Side (pronounced See-day) is a small resort town located on the southern coast of Turkey next to the Mediterranean Sea. Steeped in rich Greek and Roman history with two beautiful sandy beaches, Side has become a popular tourist destination.
Whether you want to sample some traditional Turkish meze for the first time or freshly caught seafood, Side has it covered.
There are some great places to eat all over the resort. By the harbour and Temple of Apollo you will find a lot of Turkish and seafood bars, this is a great place to eat in the evening whilst you watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
However, if you would rather stick to pub grub from back home there are plenty of British pubs and bars dotted around the resort.
Turkish
Turkish cuisine derives mainly from the Ottoman era which is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern recipes with elements from Central Asia.
'Bulgur' is a common staple food used in recipes which is preferred over rice. Along the coasts of Turkey, seafood is very common with the most popular fish being 'Black Sea anchovy'. 'Meze' is found in most restaurants which is a selection of small dishes from 'hummus' to 'falafel'. Also 'kebabs' are widely eaten which is basically meat cooked on a skewer. For desert, the specialities are 'baklava' which is made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts such as pistachios. There is also 'kanafeh' which is a cheese pastry dipped in syrup.
Whilst you're here you might as well try out the local food. The majority of restaurants in Side serve up traditional Turkish recipes. In the centre of town there's Ocakbasi which specialises in authentic Ottoman cuisine, or you could try the famous Aphrodite which sits in the heart of the ancient harbour offering freshly prepared seafood.
Also by the harbour is Liman Lounge Club, especially known for its great atmosphere and traditional casseroles, while the Ottoman Restaurant is well known for its mouth watering steaks and tasty flat bread.
If you have a sweet tooth you should head to Doruk Pastanesi which bakes pastries and deserts including baklava and tiramisu. But if you would rather stick to savoury, Cihan Kebap Restaurant offers thick cut tender steak and mercemek (spicy lentil soup) in stylish surroundings.
In the main resort area is Sultan Blue which serves up traditional Turkish food with complimentary dips including humus. Away from the hustle and bustle there is Emir Pansion Bistro which is another great spot for meze and shish kebabs.
Whilst if you are more in a party mood head to the Korner Bar on the outskirts of Side where you can choose from a variety of cocktails and listen to some live DJ entertainment. However, if you would rather be relaxing by the harbour side try Apollonik which offers delicious Ottoman cuisine.
International
There are many restaurants in Side which serve up food from all corners of the globe.
One of the top places to eat in Side is Conny's, run in a small boutique hotel serving top quality food from all over the world. They also host live evening entertainment most nights of the week from karaoke to yoga-chakra. Whilst if you are a fish lover you should try the Orfoz Restaurant situated on the harbour front which specialises in freshly caught seafood.
Along the beachfront is Alaaddin Bistro Steak House, renowned for its seafood and steak dishes. If you plan on staying at the beach for the day they also offer free sun chairs available to borrow. There's also the option to try the Bill Cosby Restaurant & Bar, which serves anything from American to Mexican cuisine. If you are wandering why this is called Bill Cosby, maybe you should look out for a certain member of staff! However, if you want an evening packed with entertainment, head to the Surf Bar, where you can witness belly dancers dancing on the tables whilst enjoying a mojito.
British
If you fancy a change from Turkish cuisine there are some British restaurants in Side offering classic pub meals as well as succulent steaks.
Among the numerous British pubs in Side you'll find Britannia Restaurant serving up homemade pies and traditional full English breakfasts. Whilst if you are missing fish and chips with a pint of Guinness from back home, head to the Irish Shamrock Pub.
If you would like to sample some Turkish cuisine whilst having the option of English food look no further than the Windmill Restaurant on the outskirts of Side, and if you want to keep up to date with the latest Premier League matches head to The Red Lion.
Asian
There are quite a few Asian restaurants in Side serving Indian and Chinese specialities for those who love spicy food.
Opposite the Side Prenses Resort Hotel is China Court, this Asian themed restaurant serves traditional Chinese stir fries and fried sizzling beef. Combined with the Little Norway bar is Surf bar which offers delicious Indian meals as well as Turkish kebabs.
Near the Fatih Cami Mosque is My Corner, this quirky little restaurant serves traditional Indian dishes as well as British favourites, such as chicken roasts or a simple omelette and chips. You will be assured a great night out at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Bar, which offers mouth-watering fruit salads and Indian cuisine, served by welcoming staff.