Let us tell you about the best establishments in Antalya where you can eat deliciously and affordably.
Antalya is certainly primarily an all-inclusive, world-famous resort. But there are so many attractions on the territory of this resort that you will have to move away from the hotel table, which is bursting with food. Especially since there is a place to have a tasty and hearty meal in the centre of Antalya and its cosy surroundings.
Advice for travellers
Most dining establishments in Antalya have spacious outdoor terraces or are located along the coast. Prices in these places are usually higher than the national average. To avoid ordering an overly large and expensive dish, it's a good idea to ask the waiter how many mezes (appetizers) are included in the menu item you want to order.
Good and inexpensive: street food in AntalyaMarkets in Antalya
There are several markets in Antalya, each open on a different day of the week (e.g. the market at Mark Antalya is only open on Fridays).
You can buy fruits here for 2-3 TRY per 1 kg.
Traditional sweets will cost from 9 TRY for a small box of 250-300 grams.
Food stalls on the street
To satisfy your hunger quickly and affordably, you can turn to street vendors. Most of them sell simits - sesame-seed-covered bread rings with a filling of oil and cheese. Such a treat typically costs around 2-3 TRY.
Antalya establishments with an average price level
Coffee shops
Antalya's cafés are known for their delicious Turkish coffee and renowned names. This city is home to a significant number of global franchise representatives:
Roberts Cafe;
Osmanly;
Joy Cafe.
You can only have a bite to eat in such an institution with a classic dessert, for example, cheesecake or tiramisu.
For a cup of coffee and dessert you will have to pay from 12 TRY.
Kebapçı and Köfteci cafe chain
Traditional Turkish dishes are available at these inexpensive establishments:
kebab or iskander (fried chicken meat) from 16 TRY;
dener (shawarma wrapped in bread) from 9 TRY;
Kefte (beef or lamb cutlets) 8 TRY.
Location. One of these cafes is an establishment at: Bahçelievler Mahallesi, Konyaaltı Cd. No:54.
Turkish pizzeria Pideci
Turkish-style pizza, known as "pide," is made with flatbread topped with meat, cheese, and vegetables. It is typically served with a complimentary salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce.
This pleasure costs from 8 to 39 TRY depending on the size of the portion and the filling.
Location. One of the best pizzerias in Antalya can be found at: Address: Liman Mahallesi, Boğaçayı Cd. Metin Apt.
Börekci Bakery
The main menu item in a Turkish patty or bakery (that's what Borek is called) is layer cake. For the local population, a similar dish is served for breakfast. The filling, depending on the choice of the client, can be:
meat or fish;
potatoes;
spinach and cheese;
processed cheese.
The cost of an average pie in Borek is 35 TRY.
One of the oldest bakeries in Antalya is Tevfik, where the fourth generation of a culinary dynasty is preparing these pastries.
Address of the establishment: Sinan Mah, Peker Cad, 1255 Sok. Ay İşhanı.
Tatlici / pastanesi
Traditional oriental treats (baklava, Turkish delight, halva, simit) are worth buying in Antalya in confectioneries, and not in the markets. Only in special shops-cafes, where you can immediately try the goods at one of the tables, they offer high-quality sweets.
It is interesting that lokum is offered as a regular neutral (sugar) and with different flavors:
pomegranate;
pistachio;
apple;
citrus;
crimson and many others.
The cost of Turkish delight is from 20 TRY, baklava - from 30 TRY. Simit is sold by the piece (from 2 TRY).
Çorbacı canteens
In the original Turkish canteens, open around the clock, the main course is soup (from 5 TRY per serving). The menu consists of a couple dozen different first courses.
Locals often order İşkembeci. Europeans should avoid this beef stomach soup.
Balik
This place is famous for its fast fish food and seafood:
fried mussels;
squid rings;
assorted pieces of fried fish of different types;
fried and boiled shrimp.
The cost of a portion starts from 8 TRY.
Location. One of the most popular fish cafes is located at: Muratpaşa Mahallesi, Atatürk Cd. 40/A
Buffet Büfe
A "büfe" in Turkish refers to a self-service buffet-style eatery where visitors pay for a plate and then choose from a selection of dishes to fill their plate. There are many buffets located in Kaleiçi, the historic center of the resort. For example, the establishment called Açik Büfe. There are also several buffets in shopping malls. Combining shopping and a meal can be done at the food courts in the malls. The cost of a plate at a büfe starts from 9 TRY.
The best luxury restaurants
Of course, like any resort, it is difficult to imagine Antalya without respectable establishments:
7 Mehmet. The restaurant is located in Kaleiçi, within the boundaries of Ataturk Park;
Vanilla Lounge - an establishment with a European menu and excellent service;
Meltem Balik - the most famous fish restaurant with original snacks and delicious anise vodka.
The cost of dinner for one person in a restaurant is from 60 TRY.
Antalya is a dream destination for food enthusiasts. It's highly recommended to try hibeş (ground sesame sauce) and eggplant jam (which has a taste similar to fig jam) here. Exploring the local cuisine in Antalya is a delightful experience that makes you want to come back again and again!
