Antalya Food: Piyaz, Şiş Köfte and Where to Eat, with a Driver

Antalya’s food is a mix of coast and mountains: beans dressed with tahini, grilled meatballs, fresh fish at the harbour, and village dishes in the Taurus foothills. Here is what to look for, and how to get to the places that are worth the drive.

Dishes to try

• Piyaz: Antalya’s version of the white bean salad comes with a tahini dressing and is traditionally served with şiş köfte.
• Şiş köfte: grilled meatballs on skewers – the city’s classic lunch.
• Hibeş: a spread of tahini, lemon and chilli, served as a meze.
• Gözleme: thin flatbread filled with cheese, spinach or potato, cooked on a griddle – best in mountain villages.
• Fresh fish: in the restaurants around the old harbour and in Kemer and Kaş.
• Citrus: fresh orange juice everywhere, and bitter orange or bergamot jam at breakfast.

Where to go

Kaleiçi and the streets around Kalekapısı have everything from simple köfte houses to restaurants with harbour views. In summer, many families drive up to the cooler hills for breakfast or lunch – the trout restaurants on the river at Ulupınar near Olympos, or the Dim river platforms near Alanya.

Getting there

Book the outward journey on the booking form and choose “Return” with the time you want to be collected; both legs are paid together, with a discount on the return. Short trips within Antalya start from the €35 minimum fare per vehicle; longer trips are priced by distance and shown before you pay. With a driver, everyone can enjoy a glass with dinner.

Cooking and food experiences

For a hands-on experience, see cooking classes in Antalya. Markets are another good introduction: most districts have a weekly market with fruit, cheese, olives and spices.

Eating with dietary needs

Meze menus have many vegetarian options – piyaz, hibeş, grilled vegetables, salads. If you have allergies, ask about nuts and sesame, which are common in local dishes.

For more on the city, see getting around Antalya with a driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antalya’s signature dish?

Piyaz with tahini, served with şiş köfte.

Where can I eat fresh fish?

Around the old harbour, and in Kemer and Kaş.

Can you drive us to a mountain restaurant?

Yes, book the outward and return journeys.

Is there food for vegetarians?

Yes, many meze dishes are vegetarian.

How much is a short trip in Antalya?

From the €35 minimum fare per vehicle.