for a cheap, tasty…
İzmir
In the Kestane Pazarı (Chestnut Market) section of Kemeraltı, this simple place has been serving tender and tasty Macedonian/Albanian–style köfte with…
Western Anatolia
One of the seafood joints along Mudanya's waterfront, Meral rates ahead of its neighbours because of the friendly family owners. Order a plate of grilled…
Çanakkale
Head to this hang-out near the Trojan Horse for a hamburger, fajitas or pizza. Louder as the night gets older, the music is indie and Western rather than…
Southeastern Anatolia
This basic canteen whips up exceedingly generous kebap plates with particularly good ciğer (liver). The owner is very friendly too. There's no menu – just…
Sultanahmet
Specialities from Konya in Central Anatolia are the draw at this bustling place just off the much-loved Hocapașa Sokak food strip. Regulars come for the…
Istanbul
Turks take family, football and food seriously. And when it comes to food, few dishes are sampled and assessed as widely as the humble döner kebap. Ask…
Bodrum Peninsula
Visually this place is simply stunning, with whitewashed shabby-chic tables placed right by the water's edge (and even in the shallows), and lots of arty…
Thrace & Marmara
Every visitor to Gökçeada makes their way to the island's most popular cafe at some stage, lured by its most famous creation, the efi badem. A sugar…
Kadıköy
Generally acknowledged as one of the city's best fish restaurants, Cibalikapı has two branches: one on the Golden Horn and the other here in Moda. Super…
Erzurum
Bright and spacious, this stone-walled family kebap barbecue has a curious carpeted corner in a half-cellar beneath what appears to be a giant fireplace…
Southeastern Anatolia
The arched arcades of this old han (caravanserai) are home to a cafe dishing up regional dishes like Midyat dobo (stew of lamb, garlic and yoghurt) and…
Çanakkale
The outdoor terrace of this extremely friendly place on the northern stretch of the kordon is always packed with locals, so you should book ahead to…
Bodrum Peninsula
This tasteful restaurant packs far more of a local flavour than most tourist-geared places in Bitez. There's a lovely courtyard setting for summer evening…
Ankara
The capital's classiest Italian restaurant covers the pasta (all homemade), seafood and steak bases but trust us, you're here for the pizza. Mezzaluna's…
Dalyan
Kordon is renowned for fish and seafood and has a riverside garden with a commanding position near where the excursion boats moor. Dishes are priced high …
Ayvalık
With a great selection of traditional Turkish pastries and cakes, this friendly patisserie on the main street makes a terrific mid-morning or -afternoon…
Alaçatı
This long-running alternative to traditional Turkish fare recently moved into new and very swish digs within the Alavya hotel compound. Chef-owner Melih…
Edirne
This bright, modern and very friendly joint is perhaps the best place in town to try a porsyon (portion) of tava ciğer (thinly sliced calf's liver deep…
Safranbolu
With outdoor seating on the square above and in the alleyway, plus cubby-hole dining inside, Çızgi has snagged prime territory. Order the rum mantı …
Bodrum Town
This simple, back-alley place has a no-nonsense, rustic feel with bench seating and stone walls. Offers hot and cold prepared dishes, viewable lokanta…
Beyoğlu
Popular cookbook writer and TV chef Sahrap Soysal oversees the menu here, and the result is a tasty and well-priced introduction to modern Turkish cuisine…
Datça & Bozburun Peninsulas
This waterfront restaurant-cafe serves locally sourced 'gourmet fast food' – ızgara (grilled) dishes like köfte and chicken şiş – village bread and…
Çanakkale
Locals have been coming here for slap-up meals since 1940. A two-storey place on the kordon, it serves seafood that often comes straight off the fishing…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Milanese-born chef Gian Carlo Talerico and his Turkish wife Beldan Erkkul converted this former residence of the Aya Strati Taksiarhi Greek Orthodox…
Bursa
This branch of the iconic Bursa restaurant that's the originator of the legendary İskender kebap (or Bursa kebap; döner kebap on fresh pide topped with…
Central Anatolia
Our favourite place to kick back after rock-scrambling and church viewing in Sille is this place on the main road with its shady terrace festooned with…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
This branch of a chic chain has a million-lira location right on the water's edge, and is hugely popular with locals for a weekend brunch. There's a wide…
Göcek
It may have a joke name and not look like much, but this is Göcek's top spot for chargrilled meat feasting, the Urfa kebap (₺33) will not disappoint. Grab…
İzmir
This is the best spot in the city to try the local speciality of boyoz, a fried pastry made with flour, sunflower oil and a small amount of tahini…
Kuşadası
Eateries around the fountain in the modern square at the fish market do balık ekmeğı (fish bread), consisting of fish or calamari in sliced bread with…
Bodrum Town
Decorated with comic-book and street art, this cool Turkish chain – originally a refuge for artists and writers in İstanbul – is popular with students for…
