Marmaris offers a rich and diverse culinary scene where Aegean and Mediterranean cuisines come together, blending local flavors with international dishes. From seaside restaurants to cozy taverns tucked into narrow streets, the town caters to all budgets and palates.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Marmaris, you’ll find a wide range of choices—from fresh seafood and olive oil dishes to Turkish home-style cooking, grilled meats, and traditional desserts.
This guide helps you explore where to eat in Marmaris, highlighting popular areas, must-try dishes, and top-rated spots for every taste.
Where to Eat & What to Try
Marmaris offers a rich variety of food and drink options. The restaurants and cafes in Marmaris present countless menus from Turkish and world cuisines, making it a food lover’s playground.
In addition to fish and seafood restaurants, olive oil-based mezes and starters are must-try flavors. In the town center, you can find not only Turkish dishes but also restaurants serving global cuisines—Italian pizzas, Japanese sushi, Indian curries, and American burgers are all readily available.
Nearly every corner in Marmaris is lined with cafes and restaurants, most of which are located along the coastline with sea views. Along the seafront and around the Marmaris Castle, you can find all kinds of restaurants to match your taste preferences and explore cuisines from around the world.
The area around Netsel Marina is perfect for a romantic and quiet dinner, with luxurious restaurants offering a serene atmosphere. After your meal, there are cafes with live music that make the area even more attractive.
Marmaris Center & Marina Area: Seafood, Kebabs, and Cafes
The central area of Marmaris and its surrounding marina are among the liveliest spots for food and drink. You’ll find seaside restaurants, traditional Turkish eateries, cafes, and bars all packed into this bustling part of town. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s a meal here to suit every taste and budget.
Seafood Restaurants
Lined along Marmaris Marina, seafood restaurants are perfect for those who want both fresh catch and a view. Grilled sea bream, seabass, fried calamari, shrimp casserole, and octopus salad are local favorites.
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Recommended places:
Kordon Restaurant – Known for its fresh fish, mezes, and wine pairings
Nil Balık – A casual but high-quality spot that stands out
Grilled Meats and Kebabs
In central Marmaris, you’ll find many kebab houses and grill restaurants. Classics like Adana kebab, chicken skewers, lamb chops, and lahmacun are served in generous portions at reasonable prices.
Popular stops:
Şahin Tepesi Ocakbaşı – A hearty choice for meat lovers
Yunus Ocakbaşı – Known for traditionally prepared kebabs and mezes
Cafes and Light Bites
For a coffee break or a quick snack, the cafes along the promenade are a good pick. You can easily find toast, salads, coffee, and ice cream.
Worth trying:
Dostlar Fırın & Cafe – Ideal for a morning stop with pastries like simit and börek
Cafe Roma Bistro – Offers salads and coffee with a scenic seating area
Uzunyalı, Siteler & Armutalan: Affordable & Tasty Options
Close to the center but slightly away from the crowds, Uzunyalı, Siteler, and Armutalan are popular zones, especially for those staying in hotels. These areas feature many eateries with a more budget-friendly and relaxed vibe. From beachfront restaurants to family-run places, there’s a lot to explore.
Uzunyalı Beachfront: Affordable Tastes by the Sea
Uzunyalı stretches from Marmaris center to İçmeler, packed with dozens of restaurants and cafes along the promenade. Most are integrated with the beach, offering meals with sea views.
What to try:
Fresh mezes, grilled fish, fried calamari
Lighter options like tuna salad or vegetable pasta
In the evening, it’s great for a raki-meze-seafood dinner by the sea
Top spots:
Sunflower Restaurant – Friendly service with budget-friendly meals
Always Restaurant & Bar – Known for seafood and breakfast options
Siteler: Diverse Restaurants Near Hotels
Siteler is home to many large hotels, so its restaurants cater heavily to international tourists. Most menus are available in English, and the variety is impressive.
What to try:
Grilled chicken, burgers, pizzas, pastas
Traditional Turkish breakfast, menemen, and gözleme are also available
Recommended places:
Samdan Restaurant – Known for its rich menu and live music evenings
Cousins Steakhouse – Famous among tourists for its well-prepared meats
Armutalan: Local Cuisine & Home-Style Dining
Located inland, Armutalan is mostly residential, making it a hub for traditional food, home-style dishes, and small local eateries. It’s perfect for those looking to eat well without hotel prices.
What to try:
Dishes like meat stew, stuffed eggplant, olive oil dishes, lentil soup
Desserts like semolina halva, rice pudding, pumpkin dessert with walnuts
Popular choices:
Tarihi Armutalan Lokantası – Known for its hearty homemade dishes
Selçuk Ocakbaşı – A local favorite for delicious grilled kebabs
İçmeler and Turunç: Flavorful Stops in Nature
Two popular holiday destinations close to Marmaris, İçmeler and Turunç, stand out not only for their natural beauty and sea views but also for the enjoyable culinary alternatives they offer. Both areas are known for their sea-view restaurants, boutique cafés, and simple yet delicious dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
İçmeler: Family-Friendly Restaurants with Rich Menus
İçmeler is located about 10 minutes from Marmaris center. The restaurants lined along the beach are frequently preferred by families and couples on holiday. There are plenty of clean, affordable, and modest venues. Menus feature both Turkish cuisine and international flavors.
