Quick answers — eating in Ankara
- Best restaurant overall
- Trilye
- Best value
- Quick China (500-900 TRY / 15-30 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Seafood, Turkish, Mediterranean, Asian fusion
- Dishes to try
- Testi Kebabı, Adana Kebabı, Mantı, İskender Kebabı
- Booking window
- For top restaurants like Trilye or Fige, booking a few days to a week in advance is recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to secure preferred seating.
Booking is generally advised for upscale restaurants, especially on weekends, though often not essential weeks in advance. Dress codes are typically smart casual to elegant. Tipping is customary, usually 10-15% for good service. Dinner hours usually commence around 7:00 PM, with peak dining between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Ankara
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Trilye
Acclaimed local fine diningSeafood · GOP (Gaziosmanpaşa) · 800-1500 TRY / 25-50 USD
Süleyman Tiran
Trilye is celebrated for its exceptional seafood, meticulously prepared and served in an elegant, tranquil setting. The restaurant prides itself on fresh catches delivered daily, transformed into refined dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the sea. The service is attentive, and the atmosphere sophisticated, making it a longstanding Ankara institution for discerning diners.
Order: Grilled Octopus, Seafood Paella
Kalbur Balık Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningSeafood · Çayyolu · 750-1300 TRY / 25-45 USD
Kalbur Balık is another prominent seafood destination in Ankara, known for its extensive selection of fresh fish and shellfish. The restaurant provides a comfortable and elegant atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a leisurely meal. Their approach focuses on simple, high-quality preparations that allow the freshness of the ingredients to shine, complemented by traditional Turkish mezze.
Order: Grilled Sea Bass, Shrimp Casserole
Turkish
Best Turkish restaurants in Ankara
Turkish cooking spans meze tables meant to last hours, charcoal kebabs cut to order, and modern Anatolian kitchens reworking village recipes with restaurant technique.
Fige Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Turkish · Çankaya · 700-1200 TRY / 20-40 USD
Fige offers a contemporary interpretation of Turkish cuisine within a stylish, art-filled garden setting. The menu features creative dishes using seasonal ingredients, blending traditional Anatolian flavors with modern European influences. It's a popular choice for both special occasions and relaxed, upscale dining, known for its pleasant ambiance and quality ingredients.
Order: Lamb Shank, Ottoman-style Mezze Platter
Karpic Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningTraditional Turkish · Çayyolu · 600-1000 TRY / 20-35 USD
Karpic offers a refined take on traditional Turkish cuisine, emphasizing regional specialties and classic recipes executed with precision. The interior is warm and inviting, evoking a sense of historical Anatolian hospitality. It's renowned for its expertly prepared kebabs, rich stews, and a wide array of delicious mezze, reflecting Türkiye's diverse culinary heritage.
Order: Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab), Ali Nazik
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Ankara
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Lucca Bistro
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean · Çankaya · 650-1100 TRY / 20-35 USD
Lucca Bistro provides a chic and modern dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Its sophisticated ambiance and stylish decor make it a popular spot for a fashionable crowd. The menu features a diverse selection of light, flavorful options, from pastas to grilled meats and creative salads, all prepared with fresh, quality ingredients.
Order: Truffle Pasta, Grilled Salmon
Asian fusion
Best Asian fusion restaurants in Ankara
Fusion kitchens work across Asian traditions rather than inside one — best judged on whether the combinations actually taste deliberate.
Quick China
Acclaimed local fine diningAsian Fusion · Gaziosmanpaşa · 500-900 TRY / 15-30 USD
Quick China, despite its name, is a well-established upscale Asian fusion restaurant offering a comprehensive menu of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. The decor is contemporary and stylish, providing a vibrant dining atmosphere. It's known for its consistent quality, extensive sushi selection, and flavorful stir-fries, catering to a diverse palate seeking Asian flavors.
Order: Peking Duck, Sushi Rolls
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Ankara
Aspava (various branches)
A local institution for döner and kebabs. Generous portions, often served with complimentary mezze. Expect a hearty meal for around 150-250 TRY.
Kocabeyoğlu Pide
Specializing in traditional Turkish pide (flatbreads with toppings). Freshly baked, delicious, and very affordable, typically 100-200 TRY per person.
Zenger Paşa Konağı
Located in an Ottoman mansion in the old town, offering traditional Turkish home cooking. Great value for authentic dishes and a historic ambiance, usually 200-300 TRY.
Özgür Şef
Known for its high-quality meat dishes, especially köfte (meatballs) and various kebabs, served in a more casual setting. Good portions at reasonable prices, around 200-350 TRY.
Adana Sofrası Kebap Salonu
A no-frills spot famous for its succulent Adana and Urfa kebabs. Authentic flavors and satisfying portions make it a popular budget choice, typically 150-250 TRY.
