A waterfront restaurant in the charming town of Side with tables overlooking the ancient harbor and Temple of Apollo. Fresh fish, seafood meze, and local wine in one of the Mediterranean's most atmospheric settings.
Side Restaurant occupies a prime position on Liman Caddesi in the ancient town of Side, in the Manavgat district of Antalya province, with tables set out on a terrace directly overlooking the ancient harbour and the silhouette of the Temple of Apollo against the horizon. The setting places it among the most atmospherically significant dining locations along the entire Turkish Mediterranean coast — diners share their sightlines with a Roman harbour wall and the ruins of one of antiquity's most celebrated temples, a combination rarely matched anywhere in the country. The kitchen focuses on fresh Mediterranean seafood: whole grilled levrek (sea bass) and çipura (sea bream) are sold by weight and represent the reliable core of the menu. Midye tava (pan-fried mussels) and octopus salad dressed with olive oil, lemon, and parsley are popular starters that showcase the local catch simply and effectively. Turkish meze — hummus, cacık, and stuffed vine leaves — accompanies the fish options for those who want a full spread. Local wine, including Turkish whites from the Aegean region, pairs naturally with the seafood. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, with lunch offering a quieter, cooler experience among the ruins, while evening dining brings candlelight and the dramatic silhouette of the temple. Reservations for dinner seating with a direct harbour view are advisable in July and August.
Signature dishes
- Grilled Levrek (sea bass) — $18
- Midye Tava (fried mussels) — $10
- Octopus Salad — $12
Good to know
- Known for
- Ancient harbor views with excellent fresh seafood
- Hours
- 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location
Liman Caddesi, Side, Manavgat
36.7688, 31.3882 View on map
Highlights
- Tables directly overlooking the ancient harbour and Temple of Apollo ruins in Side
- Fresh whole grilled levrek (sea bass) and çipura (sea bream) sold by weight
- One of the most atmospheric dining settings on the Turkish Mediterranean coast
- Midye tava (fried mussels) and octopus salad from the local daily catch
- Candlelit dinner with temple silhouette — exceptional for special occasions
Tips for visiting
- Request a terrace table with direct harbour view when booking — the back dining room lacks the setting that makes this restaurant special.
- Fish is priced by weight; ask staff to weigh the fish and confirm the cost before it goes to the kitchen.
- Lunch is more relaxed and slightly cooler than dinner; the ancient site is also less crowded in the early afternoon.
- Side town is pedestrianised; parking is outside the peninsula and a short walk into the old town is required.
- Pair white fish with a Turkish Narince or Emir white wine from the menu for an ideal combination.
Accessibility
Side's ancient town is a pedestrian peninsula with uneven stone-paved lanes throughout. The restaurant terrace itself is at sea level but the approach involves some irregular paving. The interior dining area is largely step-free. Wheelchair access to the terrace is possible but the surrounding streets make navigation through Side challenging.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Side Restaurant located?
The restaurant is on Liman Caddesi in Side's ancient town centre, on the Manavgat district peninsula that juts into the Mediterranean. It overlooks the harbour where ancient Roman boats once docked, with the Temple of Apollo visible from the terrace.
Is the Temple of Apollo really visible from the restaurant?
Yes. The temple ruins stand at the southern tip of the Side peninsula, and from the restaurant terrace the columns are clearly visible against the sea, particularly at sunset and in the evening when they are subtly illuminated.
Does the restaurant take reservations?
Reservations are accepted and recommended for summer evenings, especially for terrace tables with harbour views. Walk-ins are possible at quieter times of year.
How far is Side from central Antalya?
Side is approximately 75 km east of Antalya city centre, a drive of around 75–90 minutes. It is commonly reached by rental car, organised tour, or dolmuş minibus from Manavgat town.