With its location on the Mediterranean Sea in a vibrant country with a long culinary history, Antalya has a spectacular dining scene. With influences from Asia to the east and Europe from the west, Turkey has always had an evolving and fascinating cuisine. Antalya combines Turkish cuisine with some of the freshest seafood in the region. When planning your holiday to Antalya you can rest assured that there is a plethora of great places to eat out - just take your pick!
Local cuisine
Located in the Otantik Butik Hotel in Antalya, the eponymous restaurant has a widespread appeal. Open from breakfast into the late night, the menu includes classic dishes from Turkey, Italy and around the world. Like many other Turkish restaurants, diners state that this restaurant has more than generous portions for the value. If you make a trip into the Kaleici neighbourhood of Antalya to dine, you'll enjoy the abundant, delicious food accompanied by attentive service.
Cosy and charming, the Sirri restaurant is family-run and the epitome of fresh cuisine. Found in an old home near the harbour, this restaurant only has a limited number of tables that are all seated underneath orange trees in a courtyard. With the scent of orange in the air, diners choose from a menu of Turkish classic dishes made with local ingredients by hand. This will be the closest you can get to eating with a Turkish family.
In Antalya, Corners Menu has something for everyone. The menu has comfort food favourites from around the world including Mexican, Chinese and Italian to choose from. Open from early morning for breakfast into late in the evening for a midnight snack, the convenient hours of this restaurant may be its best feature, after the great prices.
An excellent showcase of Turkish cuisine is available in Kazan. This restaurant, conveniently located in Antalya, has a menu of classic Turkish dishes including kebabs, lamb offals and koftes. The staff here does speak English which can give it an advantage over others. Kazan is extremely relaxed; there is no pressure to buy drinks or dessert here. And while there is a bar in the restaurant, it is a mature, laid-back environment. You won't have to worry about contending with loud tourists or flaming shots while you eat dinner.
There is no better place to eat Turkish food than in the Old Town area of Antalya. The Yemenli Restaurant is a new feature on the culinary scene after it opened its doors in 2010. This restaurant has Mediterranean food with local grilled meats, fresh caught fish and a range of pasta dishes. There is both indoor and outdoor seating and a full-service bar to enjoy. The restaurant is located within a remodelled, charming, historic building.
Situated in the small bucolic village of Beycik outside of Antalya, the Sibel's Four Seasons restaurant is as quaint as its menu is delicious. The menu of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients is made even more remarkable considering its location. The trek to the restaurant can be tiring as it is located on top of a steep hill. The views from the restaurant and courses will definitely make the trip worthwhile.
Popular with both locals and tourists alike, the Sunset Restaurant and Bar has Turkish cuisine at fair prices. Located in downtown Belek on the town square, this restaurant has great people watching. The menu showcases Turkish classics accompanied by an extensive wine and cocktail list. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a full-fledged bar with entertainment including jazz performers, belly dancers and karaoke.
For a taste of something more familiar or to please the picky eaters in your group, the Kanatci Ali Asker has the best chicken wings in the area. Of course, the chicken wings here are not necessarily the ones you're used to at home. These ones are available in mild or spicy and served outdoors in a beautiful courtyard with a variety of sides. Local musicians often play in the courtyard in the evenings so you can enjoy dinner and a show.
Another popular Turkish meal late at night, the Pasa Bey Kebapcisi in Antalya keeps locals and tourists alike happy. Don't be daunted that this restaurant is filled with locals they come here for the excellent food too! The menu is full of items like kebabs, hot pans and others that may satisfy comfort food cravings after hours. Like many other late night places, the prices here are affordable and the portions are generous.
Consider the Anadolu Park Restaurant for one of the most memorable dining experiences in the region. This restaurant is located deep in the heart of a park and it feels like it is built into the treeline. Kid and family friendly, this restaurant has enough fun to keep children and adults alike busy. The menu has Turkish classics like kebabs and spiced rice that you can enjoy while looking out at the forest that surrounds the dining room. You can also choose a roasted meat option that you can roast yourself outside!
International
Open late, the Paradise Restaurant, found in the historic area of Antalya, has a beautiful terrace that you can dine on. This relaxed eatery has a menu of unassuming comfort foods that will satisfy almost everyone in your party. The staff is very accommodating and takes time to explain the menu to guests so they order something they will enjoy.
If you happen to find yourself up late at night in Turkey, perhaps after a drink or two, the Leman Kultur is worth a stop. This restaurant has a full late night menu. There are many favourites from around the world including fish and chips, pasta and roasted meats. The menu items, which are nicer versions of fast food, come at a very affordable price. You won't wake up in the morning wondering where all of your holiday spending money has gone!
