Where to eat in Marmaris – a food and dining guide

From the best international cuisine to the most addictive Turkish food and for all kinds of budgets, Marmaris is a food-lover’s fantasy. A large variety of specialized restaurants serve traditional, exotic, spicy dishes and fast food from morning to midnight. Steaks, pastas, pizzas, salads… you name it, they’ve got it. Although there is an extensive list of restaurants, in high season it is still worth booking ahead.

From little lokantas, where locals gather, to world famous restaurants or Kebab shops, Marmaris offers every kind of Turkish bistro. But there are also restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, Dutch, Italian or French food in every corner. While cosmopolitan bistros are dominant in Marmaris town center, the resorts of Bozburun and Orhaniye specialize in traditional Turkish eateries serving home-style cuisine at reasonable prices. Even though restaurants on all beachfronts are a bit more expensive, they offer customers all sorts of entertainment. Do you fancy dining with a view of luxurious yachts as jazz music plays in the background? In Marmaris, it’s possible.

 

A must-try local dish is Tandir kebabi, oven-baked lamb pieces cooked for hours and then served with bread and raw onions.

 

Bazaar Area

 

The best deals in town can be had in this area. The eateries around Grand Bazaar offer authentic home-style Turkish food at very low prices. If you want to save money, head over to the soup kitchens scattered around the bazaar’s alleyways. Behind the bazaar lie cozy lokantas where you can try fast, fresh, cheap and arguably the best traditional kofte and lahmacun in Marmaris while you soak up the Turkish atmosphere. Locals flock to Irem Restaurant behind the Bazaar to savor fantastic Adana Kebabs at even better prices. This Turkish restaurant also stands out for offering a friendly atmosphere and outstanding service.

 

• Irem Restaurant, Kemal Elgin Bulbari n. 54.  

Netsel Marina

 

Restaurants in Netsel Marina might be more expensive than those in other areas, but they offer incredible views of luxury yachts and live music. With its calm scenery and elegant restaurants, this region is ideal for a romantic dinner. A must-visit in this area is Le Fortune, one of the finest restaurants in Marmaris, serving both international and Mediterranean cuisine. If you are a fish lover, you’ve come to the right place. For a fun night out, live music and DJ parties heat up bohemian evenings in El Divino Restaurant’s, serving both international and Turkish cuisine.

 

• Le Fortune Restaurant, Netsel Marina.  

Marmaris Harbor

 

Five words: moonlit dinner by the marina. Most eateries along the harbor have a beautiful view, and specialize in succulent and fresh seafood. From Mediterranean cuisine to traditional Turkish food, this area caters for every palate and budget. With its delicious seafood, Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, Dede Restaurant is a must-visit. While Jan de Wit Restaurant has a similar menu to Dede’s, they specialize in French dishes. Try their scrumptious Mona Lisa Steak, gorgonzola and mushroom sauce poured over the steak, served with mashed potato around the platter and vegetables on the side - delicious.

 

• Dede Restaurant, Barbaros Street No. 15.  

Siteler

 

This is a popular area for young travelers to grab a bite. Therefore, the restaurants in the area offer mostly Western food aimed at British holidaymakers. However, there are other options here, including Turkish and other international cuisines. Right in front of a famous beach stands Faros Beach Pub & Restaurant, a fun eatery serving a unique selection of food from around the world next to fast and easy lunch menus and a variety of tasty burgers, pizza and sandwiches. Here you can play billiards or Playstation, listen to live music, sing during the Karaoke nights, or watch sports.

 

• Faros Beach Pub & Restaurant, Uzunyali Street 207, No. 96.