Şanlıurfa, known as 'The City of Prophets', is one of Turkey's most spiritually and historically significant destinations. Situated in southeastern Anatolia near the Syrian border, it is revered as the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham and is home to Göbekli Tepe, the world's oldest known temple complex dating to 12,000 years ago. The city blends ancient cave shrines, sacred carp pools, a labyrinthine bazaar, Ottoman-era mosques, and a living tradition of storytelling gatherings called Sıra Geceleri. Its spice-laden cuisine—featuring liver kebab, cig köfte, and beyran soup—is one of Turkey's most distinctive.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Cevahir Konuk Evi Restaurant
Popular Urfa cuisine restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Traditional Urfa feast with liver kebab, çiğ köfte, and piyaz
Dergah Mah., Balıklıgöl Cad., Şanlıurfa
Hacı Hafız Kebap Salonu
Popular Kebab / Urfa specialties restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Urfa kebab and ciğer wrapped in lavaş bread
Kapalı Çarşı Arkası, Şanlıurfa
İkbal Lokantası
Popular Home-style Turkish / Urfa restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Lunchtime trays (tepsi yemek) with lamb stews and dried okra
Sarayönü Mah., İkbal Cad., Şanlıurfa
Ciğerci Mehmet Usta
Popular Liver kebab specialist restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Freshly grilled lamb liver wrapped in lavaş with herbs
Köprübaşı Mah., Şanlıurfa
Beyran Ustası
Popular Traditional Urfa soup house restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Beyran — rich lamb and rice soup traditionally eaten for breakfast
Dergah Mah., Şanlıurfa
Köşk Restaurant
Popular Urfa / Anatolian restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Grilled meats and meze platters in a garden setting
Yenişehir Mah., Şanlıurfa
Güneydoğu Sofrası
Popular Southeastern Anatolian restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Sini kebab (tray-roasted lamb) and grape-leaf dolma
Eyyübiye Mah., Şanlıurfa
Meydan Kebap
Popular Kebab restaurant in Şanlıurfa.
Known for: Mixed kebab platters with bulgur pilaf
Karaköprü Mah., Şanlıurfa
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Turkish
İkbal Lokantası
Çardak Restaurant
Hamdibey Restoran
Gülhan Restaurant
Bıçakçı Lokantası
Mado Şanlıurfa
Hilton Garden Inn Restaurant
Güzel Restoran
Kebab
Hacı Hafız Kebap Salonu
Meydan Kebap
Doğan Kebap
Beverages
Şanlıurfa Bakırcılar Çarşısı Çay Bahçesi
Şıra Evi (Traditional Grape Juice House)
Pide
Sedef Pide ve Lahmacun
Mevlana Pide
Urfa Cuisine
Cevahir Konuk Evi Restaurant
Urfa Sofrası
Lahmacun
Lahmacun Ustası
Liver Kebab Specialist
Ciğerci Mehmet Usta
Mixed Street Food
Tarihi Urfa Bazaar Food Stalls
Southeastern Anatolian
Güneydoğu Sofrası
Traditional Urfa Soup House
Beyran Ustası
Urfa
Köşk Restaurant
Urfa Sweets
Katmer Ustası
Çiğ Köfte Specialist
Meşhur Urfa Çiğ Köfteci
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |