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Simple, hearty dishes are what’s on offer at this casual restaurant in the middle of Turgutreis’s bazaar. Choose from traditional Turkish favorites or get an omelet at any time of the day.
Plaj 2 Sok. 15, Turgutreis, Mugla, 48960, Turkey
Known For
- Mantı (Turkish-style ravioli in garlicky yogurt sauce)
- çiğ börek (deep-fried savory pastry)
- Gözleme (Turkish-style savory crepes)
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For almost half a century, this popular, no-frills restaurant near the marina has been serving the freshest seafood in town. House specialties include fish soup and octopus with pilaf, and their fried calamari has been voted one of the best versions in Turkey. Reservations recommended.
Neyzen Teyvfik Cad. 176, Bodrum, Mugla, 48400, Turkey
Known For
- Popular with locals
- Balık köfte (fish "meatball")
- Shrimp on a bed of pureed eggplant
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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By early evening, the white tables spread across the green lawn in front of Gunbatimi are full of customers coming to witness the inspiration for the restaurant's name, "the sunset." To accompany the visual spectacle, the owner and his culinary team cook up the classics of Aegean seafood dishes, with particular pride displayed in the grilled octopus.
396 Sk., off Ugur Mumcu Cad., Dikili, Izmir, Turkey
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards, Closed in winter. No lunch
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The specialty of the house at this simple eatery on the boardwalk in Türkbükü is large, rather greasy portions of çiğ böreği, a Crimean dish brought to Turkey that consists of flat, fried pastry stuffed with ground beef, onion, and spices. One of the few unpretentious (and relatively inexpensive) places left on the Türkbükü shoreline, this place has a beach-hut vibe, its own little patch of sand, and a family clientele.
Liman Cad. 77, Göltürkbükü, Mugla, 48400, Turkey
Known For
- Baked or fried mantı (tiny Turkish "ravioli," stuffed with minced meat)
- Gözleme (Turkish savory crepes with various fillings)
- Turkish breakfast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–Apr., Credit cards accepted
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Köfte (Turkish-style meatballs) are the mainstay of this popular, no-frills eatery, and you can enjoy them as a sandwich or with a side of piyaz (navy bean salad, with or without onions), homemade bread, and ayran (salted yogurt drink). The only other dish on the menu is çöp şiş, small pieces of skewered grilled lamb. No alcohol served.
Merkez Çarşı İçi, Yalikavak, Mugla, 48400, Turkey
Known For
- Good köfte
- Simple menu
- Casual vibe
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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This cheery traveler favorite just off Pamukkale’s main square serves up better-than-average grilled meats, güveç (casseroles), and other traditional Turkish dishes (plus international staples like omelets and pasta) on an outdoor patio under a thick canopy of grapevines. Portions are on the small side, but nicely presented.
Atatürk Cad. 3, Pamukkale, Denizli, 20280, Turkey
Known For
- Mixed grill
- Karnıyarık (stuffed eggplant)
- Full bar including a good selection of bottled beer
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Turkish grilled meatballs and home-style cuisine, served at just a few tables in a no-frills setting, have been a hit for more than half a century. Accompany any dish you order with homemade plain yogurt. Alcohol is not served.
Yeni Çarşı 2. Sok. 11, Bodrum, Mugla, 48400, Turkey
Known For
- Busy lunch crowd
- Delicious meatballs
- Stewed okra
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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This long-standing, family-run fish house overlooks the harbor and is especially noted for a wide selection of Cretan dishes and seafood appetizers that include delectable shrimp cooked in butter, garlic, and seaweed. A local institution with courteous waitstaff, Körfez also serves some meat dishes.
Neyzen Tevfik Cad. 2, Bodrum, Mugla, 48400, Turkey
Known For
- Fried calamari
- Fish soup
- Good brunch
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Ilıca is known for kumru—Turkish-style panini prepared with special sesame-seed rolls and stuffed with salami, sucuk (beef spicy sausage), cheese, tomatoes, and pickles—and this place serves the best in town. Pair your sandwich with a glass of ayran, a refreshing yogurt drink. There are multiple locations in Ilıca and branches of this popular local chain in Alaçatı and Çeşme as well. It's open 24 hours.
5066 Sok. 2, Ilica, Izmir, 25700, Turkey
232-723–2392-Ilıca waterfront branch
Known For
- They also do a good Turkish breakfast
- There are multiple locations
- The place for kumru
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Settle into a lovely, fig-scented garden about 2 km (1 mile) outside town, overlooking citrus trees, the sea, and the ancient city of Myndos and enjoy a meal in these rural surroundings. While the late-risers' breakfast, served until 3 pm daily is a draw, the crowds come for dinner at sunset. Lunch or dinner should begin with the excellent fried calamari; the mantı (Turkish-style ravioli) is homemade.