Local dishes
What to eat in Ankara
Testi Kebabı
A specialty from Anatolia, this kebab involves meat (usually beef or lamb) and vegetables slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot. The pot is dramatically cracked open tableside, releasing aromatic steam and tender ingredients. Find it in traditional restaurants around the Citadel for an authentic experience.
Adana Kebabı
Spicy minced lamb hand-kneaded with red pepper flakes and tail fat, then grilled on a wide skewer. Served with lavash bread, grilled tomatoes, peppers, and onions, it’s a staple of Turkish cuisine. Peçenek Döner is renowned for its quality kebabs and a must-try for meat lovers.
Mantı
Small, delicate Turkish dumplings typically filled with seasoned ground meat, boiled or steamed, and served with a garlic-yogurt sauce, melted butter infused with red pepper, and often dried mint. Ziyafet Mantı is a popular spot in Ankara known for its delicious, authentic mantı variations.
İskender Kebabı
Thin slices of döner kebab meat laid over pieces of pita bread, drenched in hot tomato sauce, and topped with melted butter and a dollop of yogurt. It’s a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish, perfect for a hearty meal. Bursa Hacıbey Kebabçısı is a local favorite.
Meze
A selection of small appetizer dishes, akin to Spanish tapas. Common mezes include hummus, eggplant salad (patlıcan salatası), stuffed grape leaves (yaprak sarma), and various vegetable and yogurt-based dips. Enjoy a diverse meze platter at a traditional meyhane like Aspava for a complete experience.
Gözleme
A savory Turkish flatbread, typically made from hand-rolled dough that is lightly brushed with butter and griddled. It can be filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, minced meat, or potatoes. Often found at local markets or small cafes, especially outside the city center.
Künefe
A classic Middle Eastern dessert made from thin noodle-like pastry (kadayıf) soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese. It's baked until golden and crisp, often topped with pistachios. Hacı Arif Bey is an excellent place to savor this warm, sweet treat.
Ankara Tava
A hearty, rustic dish featuring lamb or beef cooked in a large pan (tava) with rice, onions, tomatoes, and various spices, often baked until tender. It's a comforting, filling meal that reflects the region's agricultural heritage. Look for it in traditional Anatolian restaurants.
How to book a table in Ankara
- · For top restaurants like Trilye or Fige, booking a few days to a week in advance is recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to secure preferred seating.
- · Most fine-dining establishments in Ankara do not require a deposit for standard reservations, but large groups or special events might be an exception; inquire when booking.
- · Some restaurants offer more affordable lunch menus, which can be an excellent way to experience their cuisine at a lower price point and often without a reservation.
- · While Ankara's dining scene is generally forgiving, it's courteous to inform the restaurant promptly if you need to cancel or change your reservation to avoid potential no-show issues.
FAQ
Ankara restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Ankara?
Trilye in GOP (Gaziosmanpaşa) is the benchmark table — Seafood, led by Süleyman Tiran, acclaimed local fine dining, around 800-1500 TRY / 25-50 USD per person. Order the Grilled Octopus, Seafood Paella
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Ankara?
Trilye in GOP (Gaziosmanpaşa) is the seafood table to book in Ankara (800-1500 TRY / 25-50 USD per person). Other strong options: Kalbur Balık Restaurant.
Where is the best Turkish restaurant in Ankara?
Fige Restaurant in Çankaya is the Turkish table to book in Ankara (700-1200 TRY / 20-40 USD per person). Other strong options: Karpic Restaurant.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Ankara?
Lucca Bistro in Çankaya is the Mediterranean table to book in Ankara (650-1100 TRY / 20-35 USD per person).
Where is the best Asian fusion restaurant in Ankara?
Quick China in Gaziosmanpaşa is the Asian fusion table to book in Ankara (500-900 TRY / 15-30 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Ankara without spending a fortune?
Quick China is the best-value table on this list at roughly 500-900 TRY / 15-30 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Aspava (various branches), Kocabeyoğlu Pide, Zenger Paşa Konağı.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Ankara?
For top restaurants like Trilye or Fige, booking a few days to a week in advance is recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to secure preferred seating. Most fine-dining establishments in Ankara do not require a deposit for standard reservations, but large groups or special events might be an exception; inquire when booking.
What food is Ankara famous for?
Testi Kebabı, Adana Kebabı, Mantı, İskender Kebabı, Meze — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A specialty from Anatolia, this kebab involves meat (usually beef or lamb) and vegetables slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot. The pot is dramatically cracked open tableside, releasing aromatic steam and tender ingredients. Find it in traditional restaurants around the Citadel for an authentic experience.
Planning the rest of Ankara?
The full Ankara guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Ankara travel guide