What to eat?
Grilled sea bass, shrimp casserole, fried calamari
Chicken shish, Turkish dumplings (mantı), olive oil dishes, and Turkish breakfast
In areas frequented by British tourists, you’ll also find fish & chips and steak
Popular places:
Taj Mahal Restaurant – Known for its Indian cuisine
Golden River – Located by the sea, famous for its mezes
Love Boat Restaurant – Offers steak, seafood, and a wide drink menu
Turunç: A Peaceful and Tasty Escape
Turunç is a more isolated and quiet holiday village reachable by boat or mountain road from Marmaris. The restaurants here are mostly close to the shore, offering casual yet carefully prepared meals. Ideal for those who enjoy dining slowly in a peaceful atmosphere.
What to eat?
Fresh fish, mezes with yogurt, stuffed zucchini flowers, herbed salads
Homemade gözleme, olive oil artichokes, mixed Turkish breakfast
For dessert: pumpkin dessert with walnuts and homemade ice cream
Recommended places:
Pasha Restaurant – Quality Mediterranean cuisine in a tranquil setting
Mavi Deniz Restaurant – Seafood-heavy menu right on the beach
Bahama Restaurant – Offers a wide variety from breakfast to dinner
Street Food and Desserts
Marmaris is as famous for its street food and traditional desserts as it is for its restaurants. While walking along the coastline or exploring the town center, you’ll find small food stalls and snack stops that offer quick and tasty options. In the evenings, the streets come alive with locals and tourists enjoying these flavors.
Marmaris Street Food
Chicken Döner & Meat Döner: A quick and affordable meal option, found often in the central bazaar. Served in flatbread (lavaş) or as a plate.
Kumru & Toast: Generously filled, crispy kumru sandwiches and cheese toasts are especially popular late at night.
Stuffed Mussels (Midye Dolma): Served with lemon, available at stalls especially around Bar Street.
Gözleme: Filled with cheese, potatoes, spinach, or mixed fillings—freshly made at stalls along the beach.
Corn on the Cob & Simit: Simple but timeless street snacks, perfect for evening walks.
Marmaris Desserts
Marmaris-Style Ice Cream: Flavored with mastic gum, carob, or other local ingredients—a regional favorite.
Pumpkin Dessert with Walnuts: A light yet sweet treat, often baked and served with tahini and walnuts in local restaurants.
Baked Rice Pudding (Fırın Sütlaç): A classic Turkish dessert, found on most menus.
Almond Cookies & Turkish Delight: Popular for tea time or gifts.
Homemade Jams: Served at breakfast, with flavors like bitter orange, bergamot, and fig, often sold in local markets.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Thanks to its emphasis on natural ingredients, Marmaris has become a welcoming destination for vegans and vegetarians. The local Aegean cuisine, which heavily features olive oil-based vegetable dishes, offers plenty of choices for plant-based eaters. In recent years, several spots have shifted to fully vegan or plant-based menus.
Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes
Many traditional restaurants and eateries in Marmaris are naturally vegetarian-friendly. You can easily find satisfying meals that contain no meat:
Stuffed grape leaves with olive oil, fava, lentil patties, eggplant salad
Herbed pastries, zucchini fritters, artichoke stew, Ezogelin soup
Cheese or vegetable gözleme, vegetable casserole, sautéed mushrooms
These dishes are commonly found in home-style diners or along the coastal meyhanes (taverns).
Vegan Alternatives and Recommended Places
Vegan choices are steadily growing in Marmaris. Alongside a few fully vegan venues, many cafés and restaurants now include vegan-friendly items on their menus:
Avocado and tahini salads, vegetable bowls, falafel wraps, lentil patties
Smoothies, lattes, and granola bowls prepared with plant-based milk
Gluten-free and refined sugar-free desserts, energy balls, chia puddings
Recommended spots:
Oblomov Vegan Cafe (Marmaris Center) – 100% vegan menu, daily specials, cozy ambiance
Address Cafe (Siteler) – Wide breakfast and snack selection with vegan options
Ney (Çıldır Neighborhood) – Offers organic vegan dishes and healthy drinks
Local Products
One of the best aspects of Marmaris is discovering the local specialties that reflect the region’s natural character and cultural identity. These products can be found not just in restaurants but also in local markets and producer stalls throughout your holiday.
Marmaris Local Products
Olives and Olive Oil: A staple of the Aegean coast, available in village markets and boutique shops, produced using natural methods.
Bitter Orange & Bergamot Jam: Made from local citrus fruits, a star of traditional Turkish breakfasts.
Pine Honey: With its rich aroma, this forest-sourced pine honey is among the most sought-after natural products in the region.
Wild Thyme and Mint: Sold fresh or dried in local markets, perfect for seasoning and teas.
Handmade Soaps and Oils: Made with lavender, laurel, and rosemary, these make for ideal souvenirs or personal care items.
Best Restaurants
For a curated list of the best restaurants in Marmaris, including central areas like Uzunyalı, Siteler, Armutalan, and İçmeler, visit our Best Restaurants in Marmaris page.
For excellent dining experiences in the surrounding villages and coastal towns, check out our Best Coastal Restaurants Around Marmaris page—especially if you have extra time during your stay.