The 10 Best Cultural Restaurants In Antalya Turkey

A popular summer holiday destination in Turkey, Antalya offers the complete package – gorgeous beaches, traces of Ottoman history and great restaurants that cater to the most diverse and sophisticated of tastes. Eating out in this seaside resort is a culinary adventure offering not only the best of Turkish delicacies, but also international cuisines. Our curated guide explores the top ten restaurants in Antalya.

Club Arma

Restaurant, European, Seafood

One of the most established restaurants in Antalya, Club Arma greets its guests with wonderful views over the old city and the marina. Built by Italians in the late 19th century, the restaurant’s building has served many purposes over the centuries, including a flour mill and a flour storage point. A true fusion of cultural influences is noticeable in Club Arma’s design, as the stones of the columns are typical of ancient Antalya, while the bricks and arches are reminders of the building’s Italian construction. Club Arma offers an a la carte menu with fresh fish, seafood and a solid range of Mediterranean dishes.

Vanilla Lounge

Restaurant, French, Vegetarian

Just five minutes away from one of the landmarks of Antalya’s old city, Hadrian’s Gate, Vanilla Lounge portrays an unconventional encounter between its contemporary cuisine and the traditional Ottoman architecture that surrounds the restaurant. Run by a British chef and his Turkish wife, Vanilla Lounge is a great place to taste a rich array of international dishes. The menu consists of fresh ingredients, and represents a mix of both traditional and modern cooking techniques with inviting dishes such as pumpkin, coconut and lemongrass soup, wild mushroom tagliatelle or the succulent braised beef short ribs.

Seraser Fine Dining

Located in the historical center of Antalya, in a 300-year old house, Seraser Fine Dining is one of the most exquisite restaurants of the city. Committed to offering its guests a memorable experience for all five senses, Seraser takes full advantage of its impressive decor featuring sculptures, hand-crafted furniture and authentic ornaments. Live piano music and a splendid Mediterranean garden are extra perks that come with dining here. The rich menu, offering international and Turkish recipes, completes the experience with highlights such as homemade pastas, fillet steak with gorgonzola sauce, sea bass wrapped in wine leaves and tempting desserts.

Karanlic 18, Antalya, Turkey, +90 242 247 6015

Castle Café Bar

Offering a gorgeous panorama over the Gulf of Antalya, the Castle Café Bar is a splendid location for those wanting to contemplate the great outdoors while sampling delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Located in the old city of Antalya, on the edge of cliffs overlooking the sea, the Castle Café Bar is a trendy location, renowned for its ambiance and good service, and makes for a great stop during hot summer days. The menu is typically Mediterranean with diverse pasta options and tasty bite-size snacks available.

Kılıçarslan Mahallesi, Hidirlik 48, Kaleici, Antalya, Turkey, +90 242 248 6594

Big Chefs Café and Restaurant

Big Chefs is a well-known restaurant brand in Turkey with 18 locations in six cities across the country, including Antalya. The venue opened for the first time in Ankara in 2007, and has since become a favorite culinary establishment for both locals and tourists. Big Chefs’ menu is rich and surprising with a diverse selection of Turkish and international dishes. Visitors have many tempting options to consider from the large array of delicious, local recipes and generous, buffet-style breakfasts.

Fener Mahallesi 307, Lara, Antalya, Turkey, +90 242 324 1528

Karaf Wine Bistro

Bistro, Restaurant, Turkish

A visit to Karaf Wine Bistro is a great choice for those with an interest in Turkey’s past, as this restaurant is located in an old Ottoman house that still retains many antiques and souvenirs from past eras. Karaf is also a fantastic choice for visitors who enjoy wine tasting, as this small and newly opened bistro organizes various workshops and tasting events. The menu is a fine match for such a special venue with cheese plates, fajitas, quesadillas, steaks and soft desserts among its choices.

Il Vicino Pizzeria

Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food

Il Vicino Pizzeria is the perfect restaurant for those with an appetite for a crispy Italian cuisine while strolling on the colorful streets of Antalya’s historical center. The venue is also an excellent choice considering the accessible prices and abundant menu that transforms it into one of the most popular restaurants in the city. As any respectable Italian establishment, Il Vicino Pizzeria offers all the highlights of Italian cuisine, from starters such as bruschetta with tomatoes or caprese salads to its signature pizzas and, of course, the must-try panna cotta served up for dessert.

Alp Pasa

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Alp Pasa, part of the boutique hotel with the same name, is the place to go for visitors who enjoy the buffet-style experience, accompanied by live piano music. The restaurant is nestled in Antalya’s historical center, in a traditional Ottoman building, just a few steps away from the stunning Hadrian’s Gate. With a large romantic courtyard that enhances its warm and cozy atmosphere, Alp Pasa is a fail-safe choice with a variety of Turkish, Mediterranean, French and even vegetarian dishes on offer.

Mehmet

Just a few kilometers from the city center, 7 Mehmet enjoys a magnificent position on a lush green hill overlooking the Konyaalti Plaji beach, offering superb views over Antalya. This is one of the most famous restaurants in Antalya, and one that respects its fascinating heritage; it was founded years ago by chef Mehmet, who started his life-long culinary adventure at an early age as a kitchen helper in order to support his family. 7 Mehmet is an unmissable gastronomic attraction for all those who enjoy tradition, Turkish recipes with grilled meat, fish and meze, and beautiful scenery while enjoying their lunch or dinner.

Patio Bistro & Restaurant

Bistro, Restaurant, Turkish

In the heart of the historical neighborhood of Kaleici, just a few steps away from Antalya’s unique cultural attractions and the Marina, Patio at the Puding Marina Hotel is a memorable choice for all those who enjoy discovering a variety of home-made marmalade, cheese or omelettes, all served up in the form of an appetizing breakfast. The wine and dinner menus are also worth exploring, filled with a fusion of recipes and international cuisines with highlights such as foie gras, shrimp and squid tempura, baked seabass, or the succulent beef tenderloin. © Patio Restaurant

About the author

Diana Condrea

Diana Condrea was born in Romania and although she travelled and studied abroad, she still has a keen affection for the specific culture of Eastern Europe and her home country. With a Bachelor’s in Political Sciences and a Master’s in Tourism, Diana’s main cultural interests relate to the immaterial heritage of Eastern Europe, Balkan and Latin American countries, travel photography and contemporary literature. Diana also works on developing Uncover Romania, a personal initiative of recreating Romania’s image as a cultural destination.