With their diplomatic feel and bustling pace, Ankara’s streets hide a wealth of culinary delights that go far beyond kebabs. From historic restaurants preserving the Ottoman legacy to cutting-edge establishments reimagining Turkish cuisine with contemporary techniques, the capital offers a culinary experience as varied as its history. Here, at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, flavours blend with stories of Silk Road merchants, Seljuk palaces and modern influences. Whether in a refined restaurant overlooking the city or a bustling market where the smell of freshly baked bread mingles with that of spices, Ankara invites you to discover its essence through your palate.
- Best restaurants in Ankara: fine dining with a Turkish identity
- Traditional restaurants in Ankara: where history is served at the table
- Where to eat cheaply in Ankara: Turkish delights without breaking the bank
- Markets and gastronomy in Ankara: the city’s culinary soul
Best restaurants in Ankara: fine dining with a Turkish identity
Ankara has seen the rise of a sophisticated food scene that rivals Istanbul’s. In its best restaurants, traditional cuisine is reinvented with a modern twist, without losing the essence of local ingredients.
One of the city’s landmarks is Trilye, specialising in fish and seafood from the Turkish coast, a rarity in the capital. Here, dishes like levrek marin (marinated sea bass) or mussels stuffed with spiced rice are served in an elegant setting with impeccable service. Another must visit is Fige Restaurant, where Turkish cuisine fuses with international recipes in a cosy, artistic atmosphere, with live music on certain nights.
For a luxury experience with panoramic views, Beykoz Iskembe is a smart choice. Known for its iconic tripe soup and slow-roasted lamb, this place serves carefully prepared dishes presented with a level of refinement that elevates traditional cuisine. Ankara proves that its food scene is rich not only in flavour, but also in history and innovation.
Traditional restaurants in Ankara: where history is served at the table
Those wanting to experience the capital’s most authentic cuisine should look for restaurants that have preserved centuries-old recipes and techniques. One of the most iconic is Boğaziçi Lokantası, a classic establishment that serves traditional dishes since 1964 in an atmosphere reminiscent of old Ottoman taverns. Here you can enjoy specialities like iskender kebab, hünkar beğendi (lamb on smoky aubergine purée) and etli ekmek, a kind of Turkish pizza originally from Konya.
Another essential stop is Göksu Lokantası, famous for its daily menu, which lets you try a variety of home-style dishes at affordable prices. Its red lentil soup and aubergine stew with meat are two of its highlights. For lovers of kuzu tandır, lamb slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone, one of the best places is Site 2 Lokantası Abdurrahman Küçük, an unpretentious restaurant with a loyal local following.
Where to eat cheaply in Ankara: Turkish delights without breaking the bank
For travellers wanting to eat well without spending too much, Ankara has a surprising range of options. One favourite among locals and visitors is Meşhur Özçelik Aspava, part of the iconic Aspava chain, where kebab dishes come with a generous selection of sides at no extra cost: freshly baked bread, crisp salads and homemade sauces. It’s the perfect place to try döner kebab or tavuk şiş (chicken skewers).
Another solid option is Cigerci Aydın, known for its generous portions and relaxed vibe, ideal for anyone keen to try grilled liver, a popular delicacy in Turkey. In Kızılay’s university district, Beykoz Pide ve Kebap is a budget-friendly spot where pides (Turkish pizzas) are served crispy and well loaded with toppings, with options like minced meat and egg or melted cheese with fresh parsley.
Markets and gastronomy in Ankara: the city’s culinary soul
To really understand Ankara’s cuisine, you need to lose yourself in its markets. The Ulus Bazaar, one of the city’s oldest, offers a rich display of spices, dried fruit and nuts and local cheeses that reflect the diversity of Anatolia. Among the most prized products are tulum peyniri, a mature sheep’s cheese, and Gemlik black olives, known for their intense flavour.
Another fascinating stop is Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu Market, where alongside antiques and textiles, you’ll find stalls selling local delicacies like sucuk (spicy sausage) and pastırma (spiced cured meat). At Maltepe Bazaar, which leans more towards food, the bakeries sell the legendary simit, sesame-crusted bread rings that locals enjoy with black tea at breakfast.
The markets aren’t just a treat for the senses, they also let visitors take home a piece of Ankara in the form of spices, sweets or handmade products.
