Kilis is a small historic city in southeastern Turkey, situated just kilometres from the Syrian border and nestled among ancient olive groves. Long an important junction between Anatolia and the Levant, Kilis retains a distinctive Arab-influenced culture expressed in its unique cuisine, centuries-old bazaars, Ottoman mosques, and the olive oil traditions that have shaped life here for millennia. Visitors come for the unforgettable local gastronomy — especially kilis tarhana, şıllık flatbread, and kiraz kebabı — and for the rare experience of a historic Anatolian border city largely untouched by mass tourism.
Kilis cuisine is one of Turkey's most distinctive and least-known food traditions, fusing Anatolian flavours with Levantine Arab influences. Olive oil is not just a condiment but the defining ingredient — drizzled over almost every dish. The most famous local dish is kilis tarhana, a thick, sour fermented-wheat soup made from dried grape pomace and yogurt — quite different from other tarhanas found across Turkey. Şıllık is a garlic-and-olive-oil-rubbed flatbread, often eaten for breakfast. Kiraz (cherry) kebabı uses tart cherries to balance the richness of lamb on the grill. The bazaar's sweet shops sell künefe, baklava, and cezerye (carrot candy) alongside Arabic-influenced pastries. Dibek kahvesi — coffee ground in a stone mortar — is the traditional drink for starting the day.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Taşhan Restaurant
Popular Kilis Traditional restaurant in Kilis.
Eski Çarşı Mah., Taşhan Sok. No:3, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Kilis Tarhana Evi
Popular Kilis Traditional restaurant in Kilis.
Kurşunlu Mah. No:5, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Mehmet Usta Kebap Salonu
Popular Kebab restaurant in Kilis.
Köfteci Sok. No:7, 79000 Kilis Merkez, Turkey
Bahçeli Lokanta
Popular Turkish Homestyle restaurant in Kilis.
Atatürk Cad. No:28, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Kilis Pide Fırını
Popular Turkish Pide restaurant in Kilis.
Belediye Cad. No:14, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Sevinç Pastanesi
Popular Turkish Sweets restaurant in Kilis.
Cumhuriyet Meydanı No:4, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Divan Köftecisi
Popular Köfte / Grilled restaurant in Kilis.
Köfteci Sok. No:2, 79000 Kilis Merkez, Turkey
Zeytin Kahvesi
Popular Turkish Café / Breakfast restaurant in Kilis.
Arasta Sok. No:9, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Turkish
Hacı Ahmet Künefecisi
Eski Çarşı Mah. No:6, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Kilis Kahvaltı Evi
Tekye Mah. No:3, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Tarihi Kilis Börekçisi
Arasta Çarşısı No:2, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Grilled Meat
Boran Et Lokantası
Sanayi Cad. No:11, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Kilis Olive Oil Cuisine
Zeytinyağlı Kilis Sofrası
Cumhuriyet Mah. No:8, 79000 Kilis, Turkey
Food tours & tastings in Kilis
Eat your way through Kilis with a guide.
Browse food experiences in KilisWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
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Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |