Mediterranean Coast, Turkey
Turkish cuisine, an exquisite fusion, refines tastes from Central Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans. It champions fresh, seasonal ingredients, the generous use of olive oil, and a thoughtful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Antalya’s cuisine draws heavily from the broader Mediterranean and Aegean traditions of Turkey. This brings a focus on fresh vegetables, herbs, and seafood. The historical layers of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule have each left their mark, enriching the local palate. The Ottoman imperial kitchen, in particular, introduced complex dishes and refined culinary techniques that still influence modern Turkish cooking. Meals are often social affairs, enjoyed leisurely with conversation.
A unique white bean salad incorporating tahini, garlic, walnuts, and a boiled egg, setting it apart from other Turkish bean salads.
A creamy, flavorful dip made from tahini, garlic, red pepper, and lemon juice, often served as a meze.
Given its coastal location, fresh fish and seafood are readily available and prepared with local spices and olive oil.
Antalya's renowned white bean salad. It features boiled white beans dressed with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and topped with chopped parsley, tomatoes, and a hard-boiled egg.
Find at: Local restaurants (lokantas) and kebab houses specializing in traditional Antalya cuisine.
A thick, savory dip made from tahini (sesame paste), garlic, red pepper, and lemon juice. It has a slightly spicy and tangy flavor.
Find at: Served as a meze (appetizer) in many traditional Turkish restaurants.
A delicious stir-fried dish, usually made with tender pieces of lamb or beef cooked on a 'sac' (a large, convex metal plate) with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It is flavorful and often served with rice or bread.
Find at: Traditional Turkish restaurants and kebap houses.
A circular, sesame-crusted bread ring, similar to a bagel but crispier. A popular breakfast item or snack.
A simple yet delicious grilled fish sandwich, often made with fresh mackerel or seabass, served in bread with lettuce and onion. Popular around the Old Harbor.
Found mostly within luxury hotels (especially along Lara Beach) or in upscale areas of the city. These restaurants offer modern Turkish cuisine with a gourmet touch, international dishes, and exquisite seafood. Expect higher prices and a more formal atmosphere.
Abundant throughout the city, including Kaleiçi, Konyaaltı, and modern districts. These offer a variety of Turkish dishes, fresh kebabs, grilled meats, and seafood in a comfortable setting. Prices are reasonable, and quality is generally high.
Lokantas (traditional home-style cooking), Pideci/Lahmacuncu shops, Döner/Kebab stalls, and various street vendors provide quick, tasty, and inexpensive meals. Kaleiçi, areas around the Clock Tower, and main shopping streets are good for budget-friendly finds.
Local bazaars (e.g., Cumartesi Pazarı - Saturday Market) offer fresh produce, spices, cheeses, and sometimes ready-to-eat street food.
Discover local flavors directly from producers.
Restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and other international cuisines are available, specifically in the modern parts of the city and areas frequented by tourists.
Global tastes in a local setting.
Black tea, served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. A symbol of Turkish hospitality.
Strong, unfiltered coffee served in small cups. Best consumed slowly.
Layers of thin phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup.
Famous Turkish ice cream, known for its thick, chewy, and stretchy texture.
If you have severe allergies (e.g., nuts, dairy), carry a Translation card explaining your allergy in Turkish. Always inform restaurant staff.
Clear communication is for a safe dining experience.
Use a Translation app like Google Translate to communicate dietary needs. Learn basic Turkish phrases like "Ben vejetaryenim" (I am vegetarian) or "Et yemem" (I don't eat meat). Look for restaurants catering to specific needs on review platforms before you go.
Digital tools and phrases make dining easier.
Antalya's street food culture includes delightful snacks that are easy to find and enjoy on the go.
End your meal with traditional Turkish sweets that are famous worldwide.
Antalya's food is a product of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule, each contributing to its rich palate.
A core principle of Turkish cuisine, ensuring flavors in every dish.
A thoughtful harmony of savory and sweet notes defines many traditional Turkish dishes.
Anise-flavored alcoholic spirit, traditionally diluted with water, turning it milky white ("lion's milk"). Often enjoyed with mezes and seafood.
A traditional spirit for social gatherings.
Ayran is a refreshing, salty yogurt drink. Şalgam Suyu is an unique, tangy, and often spicy fermented turnip juice.
Popular with kebabs for a refreshing taste.
Abundant use of fresh, seasonal vegetables and herbs from the fertile lands around Antalya.
A rich selection of freshly caught fish and seafood, prepared simply with olive oil and local spices.
Unique dishes featuring wild herbs gathered from the nearby Taurus Mountains, adding distinct local flavors.
When dining in local eateries (lokantas), the dishes are often displayed behind a glass counter. You can simply point to what you'd like to try.
