Turkish food is one of the most exotic in the world. It cuts across all flavours - tangy, spice, sour and sweet, which make it hard to resist. Eateries spill out of every street corner and range from expensive to affordable. Turkish food is available at pavement cafes, restaurants and expensive eateries.
Popular Turkish dishes are stuffed peppers and vine leaves, feta cheese kebabs, olive and tomato salads. Rice dishes form the main course as a rule.
This Antalya restaurant guide lists a number of the restaurants you may wish to try during your stay. Of course, often times the best restaurants are the little, out-of-the-way places that are frequented mainly by locals. As such, for the best, and most up-to-date information of where to eat, ask at your local Antalya hotel, and they will surely direct you to some favourites. So after a day of shopping in Antalya, enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at one of the fine Antalya restaurants.
Food & Cuisine in Antalya
Antalya has an eclectic spread as far as cuisines go, so eating out in Antalya will be an enjoyable experience. Whether it is the traditional Turkish restaurant, Italian Bistro, pub or café the streets of Antalya have it all. The variety in food is matched by amazing service and affordable rates. A wholesome meal will cost about 5 to 10 New Turkish Lira, which is about 3 to 7 US Dollars.
Gastronomically, the city is divided into sections, each having its own ambience and speciality cafes, bars and restaurants. The streets of the Kaleiçi (old town) cater to the yuppie crowd and it offers its own blend of bars. Yat Limaný at yacht harbour lives up to its name and serves the town's best seafood and has some of the best night clubs. A night out here might burn a hole in your pocket, but the food is worth it.
If you want to indulge in luxurious dining, then head to Ibyklar to find some of the best restaurants in Antalya. Here you will find stylish yet relaxed European-style cafes and bistros that cater to the international palate. To sample simple authentic Antaliyan cooking, the Halk Pazarý or Peoples Market is the place. It also provides the local Turkish ambience by way of the clatter, noise and smells of the sea.
The most mouth-watering recipes are in the local Antalya restaurants. Bite into juicy Turkish kebabs and delicious seafood cooked in true Mediterranean style at these joints, which are popular with locals. The spread of desserts that Antalya has to offer is refreshingly different and is a must try.
Tip: Be sure the price quoted at eateries is the same as the one written on the menu.
Some of the authentic and famous dishes of Antalya on the menu:
Piyaz: Prepared from tahini or crushed sesame seeds, garlic, walnuts and boiled dried beans, spicy herbs with mixed cumin.
Tirmis: This is made out of boiled seeds of the lupin and is mainly eaten as a snack.
Döner Kebap: This is a tasty dish of lamb grilled on a revolving spit.
Sis Köfte: This is prepared from grilled meatballs.
Dolma: This is a wholesome dish of stuffed vegetables ideal for vegans
Sarma: A yummy dish made out of rice and meat and the wrapped in grape leaves
Çerkez Tavuðu: Prepared from ground chicken, bread crumbs, walnuts and red pepper sauce.
Imambayildi: This one is for the vegans - prepared with eggplant and olive oil.
Manti: Made out of dough, ground meat and yogurt.
Içli Köfte: Made from pounded wheat and ground meat.
Börek: Flaky pastry with thin layers of cheese or other filling
Çig Köfte: This is a spicy dish of raw meatballs.
Desserts
Helva: A sweet prepared with sesame oil, various cereals, sugar syrup or honey.
Apure: An interesting desert of sugar, cereals and raisins.
Baklava: A flaky pastry that is stuffed with nuts dipped in syrup
Lokum or Turkish delight: A soft and chewy confection.
Drinking and Nightlife
Antalya rocks after dark as it is home to the liveliest night clubs on the Turkish east coast. A variety of bars double as discos and hotels usually have belly dancing. The belly dancing shows are open to non-guests too.
Bars also offer games, live music besides sitting around. Try the national drink Raki while at the bar. It has a mild hue and a strong taste of aniseed. Turkish wines and beers are not a bad option either.
