Open Travel Guide
Restaurants in İzmir

Best Restaurants in İzmir 2026

How to eat well in İzmir at every budget, and the local dishes you shouldn't leave without trying.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Veli Usta Balıkçısı, Sakız Restaurant and Kemal'in Yeri. This guide profiles 25+ restaurants and places to eat in İzmir, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

İzmir is Turkey's third-largest city, a cosmopolitan Aegean port that blends ancient Greek ruins, Ottoman bazaars, and a modern waterfront promenade. Known for its liberal culture, vibrant café scene, and easy access to Ephesus, Çeşme, and Pamukkale, it serves both history seekers and beach lovers.

Top restaurants

Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.

Aegean Turkish seafood

Veli Usta Balıkçısı

300–600 TRY/person (~$9–$18.50 USD)4.8/5

Popular Aegean Turkish seafood restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Freshest daily catch from Aegean waters

Atatürk Caddesi No:19, 35220 Alsancak, İzmir

Aegean Turkish

Sakız Restaurant

400–700 TRY/person (~$12–$22 USD)4.7/5

Popular Aegean Turkish restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Upscale Aegean meze with waterfront terrace

Atatürk Caddesi No:1/A, 35220 Alsancak, İzmir

Turkish meyhane

Kemal'in Yeri

200–400 TRY/person (~$6–$12 USD)4.6/5

Popular Turkish meyhane restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Authentic İzmir meyhane atmosphere with live music

Kıbrıs Şehitleri Cad. No:111, 35220 Alsancak, İzmir

International & Aegean

1888 Restaurant (Swissôtel)

500–900 TRY/person (~$15–$28 USD)4.7/5

Popular International & Aegean restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Award-winning hotel fine dining with Aegean panorama

Gaziosmanpaşa Bulvarı No:1, 35210 Alsancak, İzmir

Turkish coffee & pastries

Kahve Dünyası Kordon

60–150 TRY/person (~$1.85–$4.60 USD)4.3/5

Popular Turkish coffee & pastries restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Classic Turkish coffee chain with Kordon sea views

Atatürk Caddesi No:49, 35220 Alsancak, İzmir

Aegean home cooking

Ege Lokantası

120–250 TRY/person (~$3.70–$7.70 USD)4.5/5

Popular Aegean home cooking restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Daily changing menu of Aegean olive-oil dishes

875 Sokak No:4, 35250 Konak, İzmir

Turkish börek

İzmir Börek Evi

40–100 TRY/person (~$1.23–$3.10 USD)4.6/5

Popular Turkish börek restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Fresh-baked İzmir-style börek

1369 Sokak No:4, 35210 Çankaya, İzmir

Turkish & mezze

Asansör Restaurant

200–400 TRY/person (~$6–$12 USD)4.4/5

Popular Turkish & mezze restaurant in İzmir.

Known for: Panoramic Aegean views from hilltop terrace

Mithatpaşa Caddesi No:55, 35270 Karataş, İzmir

Restaurants by cuisine

Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.

Turkish

Veli Usta Balıkçısı

300–600 TRY/person (~$9–$18.50 USD)

Sakız Restaurant

400–700 TRY/person (~$12–$22 USD)

Kemal'in Yeri

200–400 TRY/person (~$6–$12 USD)

Kahve Dünyası Kordon

60–150 TRY/person (~$1.85–$4.60 USD)

İzmir Börek Evi

40–100 TRY/person (~$1.23–$3.10 USD)

Asansör Restaurant

200–400 TRY/person (~$6–$12 USD)

Kışla Meyhane

250–450 TRY/person (~$7.70–$13.90 USD)

Bornova Döner Evi

60–120 TRY/person (~$1.85–$3.70 USD)

Mado İzmir

60–130 TRY/person (~$1.85–$4 USD)

Tarihi Bozacı Salonu

30–80 TRY/person (~$0.93–$2.46 USD)

Punta Mutfak

150–300 TRY/person (~$4.60–$9.25 USD)

Meydan Kahvesi

100–200 TRY/person (~$3.10–$6.15 USD)

İki Kapılı Han Restaurant

300–600 TRY/person (~$9.25–$18.50 USD)

Seafood

Deniz Restaurant Çeşme

350–650 TRY/person (~$10.80–$20 USD)

Yengeç Restaurant

300–550 TRY/person (~$9.25–$17 USD)

Aegean

Kargı Restaurant

250–500 TRY/person (~$7.70–$15.40 USD)

Aegean Fish

Sedefçi Balık Pişiricisi

150–300 TRY/person (~$4.60–$9.25 USD)

Aegean Home Cooking

Ege Lokantası

120–250 TRY/person (~$3.70–$7.70 USD)

Anatolian Dishes

Arap Hasan Lokantası

100–200 TRY/person (~$3.10–$6.15 USD)

Contemporary Aegean

OKA Restaurant

450–800 TRY/person (~$13.90–$24.60 USD)

Fusion

Halka Bar & Kitchen

300–500 TRY/person (~$9.25–$15.40 USD)

International & Aegean

1888 Restaurant (Swissôtel)

500–900 TRY/person (~$15–$28 USD)

İzmir Kumru

Kumrucu Başar

80–150 TRY/person (~$2.46–$4.60 USD)

Rural Aegean

Şirince Köy Restaurant

200–400 TRY/person (~$6–$12 USD)

Wild Herb & Aegean

Alaçatı Ot Evi

250–500 TRY/person (~$7.70–$15.40 USD)

Dining etiquette & tips

Navigate the local food scene confidently.

Tip

Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.

Tip

Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.

Tip

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.

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