Samsun is Turkey's largest Black Sea port city and the capital of Samsun Province, with a metropolitan population of approximately 1.36 million. The city holds a special place in Turkish history as the landing point of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on May 19, 1919 — the moment that launched the Turkish War of Independence. Today Samsun is a vibrant modern city combining deep patriotic heritage, a long sandy Black Sea coastline, fertile hazelnut and tobacco countryside, and an increasingly lively dining and nightlife scene. The Kıyı Park seafront promenade stretches 7 km along the coast, the replica Bandırma Vapuru museum ship recalls Atatürk's historic arrival, and a modern tramway connects the city's main districts with ease.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Şaman Restaurant
Popular Black Sea Seafood restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Fresh Black Sea fish caught daily; anchovy season November–February is peak time
Kıyı Parkı Yolu No:12, İlkadım, Samsun
Köfteci Ramiz
Popular Turkish Grill restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Legendary köfte — a Samsun institution for 30+ years
Cumhuriyet Meydanı Yakını, İlkadım, Samsun
Cumhuriyet Meyhane
Popular Meyhane / Meze restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Traditional meyhane dining with live fasıl music on weekends
Cumhuriyet Cad. No:7, İlkadım, Samsun
Çarşamba Balık Evi
Popular Black Sea Fish restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Locals drive from Samsun specifically for the turbot here — very fresh, straight from the Black Sea
Çarşamba Merkez, Çarşamba, Samsun
Pide Evi Samsun
Popular Turkish Pide (Flatbread) restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Black Sea-style pide baked in wood-fired stone oven; very thin crispy crust
19 Mayıs Cad. No:18, İlkadım, Samsun
Bafra Lokantası
Popular Turkish Home Cooking restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Authentic everyday Turkish cooking; workers' lunch spot since 1972
Şeyh Mah., İlkadım, Samsun
Kıyı Balık Restaurant
Popular Black Sea Seafood restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Waterfront tables overlooking the Black Sea; sunset views spectacular
Atakum Sahil Yolu No:22, Atakum, Samsun
Samsun Lahmacun Salonu
Popular Turkish Street Food restaurant in Samsun.
Known for: Local workers' fast lunch — eat lahmacun rolled with parsley and lemon
Bedesten Cd. No:4, İlkadım, Samsun
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Turkish
Köfteci Ramiz
Pide Evi Samsun
Bafra Lokantası
Samsun Lahmacun Salonu
Tarihi Samsun Börekçisi
Fındık Restoran (Hazelnut Restaurant)
Döner Ustası Samsun
Samsun Kebap Evi
Samsun Çorba Evi
Malkara Et & Mangal
Samsun Tatlıcısı (Sweets Shop)
Samsun Grill House
Çay Evi Bostan
Samsun Steak Evi
Amisos Mantı Evi
Seafood
Şaman Restaurant
Kıyı Balık Restaurant
Atakum Balıkçı Evi
Anatolian Regional
Havza Yöresel Restoran
Black Sea Bakery
Trabzon Ekmeği Fırını
Black Sea Fish
Çarşamba Balık Evi
Black Sea Pide & Tea House
Rize Çay Evi & Pide Salonu
Black Sea Regional
Karadeniz Mutfağı
International Café
Sahil Café & Bistro
Meyhane
Cumhuriyet Meyhane
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. |