Where to eat in Antalya
From tahini piyaz to bitter orange jam, citrus at the neighbourhood market and Kaleiçi's courtyard restaurants: get to know Antalya by taste. Türkçe
In short: Antalya's best-known local dish is piyaz, white beans dressed with tahini sauce, egg and tomato, usually eaten with şiş köfte. Hibeş, a thick tahini meze, jam made from the bitter oranges (turunç) that line the streets and fresh citrus in season are also part of the Antalya table. Kaleiçi has courtyard restaurants, Konyaaltı and Lara have seaside spots, and the neighbourhoods hold weekly markets.
At a glance
| Must try | Tahini piyaz with şiş köfte, hibeş, turunç jam |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | In courtyard cafés; bitter orange and citrus jams |
| Markets | Neighbourhood markets; fresh citrus in season |
| Where to eat | Kaleiçi courtyard restaurants, Konyaaltı and Lara seafront |
| Budget | From simple local eateries to seaside restaurants |
Tahini piyaz and şiş köfte
Antalya piyaz is different from the olive-oil version found elsewhere in Turkey: boiled white beans are dressed with a sauce of tahini, lemon and garlic, then topped with egg, tomato and parsley. Most köfte restaurants serve it alongside şiş köfte. Local eateries are at their liveliest at lunchtime.
Bitter orange jam and an Antalya breakfast
Bitter orange (turunç) trees are common on Antalya's streets. The peel is rolled and turned into jam, a favourite on breakfast tables. A long breakfast with morning tea in a Kaleiçi courtyard café is a good way to start the day.
Neighbourhood markets and citrus
Markets are held on different days in Antalya's neighbourhoods. In winter oranges, mandarins and lemons take centre stage; in summer tomatoes, peppers and summer fruit. Go in the morning, walk a few stalls and taste before you buy.
Where to eat in Kaleiçi and by the sea
Courtyard restaurants in Kaleiçi's old houses make an atmospheric dinner; check the menu prices at the door. Seaside places in Konyaaltı and Lara and simple local eateries in the centre are better value. Ask for hibeş as a meze.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Antalya's local dish?
The best known are tahini piyaz, şiş köfte and hibeş. On the sweet side, bitter orange and citrus jams stand out.
Why is Antalya piyaz different?
It uses a tahini, lemon and garlic sauce instead of olive oil, and is topped with egg and tomato.
What is hibeş?
A thick Antalya meze made with tahini, lemon, garlic and spices.
Is eating in Kaleiçi expensive?
Prices can be high in the tourist area. Check the menu first; local eateries in the centre are cheaper.
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