Antalya is Turkey's premier Mediterranean resort province, stretching along the stunning Turquoise Coast and offering a captivating blend of ancient ruins, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The region is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world alongside luxurious all-inclusive resorts and a vibrant old town.
Antalya's cuisine is a reflection of its Mediterranean coastal location and rich agricultural hinterland, featuring an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, locally grown citrus, pomegranates, and herbs from the Taurus Mountains. The province has its own distinct culinary traditions combining Ottoman influences with Anatolian village cooking, making it distinct from Istanbul's metropolitan cuisine.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Antalya.
Antalya Piyazı
A local white bean salad with tahini dressing, onions, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs, this is Antalya's signature dish and unique to the region
Where to try: Traditional lokantalar and local restaurants throughout Antalya
Price: $3-6
Şiş Kebab
Marinated lamb or chicken threaded on skewers and grilled over charcoal, served with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and yogurt
Where to try: Kebab restaurants throughout Antalya
Price: $8-14
Baklava
Layers of thin filo pastry filled with pistachios or walnuts and soaked in syrup; the pistachio variety from Gaziantep transported to Antalya restaurants is outstanding
Where to try: Petek Pastanesi and traditional pastry shops
Price: $4-8
Midye Dolma
Mussels stuffed with spiced rice, pine nuts, and currants, sold from street vendors with a squeeze of lemon; a beloved seaside snack
Where to try: Beach promenades and harbor areas in Antalya, Alanya, and Side
Price: $0.50 per piece
Çiğ Köfte
Spicy bulgur wheat mixture with tomato paste and spices wrapped in lettuce leaves and flatbread; now entirely vegetarian and hugely popular
Where to try: Dedicated çiğ köfte shops throughout the province
Price: $2-4
Testi Kebab
Meat and vegetables slow-cooked sealed inside a clay pot, dramatically broken open at the table; a Central Anatolian specialty found in many Antalya restaurants
Where to try: Traditional Turkish restaurants in Kaleiçi
Price: $15-25
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Turkish
Mediterranean
Food tours & tastings in Antalya
Eat your way through Antalya with a guide.
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Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Midye Satıcısı (Mussel Vendor)
Mussels stuffed with spiced rice sold from decorated carts; one of Turkey's most iconic street foods
Find it at: Kaleiçi harbor, Konyaaltı promenade, Alanya beach
Simit (Turkish bagel)
Sesame-coated bread rings, sold fresh from street carts throughout the day; the quintessential Turkish street breakfast
Find it at: City center streets and morning markets
Mısır (Grilled Corn)
Whole corn cobs grilled or boiled and seasoned with butter and salt; classic beach and evening snack
Find it at: Konyaaltı and Lara beachfronts
Döner Dürüm
Shaved rotisserie meat wrapped in thin flatbread with tomatoes, onions, and hot sauce; Turkey's most ubiquitous fast food
Find it at: City center fast food shops and market areas
Taze Sıkılmış Nar Suyu (Fresh Pomegranate Juice)
Freshly pressed pomegranate juice from local pomegranates; a Turkish specialty particularly abundant in Antalya's fruit-growing region
Find it at: Juice vendors throughout Kaleiçi and tourist areas
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Antalya Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
Historic covered bazaar adjacent to the Yivli Minaret selling spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, and souvenirs in a labyrinthine Ottoman structure
Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Muratpaşa Semt Pazarı
Lively weekly neighborhood market selling fresh produce, olives, cheese, and local foodstuffs at excellent prices
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Lara Pazar
Popular weekly market in the Lara district selling fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, and local Antalya produce
Hours: Wednesday 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Turkish lunch is typically served 12-3 PM; dinner starts late at 7-8 PM or even 9 PM in summer
Always check if a restaurant has a menu with prices posted; avoid restaurants without menus near tourist areas
Bread (ekmek) is served free with most meals
Ayran (salty yogurt drink) is the traditional accompaniment to kebabs and is delicious
Tipping 10-15% is customary at sit-down restaurants; round up for taxis
- Vegetarian
- Turkish cuisine has many vegetarian options including meze dishes, pide, gözleme, çiğ köfte, and vegetable stews; inform your waiter clearly
- Halal
- Essentially all Turkish restaurants are halal as pork is not served; alcohol availability varies between establishments
- Gluten free
- Many Turkish dishes are naturally gluten-free (grilled meat, rice dishes, many meze); bread and pide contain gluten, request confirmation
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-10 per meal | Lokantalar, street food, pide restaurants, and döner shops offer filling meals at very low cost |
| Mid-range | $15-30 per meal | Sit-down restaurants in Kaleiçi and beach areas with table service and alcohol |
| Upscale | $60+ per meal | Fine dining restaurants with harbor or sea views, multi-course menus, and premium wine lists |