Ihlara Termal Restaurant is the dining facility attached to the thermal spa complex at Ziga Kaplıcaları (Ziga Hot Springs) on the Yaprakhisar road near Güzelyurt in Aksaray province, Turkey. The Ziga hot springs are geothermal mineral waters that emerge at temperatures of 45–50°C, and the thermal hotel and spa complex built around them serves visitors who come specifically for the therapeutic bathing experience. The restaurant functions as a post-bathing dining option within the thermal resort, offering Anatolian cuisine suited to the unhurried rhythm of a thermal spa visit. The kitchen produces lamb dolma — grape leaves stuffed with spiced minced lamb and rice — as its most distinctive regional offering, alongside grilled trout from local mountain streams and a daily soup and bread set that anchors simpler meals preferred by bathers who have spent extended time in the thermal pools. The dining room overlooks the grounds of the thermal complex, providing a more restful setting than typical Aksaray city restaurants. Breakfast service for hotel guests starts from 07:30; the restaurant is also accessible to day visitors using the thermal facilities on a separate entry-fee basis. Reservations are recommended for dinner and for groups. The thermal hotel provides the widest combined offer in the Güzelyurt area — bathing, accommodation, and dining — making Ihlara Termal Restaurant a practical all-in stop for visitors combining the Ihlara Valley and Güzelyurt circuit with a thermal wellness experience. The Güzelyurt town centre and the Ihlara Valley entrance are both within 20 minutes' drive of the thermal complex.
Signature dishes
- Lamb dolma
- Grilled trout
- Soup and bread set
Good to know
- Known for
- Post-thermal-bath dining with local dishes, a natural complement to the Ziga hot spring visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:30-22:00
- Reservations
- Call +90 382 457 2020
Location
Yaprakhisar Yolu, Ziga Kaplıcaları, 68500 Güzelyurt, Aksaray, Turkey
38.2606, 34.2783 View on map
Highlights
- Post-thermal-bath dining at the Ziga Kaplıcaları hot spring resort near Güzelyurt
- Lamb dolma (stuffed grape leaves) — the kitchen's most distinctive regional preparation
- Grilled trout from local mountain streams — fresh and well-executed
- Restful resort-grounds setting suited to the slow pace of a thermal day
- Day visitors to the thermal facility can access the restaurant without overnight accommodation
Tips for visiting
- Book a thermal bath session and a lunch table together by calling +90 382 457 2020 for a combined visit
- Post-bath appetite is typically larger than expected; the lamb dolma and trout together make a well-balanced full meal
- The soup and bread set is the right choice for a light snack between bath sessions
- Day use of the thermal facility is available for a separate entry fee — confirm the current rate before arrival
- Güzelyurt town and Ihlara Valley are both within 20 minutes; a full-day circuit of valley, town, and thermal bath is feasible
Accessibility
The thermal complex is a purpose-built resort facility with level car park access and ground-floor public areas. The restaurant is likely the most accessible dining option in the Güzelyurt area in terms of physical infrastructure. Wheelchair users should confirm accessible room and toilet availability when booking by calling +90 382 457 2020.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to be hotel guests to eat at the restaurant?
No. Day visitors using the thermal baths are welcome in the restaurant. Those arriving only for a meal should confirm access arrangements when calling +90 382 457 2020 ahead of arrival.
What are the Ziga thermal springs known for?
The Ziga Kaplıcaları are geothermal mineral springs with waters at approximately 45–50°C. They are credited with therapeutic benefits for skin and joint conditions and draw visitors from across the Aksaray and Nevşehir region.
Is the restaurant suitable for visitors not using the thermal baths?
Yes. The dining room is accessible to anyone who calls ahead, though the setting is primarily oriented toward guests of the thermal complex.
Is alcohol served?
Alcohol availability at thermal hotel restaurants in this region varies. Confirming when booking by phone on +90 382 457 2020 is advisable.