Quick answers — eating in Izmir
- Best restaurant overall
- OD Urla
- Best value
- Pizza Venedik (250-450 TRY / 8-14 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Turkish, Mediterranean, Spanish, Italian
- Dishes to try
- Boyoz, Kumru, Midye Dolma, Şevketi Bostan
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred or highly acclaimed restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online reservation platforms are commonly used.
Booking is essential for fine dining, especially for starred establishments, often requiring reservations weeks in advance. Dress codes are typically smart casual or elegant. Tipping is customary, usually 10-15% for good service. Dinner hours generally run from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Turkish
Best Turkish restaurants in Izmir
Turkish cooking spans meze tables meant to last hours, charcoal kebabs cut to order, and modern Anatolian kitchens reworking village recipes with restaurant technique.
OD Urla
One MICHELIN StarModern Turkish · Urla · 1800-2500 TRY / 55-75 USD
Osman Sezener
Located in the pastoral Urla region, OD Urla champions a farm-to-table philosophy, with many ingredients harvested from its own extensive gardens. Chef Osman Sezener crafts refined dishes that celebrate local Aegean produce through innovative culinary methods, offering an immersive gastronomic journey in a sophisticated, rustic setting. The tasting menu reflects the seasonal bounty.
Order: Wood-fired eggplant, Lamb with herbs from the garden
TERAS by Serkan Aksoy
MICHELIN SelectedContemporary Turkish · Konak · 1200-1800 TRY / 35-55 USD
Serkan Aksoy
Perched atop the Hilton Izmir, TERAS offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Aegean Sea. Chef Serkan Aksoy's menu is a creative exploration of Turkish ingredients, presented with modern flair and precision. The elegant ambiance and meticulously plated dishes make for a memorable fine dining experience, ideal for special occasions.
Order: Sea bass with seasonal vegetables, Anatolian lamb confit
Rulo
MICHELIN SelectedModern Turkish · Alaçatı · 900-1500 TRY / 25-45 USD
Situated in the charming, cobblestoned streets of Alaçatı, Rulo offers a contemporary take on Turkish and Aegean cuisine. The restaurant distinguishes itself with a playful approach to traditional dishes, using fresh, regional ingredients. Its relaxed yet stylish atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying innovative small plates and main courses.
Order: Stuffed zucchini flowers, Octopus with fava bean puree
ARGO
MICHELIN SelectedCreative Turkish · Alaçatı · 950-1600 TRY / 28-48 USD
ARGO in Alaçatı stands out for its imaginative dishes that reinterpret classic Turkish flavours with contemporary flair. The atmosphere is chic and inviting, reflecting the sophisticated yet relaxed vibe of its location. Expect a culinary journey that surprises and delights, using high-quality local ingredients in unexpected combinations.
Order: Grilled calamari with local greens, Slow-cooked beef cheek
Beğendik Abi
Bib GourmandTraditional Turkish · Bornova · 350-600 TRY / 10-18 USD
Beğendik Abi is celebrated for its classic Turkish 'esnaf lokantası' (tradesmen's restaurant) style, featuring a wide array of ready-to-eat dishes displayed behind a counter. It's a beloved spot for hearty, traditional meals, offering consistent quality and excellent value, reflecting the true essence of Turkish home-style cooking.
Order: İskender Kebap, Kuzu Tandır (Slow-roasted lamb)
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Izmir
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Vino Locale
MICHELIN SelectedMediterranean · Urla · 1100-1700 TRY / 30-50 USD
Ozan Sezer
Vino Locale, nestled in the vineyards of Urla, emphasizes a 'zero kilometre' approach, showcasing ingredients almost exclusively from local producers and their own garden. The menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal availability, featuring vibrant Mediterranean dishes paired expertly with regional wines. The intimate, rustic charm complements the authentic, flavourful cooking.
Order: Fresh pasta with local cheeses, Artichoke heart salad
Mavra
Bib GourmandMediterranean · Çeşme · 500-800 TRY / 15-25 USD
Mavra, located in Çeşme, brings a delightful Mediterranean perspective to its Bib Gourmand-recognized menu. The restaurant excels in fresh seafood and vibrant vegetable dishes, prepared with a light touch that highlights natural flavours. Its relaxed coastal ambiance makes it a perfect spot for enjoyable, well-priced dining by the sea.
Order: Grilled octopus, Fresh seasonal fish
Spanish
Best Spanish restaurants in Izmir
Spanish dining runs late and sociable: tapas standing at the bar, then a proper sit-down at 9pm or later. Basque kitchens in particular sit among the best in Europe.
Hiç Lokanta
MICHELIN SelectedAegean Tapas · Urla · 800-1400 TRY / 20-40 USD
Hiç Lokanta, part of a unique olive oil farm and boutique hotel complex in Urla, focuses on a 'tree-to-table' concept, with a significant emphasis on olive oil. The menu features an array of creative small plates and larger dishes that highlight local Aegean produce and herbs, served in a serene, nature-immersed setting.
Order: Olive oil tasting menu, Homemade pasta with farm vegetables
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Izmir
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Pizza Venedik
Bib GourmandItalian Pizza · Konak · 250-450 TRY / 8-14 USD
Pizza Venedik stands out as a Bib Gourmand recipient for its exceptional, authentic Italian pizzas at an accessible price point. The dough is perfectly crafted, and toppings are fresh and high-quality. It's a casual yet popular spot, offering a slice of Italy with its delicious, Neapolitan-style pizzas, a testament to simple excellence.
Order: Margherita pizza, Diavola pizza
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Izmir
Kumrucu Şevki
Famous for the 'kumru,' a distinctive Izmir sandwich often filled with cheese, sucuk (spicy sausage), and tomato, grilled to perfection. A local institution for a quick, satisfying bite, costing around 100-150 TRY.