Another restaurant with an internationally influenced menu is the Vanilla Lounge. This modern eatery fuses classic recipes from around the world with local ingredients and contemporary twists. The menu features items like monkfish tail, beef short ribs and a number of pizzas. With a playful menu, their prices are lower than other fine dining options in the area and you can make reservations online whenever the moods strikes you.
Zaruri is a solid restaurant choice in Antalya for tourists and locals alike. Their menu is packed with Turkish and Mediterranean classics from local ingredients like eggplant, feta cheese and lamb. One of the main appeals of this restaurant is that it has air conditioning and observes a non-smoking environment. This alone makes the dining room cosier and relaxing. Finding a non-smoking restaurant can be hard to find in Antalya.
Also located in the heart of Kaleici, the Patio Restaurant offers old world, European charm that you would expect in an Italian villa. Open from breakfast until late night dinners, the restaurant has a menu with favourites like homemade Italian cheeses, charcuterie and fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant creates dishes that are blends of French, Italian and Turkish cuisines. But best of all, the portions are generous and the prices are fair, all for lovely courses. Hopefully your hotel room has a refrigerator to save the leftovers!
For a taste of home, the Dukkan Burger & Steakhouse has a menu of succulent classics that will make any carnivore happy. Dukkan only serves locally raised cows and other animals so you're supporting local farmers and businesses by dining here. They also use techniques like dry aging to cater even to the most sophisticated steak house tastes. Don't forget to make reservations to make sure your steak doesn't go to someone else!
Treat yourself
Seraser Restaurant is Turkish gourmet dining at its finest. The menu has internationally inspired dishes like ravioli, tempura vegetables, duck confit and beef wellington served with an immaculate, elegant setting. If you are traveling with foodies or not, people within your party will be impressed! Because of its high ratings, call ahead to make reservations to make sure you will have a table.
For a more intimate meal, consider making reservations at the Café Sur Lounge. The restaurant is located within a charming building in Antalya's Kaleici neighbourhood. Marginally more expensive than the average, Café Sur Lounge has live musical jazz performances while you dine. The restaurant has a large wine list to complement each of the courses of your meal.
If you are traveling to Antalya with a significant other, the Arma restaurant will be perfect for a romantic evening. Arma restaurant is situated within the historic area of Antalya and has some of the most spectacular views of the Kaleici and the surrounding mountain ranges. Beyond the ambiance, the menu has exquisitely plated gourmet courses to choose from.
Similarly for an intimate meal with family or friends, the Lal Café is a great place. This small and quaint restaurant has peaceful outdoor seating. Many Turkish and Mediterranean classics are on the menu like kebabs, local seafood catches and soups. The only drawback is the café can be a hike as it is on a steep hill, which will change depending on what side you are walking towards it.
One highly recommended fine dining experience is the Big Chef. This bistro has gourmet options that showcase culinary influences from Turkey and around the world. There are vegetarian options as well for those with special dietary constraints. But not all items are internationally influenced or vegetarian; they also have classics like eggs benedict, cheesecakes, and pastas.
If you are traveling with a romantic interest, old or new, the Ship Inn Restaurant would be a lovely choice for a starry-eyed evening. This restaurant has a feeling of a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city; you can even sit by a pond in its courtyard. The menu is full of Turkish favourites but what makes this place truly special is the ambiance. If nothing else, stop in for drinks and dessert to share.
The 7 Mehmet Restaurant is a beautiful and modern eatery that is suitable for parties of all sizes from families to business partners to couples. And they are open from breakfast into the late night so they are available at almost any time of day, no matter when the mood strikes. With ample portions at a reasonable price, everyone will be pleased with the value at this restaurant, even if they are not the one footing the bill. It is a great way to explore Turkish cuisine without having to commit a lot of money.
If you'd like to get a relaxed and charming dining experience in Antalya, the Castle Café Bar is a great choice for a meal. The restaurant is conveniently located in the Old Town region of town overlooking the Harbour District. But even without the view, the picturesque courtyard feels like stepping into a fairy-tale.
Perfectly located on the beach in Antalya, the Stellas Manzara Restaurant is impeccable for couples. The menu has items like steaks, pastas and other classics that are quintessential for date nights. To completely bolster this restaurant's reputation as a romantic destination, it often has local musicians perform love songs during dinner service. Stellas Manzara is held in high regard and frequently recommended so if you want to have a quiet evening here with a loved one, make reservations to secure your table especially during the busy tourist season in the summer.