Antalya, a stunning coastal city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is not only famous for its pristine beaches, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife but also for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Influenced by Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavors, Antalya’s food scene offers everything from hearty meat dishes to fresh seafood and sweet, syrupy desserts.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, indulging in local dishes in Antalya is an experience you don’t want to miss. In this ultimate foodie’s guide to Antalya, we’ll explore the best traditional Turkish dishes, the city’s famous street food, and the top places to enjoy these culinary delights.

1. Şiş Köfte – Antalya’s Signature Meat Skewers

One of the most iconic dishes in Antalya is Şiş köfte, a variation of the classic Turkish köfte (meatballs). Made from minced lamb or beef, mixed with spices and herbs, the meat is shaped into skewers and grilled over an open flame. The result? A juicy, smoky, and flavorful dish served with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and tangy sumac onions.

For an authentic Şiş köfte experience, head to 7 Mehmet or Lara Balık Evi, two of the city’s top spots for traditional Turkish cuisine.

2. Tahinli Piyaz – A Unique Bean Salad

Tahinli piyaz is a dish unique to Antalya’s culinary heritage. Unlike the regular Turkish piyaz, which is a simple bean salad, Antalya’s version is made with white beans, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and a rich tahini-based dressing. The creamy, nutty tahini sauce gives this dish a distinctive Mediterranean flavor, making it a must-try for visitors.

You can find tahinli piyaz at local eateries like Piyazcı Ahmet or Piyazcı Sami, where this dish has been perfected over generations.

3. Fresh Seafood – Straight from the Mediterranean

Being a coastal city, Antalya is a paradise for seafood lovers. The city’s restaurants offer a variety of fresh seafood, including grilled sea bass, calamari, shrimp, and octopus. One of the local favorites is levrek (sea bass) cooked in salt, a technique that keeps the fish incredibly moist and flavorful.

For the best seafood experience, visit Balıkçı Hasan or Arma Restaurant, where you can enjoy sea-to-table dining with stunning views of the Mediterranean.

4. Kebab – The King of Turkish Cuisine

No trip to Turkey is complete without trying kebab, and Antalya’s kebabs are some of the best in the country. From Adana kebab (spicy minced lamb skewers) to Iskender kebab (thinly sliced lamb served with yogurt and tomato sauce), the city offers a variety of delicious kebab options.

For a top-notch kebab experience, head to Seraser Fine Dining or Shakespeare Coffee & Bistro, where you can enjoy perfectly grilled meats with traditional Turkish accompaniments.

5. Kokoreç – A Unique Street Food Delight

For adventurous eaters, kokoreç is a must-try. This Turkish street food specialty consists of seasoned and grilled lamb intestines, chopped into small pieces, and served in a crusty bread roll. The dish has a bold, smoky flavor, making it a favorite among locals.

Try kokoreç at Kokoreççi Hilmi Usta, where you can experience this beloved dish in its most authentic form.

6. Hibeş – A Traditional Antalya Meze

Hibeş is a flavorful Antalya meze (appetizer) made with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and olive oil. This creamy, nutty dip is often served with fresh bread or grilled meats and is perfect for those who love Mediterranean flavors.

Enjoy hibeş at any traditional Antalya meyhane (Turkish tavern) like Tiritcizade Restoran or Kaleiçi Meyhanesi.

7. Gözleme – A Classic Turkish Flatbread

Gözleme is a savory Turkish flatbread filled with ingredients like cheese, spinach, potatoes, or minced meat. It is cooked on a griddle and served hot with a side of fresh yogurt or ayran (Turkish buttermilk).

For the best gözleme in Antalya, visit Gözlemeci Sabri or enjoy it at a local village café along the Taurus Mountains.

8. Serpme Börek – A Crispy, Layered Pastry

A variation of börek, serpme börek is a flaky, multi-layered pastry stuffed with cheese, minced meat, or spinach. The crispy texture and delicious filling make it a popular breakfast and snack option.

Try serpme börek at Börekçi Tevfik, a famous spot in Antalya for authentic Turkish pastries.

9. Arap Kadayıfı – A Sweet Street Dessert

For those with a sweet tooth, Arap kadayıfı is a must-try. This dessert consists of deep-fried dough filled with nuts and soaked in sugar syrup, creating a crunchy yet moist texture.

You can find Arap kadayıfı at local dessert shops like Meşhur Antalya Tatlıcısı.

10. Baklava – The Iconic Turkish Dessert

No food guide to Antalya is complete without mentioning baklava, Turkey’s most famous sweet pastry. Made with thin layers of phyllo dough, butter, nuts, and honey syrup, baklava is a heavenly treat that melts in your mouth.

Head to Gaziantepli Baklavacı Bilgeoğlu to enjoy some of the best baklava in Antalya.

Final Thoughts

From savory kebabs and fresh seafood to sweet delights like baklava, Antalya’s food scene is a gastronomic adventure. Whether you're exploring the city’s bustling markets, cozy taverns, or upscale restaurants, there’s no shortage of delicious Turkish dishes to try.

If you’re a food lover visiting Antalya, be sure to indulge in these mouthwatering local specialties for an unforgettable culinary experience!

FAQs: Food in Antalya

1. What are some of the must-try local dishes in Antalya? 

According to the search results, some of the popular and must-try local dishes in Antalya include:

• Şiş Köfte: A meatball-type meal

• Tahinli Piyaz: A kind of bean salad 

• Tahinli Kabak Tatlisi: A pumpkin sweet dish 

• Other traditional Turkish dishes influenced by the region's diverse culinary traditions, including Mediterranean and Caucasus cuisines

2. Where can I find the best restaurants and street food in Antalya?

 The search results provide several recommendations for the top restaurants and street food spots in Antalya:

• Topçu Restaurant: Recommended for trying the local dishes like Şiş Köfte, Tahinli Piyaz, and Tahinli Kabak Tatlisi 

• Other highly-rated restaurants include Lanthe, Felicita, Pastorale, Vanilla, and more

• The city also has a vibrant street food scene, with stalls and vendors offering authentic Turkish cuisine

3. What are some of the unique or signature dishes of Antalya?

 In addition to the dishes mentioned earlier, the search results highlight some other signature and unique foods found in Antalya:

• Turkish Cuisine Influenced by Diverse Culinary Traditions: Antalya's cuisine is influenced by the nomadic cooking traditions of Turkic peoples, as well as Persian, Kurdish, Arabic, and Armenian cuisines, and the cuisines of the Mediterranean and Caucasus regions 

• Variety of Seafood Dishes: As a coastal city, Antalya is known for its fresh and delicious seafood offerings