Dostlar Fırını
A historic bakery renowned for its 'boyoz,' a flaky, savoury pastry often enjoyed with a hard-boiled egg and tea. Perfect for an authentic Izmir breakfast or snack, typically 30-50 TRY per person.
Kokoş Mantı
Specializes in 'mantı,' Turkish dumplings, often served with yogurt and garlic sauce. Offering various fillings and styles, it's a hearty and flavourful meal in a casual setting, around 150-200 TRY per portion.
Söke Pidecisi
An excellent spot for 'pide,' Turkish flatbreads with diverse toppings like minced meat, cheese, or sucuk. Freshly baked in a wood-fired oven, it's a delicious and affordable option for lunch or dinner, costing about 120-180 TRY.
Gevrekçi
Street vendors selling 'gevrek,' Izmir's version of simit (sesame-crusted bread rings). Best enjoyed fresh from the oven, they're a quintessential Izmir snack, usually 15-25 TRY each.
Local dishes
What to eat in Izmir
Boyoz
A unique, savory, unleavened pastry, a specialty of Izmir, with Jewish origins. It has a flaky, slightly chewy texture and is often eaten for breakfast with a boiled egg and a glass of Turkish tea. Find the best at Dostlar Fırını in Alsancak.
Kumru
A popular Izmir street food, this sandwich features a special sesame-seed bread filled with sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage), cheese, and tomato, often grilled. It's a satisfying and flavorful local favorite, particularly found in Çeşme and its surrounds, ideal for a quick, hearty meal.
Midye Dolma
Stuffed mussels, a beloved street food snack. Cooked mussels are filled with aromatic rice, pine nuts, and spices, then served with a squeeze of lemon. You'll find vendors selling them from trays throughout the city, especially along busy streets and the Kordon, perfect for a quick, savory bite.
Şevketi Bostan
A flavorful wild thistle dish, typically cooked with lamb or beef and lemon juice. This Aegean specialty highlights the region's rich botanical diversity and traditional cooking methods. It offers a unique, slightly bitter, and earthy taste, often found in traditional Izmir 'esnaf lokantası' (tradesmen's restaurants).
İncir Uyutması
A simple yet delicious dessert made from dried figs, milk, and sometimes walnuts, with a pudding-like consistency. It's a light, naturally sweet, and refreshing treat, often found in traditional Turkish restaurants. This Izmir specialty showcases the abundance of figs in the Aegean region.
Gevrek
Izmir's answer to simit (Turkish bagel), gevrek is a circular bread roll coated in sesame seeds, but its distinct preparation gives it a crispier texture and a richer flavor. It's a staple breakfast item, best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery with cheese and tea.
Söğüş
A unique Izmir street delicacy, söğüş consists of thinly sliced lamb or beef offal (brain, tongue, cheeks) mixed with onion, parsley, and spices, served in a lavash bread. It's an acquired taste for some, but a beloved, authentic Izmir experience for adventurous eaters seeking local flavors.
Gavurdağı Salad
A refreshing and vibrant Turkish salad, often found in Aegean cuisine, featuring finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, and walnuts, dressed with pomegranate molasses and olive oil. It's a perfect accompaniment to seafood and grilled meats, offering a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes.
How to book a table in Izmir
- · For MICHELIN-starred or highly acclaimed restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online reservation platforms are commonly used.
- · Some high-end establishments may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for reservations, particularly for larger groups or peak times. Check their website for specific policies.
- · Consider trying a restaurant's lunch menu; it often offers a similar culinary experience to dinner but at a more accessible price point. Availability might be easier to secure as well.
- · Be aware of no-show policies. Many fine dining restaurants will charge a fee for uncancelled reservations, so always inform them if your plans change to avoid charges.
FAQ
Izmir restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Izmir?
OD Urla in Urla is the benchmark table — Modern Turkish, led by Osman Sezener, one michelin star, around 1800-2500 TRY / 55-75 USD per person. Order the Wood-fired eggplant, Lamb with herbs from the garden
Where is the best Turkish restaurant in Izmir?
OD Urla in Urla is the Turkish table to book in Izmir (1800-2500 TRY / 55-75 USD per person). Other strong options: TERAS by Serkan Aksoy, Rulo, ARGO.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Izmir?
Vino Locale in Urla is the Mediterranean table to book in Izmir (1100-1700 TRY / 30-50 USD per person). Other strong options: Mavra.
Where is the best Spanish restaurant in Izmir?
Hiç Lokanta in Urla is the Spanish table to book in Izmir (800-1400 TRY / 20-40 USD per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Izmir?
Pizza Venedik in Konak is the Italian table to book in Izmir (250-450 TRY / 8-14 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Izmir without spending a fortune?
Pizza Venedik is the best-value table on this list at roughly 250-450 TRY / 8-14 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Kumrucu Şevki, Dostlar Fırını, Kokoş Mantı.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Izmir?
For MICHELIN-starred or highly acclaimed restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online reservation platforms are commonly used. Some high-end establishments may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for reservations, particularly for larger groups or peak times. Check their website for specific policies.
What food is Izmir famous for?
Boyoz, Kumru, Midye Dolma, Şevketi Bostan, İncir Uyutması — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A unique, savory, unleavened pastry, a specialty of Izmir, with Jewish origins. It has a flaky, slightly chewy texture and is often eaten for breakfast with a boiled egg and a glass of Turkish tea. Find the best at Dostlar Fırını in Alsancak.
Planning the rest of Izmir?
The full Izmir guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Izmir travel guide