Kardak Cad. 7, Gümüslük, Mugla, 48400, Turkey
Known For
- House-specialty cocktails
- The sunset views
- Homemade mantı (Turkish-style ravioli)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–Apr., Reservations essential
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This waterfront spot in pleasant Şevket Sabancı Park, just outside Turgutreis city center, has grand views of the sea along with a nice selection of Turkish and international dishes (though, perhaps surprisingly given the location, no fish). Alcohol is served and reservations advisable in high season.
Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bul., Turgutreis, Mugla, 48400, Turkey
Known For
- Kebabs
- Patlıcan sarması (eggplant rolls)
- Turkish breakfast
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Laid-back but still pleasantly lively, this fish restaurant across from the marina has indoor-outdoor dining and less of a touristy vibe than those around the cruise ship port. Meze, hot starters, and fresh whole fish are all well prepared and the service is efficient.
Atatürk Bul. 104, Kusadasi, Aydin, Turkey
Known For
- Roasted octopus
- Stuffed calamari
- Fried red mullet
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By day a popular spot for a fast, fresh lunch, this homey restaurant on the waterfront by the Pasaport pier (it used to be in Alsancak, hence the name) turns into a lively meyhane-style eating and drinking establishment at night. A heaping mixed plate of vegetarian-friendly dishes like stuffed mushrooms, falafel, and fried cauliflower with yogurt is an affordable way to fill up midday; the evening set menu is equally delicious and a good value.
Atatürk Cad. 158/A, Konak, Izmir, Turkey
Known For
- Sea bass roll with halloumi cheese
- Smoked octopus
- Sea bass with Aegean milk thistle
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Simple but delicious home-cooked dishes are served on a secluded patio at this friendly little restaurant just off Şirince's bustling main street. There are plenty of vegetarian options, and a cozy dining room with a fireplace for winter meals.
4 Sok. 2, Sirince, Izmir, Turkey
Known For
- Mantı (Turkish "ravioli" with garlicky yogurt)
- Kiremitte köfte (meatballs baked in tomato sauce)
- Assorted börek (savory pastries)
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Blissfully lacking the touts trying to lure tourists into the restaurants around Cengiz Topel Caddesi, this tiny, friendly pide shop is conveniently located near the Selçuk Museum. In addition to the crisp, tasty pide offerings, there is also a selection of güveç (casserole) dishes on the menu.
Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu 12/A, Selçuk, Izmir, Turkey
Known For
- Vegetarian-friendly pide toppings such as spinach and mushrooms
- Lahmacun (flatbread with spicy minced meat topping)
- Tahini-topped pide for dessert
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Attached to a pansiyon of the same name near the entrance to town, this casual restaurant offers an assortment of grilled meats and home-cooked dishes as well as meze and gözleme (Turkish-style crepes). Meals are served in a pleasantly tree-shaded, plant-filled courtyard decorated with hanging lamps, some made out of dried gourds.
Şirince Köyü İç Yölü, Sirince, Izmir, 35920, Turkey
Known For
- Saç kavurma (finely chopped meat and vegetables sautéed on an iron plate)
- Kuru fasulye (white bean stew)
- Köy kahvaltısı (village breakfast)
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This no-frills spot is a good place to grab a quick bite en route to the travertines and it attracts more of a Turkish clientele than at most Pamukkale eateries. Wind chimes, strands of dried peppers, and a couple of chatty pet birds liven up the simple patio seating.
Atatürk Cad., Pamukkale, Denizli, 20280, Turkey
Known For
- Assorted pide (Turkish flatbread)
- Pirzola (lamb chops)
- Grilled chicken
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This seafood and grill restaurant at Çeşme Marina has a menu of international and Turkish dishes, spanning everything from meze to pasta, fajitas, grilled lamb chops, and more. The waterside location is lovely, with views of the castle; the winking lights far across the water are from the Greek island of Chios.
1016 Sok. 2, Çesme, Izmir, 35930, Turkey
Known For
- Good though pricey selection of wines and cocktails
- Lovely atmosphere
- Baked peaches with hazelnut-amaretto biscuits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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On a small side street in Kuşadası's main bazaar area, "My Nest/Home" truly lives up to its name, offering the kind of food you'd find in a Turkish home. It's open only at lunch, and items can sell out quickly, so get there early to enjoy daily specials such as meatballs in sour sauce, baked chicken with rice, or bamya (okra) in a tomato-olive oil sauce. Alcohol is not served.
7 Eylül Sok. 4/A, Kusadasi, Aydin, 09435, Turkey
Known For
- Soups and stews
- Vegetarian dishes
- Lunch-only
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner