Thanks to the local culinary culture blended with the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean, Kemer satisfies food lovers with a wide variety of choices. From grilled fish to traditional kebabs, olive oil dishes, and street food, Kemer offers delicious alternatives in both upscale restaurants and casual eateries.
No matter where you’re staying, you’ll find something to suit your taste. Dishes like grilled seafood, olive oil mezes, meat dishes, stuffed flatbreads (gözleme), and tahini ice cream are some of the most loved options.
This guide highlights what and where to eat in Kemer, which areas specialize in which flavors, and the must-try local dishes that define the region.
Kemer Center: Seafood, Kebabs, Cafés, and Desserts
Kemer Center is the heart of the town’s dining scene. Restaurants by the sea, cafés along the promenade, and tucked-away traditional eateries cater to all budgets and tastes.
Some venues even offer live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.
For a relaxing break from the heat or beach crowds, Folkloric Yörük Park offers a cool, scenic escape just above town.
🐟 Seafood and Fish Dishes
Wondering where to eat seafood in Kemer? Head toward the marina area. Here, you’ll find freshly caught fish served grilled or steamed. Popular choices include sea bass, gilt-head bream, calamari, octopus, and shrimp stew.
Recommended seafood restaurants:
Qualista Restaurant – Elegant venue with sea views and top-tier service.
Captain Pirate – Friendly vibe, known for fresh fish and delicious mezes.
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🥩 Meat Dishes and Kebab Restaurants
Kemer isn’t just about seafood. There’s plenty for meat lovers too. Adana kebab, Urfa kebab, lamb skewers, and grilled meats are all local favorites. Central kebab spots are popular for their generous portions and fair pricing.
Popular kebab spots:
Zakhodi, Genatsvale – Offers a mix of Georgian and Turkish cuisine.
Nasrettin Kebap – Known for its grilled meat, lahmacun, and pides.
🍰 Cafés and Dessert Shops
If you’re craving something sweet or just need a coffee break, Kemer Center has plenty of options. Local dessert favorites include tahini ice cream, baked rice pudding, mosaic cake, and Turkish coffee.
Top café stops:
Lavash Cafe & Bistro – Stylish setting with an extensive dessert menu.
Moka Cafe – Popular for both breakfast and sweet treats.
Dining in Göynük, Beldibi, Çıralı, and Tekirova
These four districts connected to Kemer appeal to visitors looking for both a tranquil, nature-rich setting and delicious food experiences. Each offers a unique atmosphere, featuring regional flavors and friendly service.
🏞️ Göynük: Traditional Flavors in a Mountain Setting
Known for its fresh air and natural charm, Göynük is particularly famous for its grilled meats and village-style breakfasts. Local restaurants set within the forest focus on classics like köfte (meatballs), grilled sausage sandwiches, and pan-cooked meats.
Recommended spots:
Şelale Restaurant Göynük – Fresh trout and a variety of grilled meats in a scenic forest location
Göynük Sofrası – Offers home-style dishes, casseroles, and olive oil-based meals
🌲 Beldibi: Simple and Affordable Dining
Although Beldibi has many hotels, there are also budget-friendly restaurants offering local favorites. Dishes like home-style meals, döner, pide, and gözleme are easy to find.
Popular spots:
Denizim Restaurant – Friendly atmosphere with affordable options
Gözde Pide – Known for its pide and lahmacun varieties
🌿 Çıralı: Organic and Vegetarian-Friendly Flavors
Çıralı is a favorite for those seeking a natural lifestyle and healthy meals. Many eateries here serve organic breakfasts, vegetable-based plates, and homemade jams. You’ll also find fresh seafood, olive oil dishes, and vegan menus along the coast.
Recommended spots:
Lemon Restaurant – Vegan plates and Aegean dishes with fresh herbs
Yoruk Cafe & Restaurant – Traditional meals by the sea
🌊 Tekirova: Seafood and Mediterranean Cuisine
Tekirova is another coastal area where you’ll find quality restaurants. It’s especially known for seafood and Mediterranean-style salads. Many places also offer family-friendly menus.
Top picks:
Tekirova Balık Evi – Daily catch, appetizers, and a refreshing view
İkizler Restaurant – A mix of meat and seafood dishes
Street Food and Desserts in Kemer
Beyond restaurants, Kemer is famous for its street food. Around the coastline and market areas, you can find tasty bites any time of day. Ice cream vendors, mussel stalls, gözleme carts, and local bakeries are everywhere.
🌯 Popular Kemer Street Foods:
Stuffed Mussels (Midye Dolma): A budget-friendly street classic served with lemon, often found near the marina
Toast & Kumru Sandwiches: Hearty sandwiches made with crispy bread and loaded fillings
Gözleme: Hand-rolled Turkish flatbread filled with cheese, potato, spinach, or ground beef
Grilled Corn & Simit: Street carts offer these nostalgic snacks during evening strolls
🍨 Must-Try Local Desserts:
Tahini Ice Cream: A unique local flavor served with pistachios or walnuts
Baked Rice Pudding (Fırın Sütlaç): A traditional Turkish dessert often topped with a caramelized crust
Pumpkin Dessert with Walnuts: A regional specialty, served with tahini or molasses
Ice Cream Shops: Especially around the marina and Atatürk Avenue, flavors like mastic, black mulberry, and almond are popular
Vegan and Vegetarian Options in Kemer
Plant-based dining has become much easier in recent years across Kemer. Especially in nature-friendly areas, you’ll find organic breakfasts, vegetable-rich meals, and menus made with fresh Mediterranean produce.
🥗 Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes:
Artichokes in Olive Oil
Sea Beans
Vegetable Casseroles
Eggplant Dip, Haydari, and Hummus
Sautéed Greens and Aegean-Style Zucchini Fritters
Seaside taverns and Mediterranean restaurants often have excellent vegetarian options.
🌱 Vegan-Friendly Venues & Dishes:
Avocado Salads and Grain Bowls
Lentil Balls, Falafel, Veggie Wraps
Smoothies & Lattes with Plant-Based Milk
Hummus on Multigrain Bread
Recommended venues:
Yoruk Cafe (Çıralı): Fully vegan options using local ingredients
The Ibro Lounge (Kemer Center): Creative modern vegan dishes
Cafe Leon: Known for organic ingredients and alternative breakfast menus
Local Products in Kemer
Besides great food, Kemer is also rich in local products and handmade goods. Markets, small producers, and artisan shops offer unique items that make excellent gifts or additions to your kitchen.
🧄 Must-Buy Local Products from Kemer:
Pomegranate Molasses and Olive Oil: Handcrafted and additive-free, often found in village markets
Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Wild Thyme: Grown locally and used in many traditional recipes
Homemade Jams: Orange peel, sour orange, bergamot, and pumpkin jam are popular breakfast staples
Traditional Tarhana Soup Base & Handmade Noodles: Made naturally by local women
Herbal Soaps and Oils: Natural products scented with lavender, laurel, and rosemary
