Taste the Local Delicacies of İzmir

Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, is famous for its delectable native cuisine. “çeşme dolma,” a filled grape leaves dish composed of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, is one of the most popular dishes in Izmir. The word is called after Çeşme, a nearby town where it is supposed to have originated. Mantı, a typical Turkish dumpling stuffed with meat and served with a yogurt sauce, is another must-try food in İzmir.

Visitors to Izmir should also try the “Izmir köfte,” a meatball cooked with ground beef or lamb and spices and served as a meze or a main course. The city also boasts a thriving seafood culture, and visitors can sample various seafood delights, such as grilled fish, octopus, and calamari. To properly experience Izmir’s unique thrills, visit one of the city’s traditional eateries and sample a selection of dishes accompanied by a glass of conventional “rakı” or wine.

Consider using our website if you’re planning a vacation to Izmir and want to make the most of your stay there. We will assist you in developing a personalized itinerary for your vacation, including the best local eateries to visit to taste İzmir’s delectable food. In this post, we will also discuss the must-try Izmir dishes, the most significant sites to visit in the city, and what you should know about them as of 2023.

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1- Restaurant Boğaziçi – Herb Roast

An irresistible aroma and flavour are created when herbs such as tangerine, chicory, arugula, radicchio, nettle, purslane, cibez, poppy, and hibiscus are mixed and roasted with an olive oil texture. This herb roast, traditionally served with a garlic yoghurt topping, is a must-try for anyone exploring the cuisine of the Aegean region and İzmir.

If you’re ever in İzmir, be sure to seek out this dish, and if you’re lucky enough to be in town during the annual Alaçatı Herb Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the best of the best. A restaurant to consider for trying these delicacies is Boğaziçi in Karşıyaka.

2- Deniz Restaurant

This top-notch seafood restaurant has made a well-deserved name for itself in the heart of Izmir’s action. Deniz Restaurant first opened its doors in 1981 and has remained a popular dining destination in Izmir ever since.

The atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy, and the restaurant’s location on the water provides stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Visit for dinner and reserve a table on the veranda as the sun sets; it’s an unforgettable experience.

Your meal will almost certainly begin with traditional bread and olives, followed by mezze, or a variety of appetizers such as grilled eggplant, stuffed zucchini blossoms, and octopus salad. For your entree, try the grilled sea bass or branzino. Fresh fish is always available.

3- Best Seafood Restaurant in İzmir:

Kordon Yengeç Restaurant

We think one of the best fish restaurants in İzmir is Kordon Yengeç Restaurant.

Kordon Yengec Restaurant is a seafood eatery that has managed to earn a reputation as the top seafood restaurant in İzmir and the fifth-best restaurant overall in the city, according to customer reviews and restaurant guides. The menu features an abundance of fresh seafood and unique dishes that will leave you planning your next visit before you even leave. One of the restaurant’s standout features is its location on the Kordon, offering stunning views to complement your meal.

The interior design is also noteworthy, with a stylish and inviting ambiance that sets it apart from other fish restaurants.

Open daily from 10 AM to 12 AM, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends as it can get quite busy.

4- Köfteci Mehmet Irmak – İzmir Meatballs

If you are wondering where to eat Köfte in İzmir, We recommend Köfteci Mehmet Irmak, which has been serving since 1975. Thus, you can taste the original and delicious version of Izmir meatballs.

5- İzmir Girit Restaurant – Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

Stuffing vegetables is a staple of Turkish cuisine, and the same holds true for the cuisine of İzmir. In particular, stuffed zucchini flowers are a must-try when visiting the city. These delicate dishes are made using fresh zucchini flowers gathered early in the morning and stuffed with a flavorful mixture.

They are both satisfying and light, making them the perfect addition to any meal. For a taste of this traditional İzmir dish, head to Izmir Girit Restaurant. This popular local spot serves both home-style cooking and important delicacies of İzmir cuisine, including the stuffed zucchini flowers. Don’t miss out on trying this delicious dish when visiting İzmir.

6- Kumrucu Ömür – Kumru

Kumru is a kind of sandwich which is made by adding ingridients  salami, sausage, cheese, pickles, tomatoes, ketchup, and mayonnaise for its unique sesame bread. In Karşıyaka you can eat this sandwich. If you arrive to Çeşme, you can also taste this delicacies there.

When visiting İzmir, make sure to try the local specialty known as “kumru”, which is a must-have for both locals and tourists alike, whether you’re in a holiday destination or grabbing a quick bite on the street. It’s an essential part of İzmir’s culinary culture and should not be missed.

7- Alsancak Dostlar Fırını- Boyoz

Boyoz is an unleavened pastry that was introduced to Anatolian and especially Izmir cuisine by the Sephardic people who settled in Turkey in 1492. Boyoz’s fame has spread beyond İzmir, becoming a symbol of the city and a delicacy sought after by every visitor to Izmir. It is rolled out with a technique that requires great mastery that cannot be practiced at home. Unlike other types of pastry, tahini is used in its preparation, making it a very tasty and healthy food source.

Especially the taste of boyoz fresh from the black oven is indescribable… When it left the home kitchens and started to appear on the bakery counters, it was the breakfast of those who went to work in the morning, and nowadays it is one of the rare bakery products that is sought by everyone at any time of the day and is healthy due to its low fat content.

8- Zeynel Ergin Gevrek Bakery – Gevrek

It is the perfect place to enjoy warm “gevrek” and “boyoz”. The kumru is also legendary! We recommend their ayran to go with it. There are seating areas. There is usually a line for ordering. In summary, try it once.

9- Hisarönü Şambalicisi – Şambali

One of unique dessert in İzmir cuisine is “şambali.” This famous street dessert can be found being sold by vendors in various parts of the city. Its origins can be traced back to the historical melting pot that is İzmir, which has been home to many different nationalities. With influences from the Balkan dessert revani and the Yemen’s Halep dessert, şambali first began to be sold on the streets in the early years of the Republic. Despite its many ingredients, the cost is quite affordable. It is a dessert that must be tried while strolling the streets of İzmir.

A renowned spot to try it is the Hisarönü Şambalicisi. This restaurant also offers delivery service and serves şambali with a topping of clotted cream and milk.

10- Çelebi Unlu Mamülleri – Bomba

Bomba, a beloved dessert in İzmir cuisine, is the perfect treat for satisfying a chocolate craving with its liquid chocolate center and delicate dough shell. This delectable dessert is not only popular in İzmir but also well-known throughout Turkey. It can be found in various bakeries across the city, and one of the most renowned places to try it is Çelebi Unlu Mamülleri.

This bakery, located in Alsancak Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street , serves a variety of bomba flavors in addition to chocolate. While in İzmir, be sure to try all the different types of bomba offered at this bakery, as it’s a unique and addictive taste that you won’t be able to resist. Bon Appétit!