We spent a week in Izmir. It is the third biggest city in Turkey with over three million people living there. It is also one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean.
My goal is to show you what a tourist or an expat can realistically expect to eat in Turkey. Me and my husband, we did not try to eat only local food, or to avoid street food at all costs.
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
We went to nice restaurants, as well as local canteens. If we missed something really good, please share it in the comments, we will try and go there next time.
Where to eat in Izmir, Turkey (Turkiye)
All the cafes and restaurants I mention in the video:
Ot cafe (traditional Turkish Breakfast Kahvalti) https://goo.gl/maps/DEz8eGsiHnMcKqvg7
MADO https://goo.gl/maps/cVckExteKZc7KGZ57
La Puerta pub https://goo.gl/maps/mNYSgyYxkAA5yFye9
Tyna https://goo.gl/maps/y89fhBNfWtxTa61e7
Soulmate coffee https://goo.gl/maps/8urtkX2S2AZvwjUL6
Cafe Plaza (expensive) https://goo.gl/maps/LG2ZXFqidcLD1Kzy9
Traveller’s cafe https://goo.gl/maps/tK3bnM73rt5dxP8v7
Breakfast at Ibis Hotel (3 stars) https://goo.gl/maps/neHvaysdwnyVjr3p6
Cafe at Asansor (amazing viewpoint!) https://goo.gl/maps/oDTgphhmcLgtqYAy6
“Atom” fruit juices (all around the city)
Karatas https://g.page/karatasdoneralsancak
Brew Mood coffee & tea https://goo.gl/maps/S8nsWmXcTtZedTmT7
09Doner https://goo.gl/maps/TssQFaHbX1D8CwKU6
Terra Pizza https://goo.gl/maps/1fzK1ai6BSiYGUts6
Maaile Ev Yemekleri // Canteen buffet https://g.page/maailerestaurant
Celebi Unlu Mamuller https://goo.gl/maps/Mh48FkR8C3pTAjWq5
Chop Chop (delivery yemeksepeti.com)
Chop Chop (eating at the cafe) https://goo.gl/maps/Xxv8Ars24mTdRogR9
Come back again to find out more about Izmir, Turkey in my next article!
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
What to eat in Izmir, Turkey? Must-try Turkish foods
“Kahvalti” or Turkish Breakfast is a musty. If you’re wondering what to eat in Turkey, look no further. This meal is a feast fit for a king (or queen!).
Start your morning with simit, a ring-shaped bread encrusted with sesame seeds, or maybe some fluffy borek pastry filled with cheese and spinach. If you’re feeling adventurous, try menemen – a scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and peppers, or sucuk – a spicy beef sausage.
Kahvalti also comes with olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
And of course, no Kahvalti is complete without a steaming cup of çay (Turkish black tea), the waiter will keep refilling your small cups of tea as long as you are eating your Turkish breakfast
So, whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a filling breakfast, Kahvalti is the way to go. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Izmir Bombasi is a kurabiye from the Turkish cuisine filled with chocolate spread. Chocolate is traditional filling, but these days you can have so many different fillings! If you’re wondering what to eat in Turkey, give the Izmir Bombasi a try! Just make sure you have a sweet tooth. And don’t worry, it won’t explode in your mouth, despite the name. In fact, it’s so delicious, it might just make you feel like you’ve been hit by a bomb of happiness!
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Kokoreç is lamb or goat intestines wrapped around hearts, lungs, or kidneys, and typically grilled; or it can be chopped innards cooked on a griddle.
Overall in Izmir, Turkey you can have all kinds of food you want – from Traditional Turkish street food to modern Western meals in trendy restaurants. You can also order from Yemeksepeti and they will deliver to your hotel/apartment.
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
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