Marmaris is a popular tourist destination located in the southwestern coast of Turkey. With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, it’s no wonder that Marmaris attracts millions of visitors every year. But did you know that Marmaris is also a food lover’s paradise? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the gastronomy scene in Marmaris, what to eat, and the best places to eat.
What to Expect?
Eating out in Marmaris is fantastic. Holidaymakers are able to find variety of dining opportunities in Marmaris. Eating out along the lined-up cafes and restaurants by the sea front and marina area is one of the greatest attractions. We can say that whole Marmaris is full of quality restaurants and cafes.
Turkish cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and spices, and Marmaris is no exception. Marmaris is home to many restaurants that serve traditional Turkish dishes as well as international cuisine.
Where to Eat?
Most Marmaris restaurants and cafes are located by the sea front, harbour and the Marmaris Castle area. English food is very common in every cafes and restaurants together with Turkish, Mediterranean etc.
Netsel Marina region is very ideal for a romantic dinner with its calm scenery and luxury restaurants.
There are live music and cafe-bar opportunities for the couples or groups after dinner as well.
Whether you want to spend your entire holiday dining on steak or chips or fancy something traditionally Turkish, you’ll find this and all manner of other cuisines in this highly developed holiday resort.
Best Areas & Zones
Marmaris Bazaar and Marmaris Castle
The Marmaris Bazaar and the area around Marmaris Castle are among the regions that make dining enjoyable with their historical atmosphere and lively environment. In this area, you can find restaurants offering some of the finest examples of Turkish cuisine.
In the small restaurants within the Bazaar, you can taste delicious kebabs, döner, and olive oil-based mezes. Additionally, there are many patisseries and dessert shops where you can try traditional Turkish sweets.
The cafes and restaurants around Marmaris Castle offer a historical atmosphere and the opportunity to dine with stunning views. You can enjoy seafood against the backdrop of the castle or try the delicious flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Many of the restaurants in this area offer romantic dinners with live music in the evenings.
Along Marmaris Promenade and Coastal Road
Marmaris Promenade and Coastal Road are perfect places to take a pleasant break while walking and enjoy a meal with a sea view. The cafes and restaurants lined up here cater to all tastes with their extensive menu options. After a morning walk along the coast, you can have breakfast at the cafes offering freshly squeezed fruit juices and various breakfast options.
For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood at the seaside restaurants. Calamari, shrimp, and sea bass are among the tastiest dishes in Marmaris.
Additionally, there are various restaurants offering flavors from Italian, French, and Asian cuisines along the Promenade. The places along the Coastal Road are ideal for a pleasant dinner while watching the sunset.
Netsel Marina Area
Netsel Marina is the area where Marmaris’s most luxurious and stylish restaurants are located. It is an excellent choice for those who want to dine with a view of the yacht marina. The restaurants here offer a wide range of world cuisines. Especially the restaurants specialized in seafood and gourmet dishes stand out with their quality service and elegant atmosphere.
You can enjoy coffee and light snacks throughout the day at the cafes in the Marina. In the evening, these places, ideal for a romantic dinner, stand out with their sea view and calm atmosphere. Netsel Marina is also a preferred area for special occasions and celebrations.
Uzunyalı Area
The Uzunyalı area, with one of the longest beach strips in Marmaris, offers both sea and dining pleasure. This area hosts many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious meals with a sea view after a day at the beach. The venues lined up along the coast offer flavors from various cuisines and cater to all tastes.
In Uzunyalı, you can start your day with fresh fruit juices, breakfast platters, and Turkish coffee at the seaside cafes for breakfast. In the afternoon, after a pleasant time at the beach, you can prefer cafes offering sandwiches, salads, and seafood for a light lunch.
Uzunyalı is also ideal for dinner. You can have a romantic dinner at the seaside restaurants while watching the sunset. The restaurants here offer a wide range of Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine as well as international dishes.
There are also restaurants where you can taste the traditional flavors of Turkish cuisine. Many restaurants in Uzunyalı also offer live music and entertainment programs in the evenings, allowing you to have a pleasant time after dinner.
Armutalan and Siteler Area
The Armutalan and Siteler areas have ideal places for those who want to experience more local and authentic food in Marmaris. The restaurants in these areas especially offer some of the best examples of Turkish cuisine. Dishes such as lamb tandir, meat stew, and various mezes are among the must-try foods here.
The Siteler area also stands out with more modern cafes and fast-food options. Here, you can find international chain restaurants as well as local businesses.
Armutalan offers places where you can have a pleasant family meal in a more peaceful and calm environment.
Icmeler Area
Icmeler, located near Marmaris, offers a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere. Dining in Icmeler provides a pleasant experience with a sea view. The restaurants along the coast particularly offer delicious examples of seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
In the mornings, you can have a light breakfast at the seaside cafes and enjoy freshly squeezed fruit juices. For lunch and dinner, you can try fresh fish, mezes, and olive oil-based dishes at the seaside restaurants.
İçmeler is also an ideal place for romantic dinners and special celebrations. You can take a walk along the coast, listen to live music at various bars, and enjoy the night.
What to Eat? Turkish Cuisine
You can also choose from a wide range of Turkish mezes, kebabs, dishes based on aubergine and meat and world-famous Turkish sweets such as baklava and Turkish delight at the many Turkish restaurants and taverns.
Turkish food is largely based on that of the Ottoman Empire which remained powerful from the 13th to the 19th century. Influences of Persian, Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Caucasian and Balkan cuisines can be found in the melting pot of different cultures which is Turkish cuisine.
Common ingredients in Turkish food include lamb, chickpeas, aubergines, olive oil, yogurt, cheese, rice, pastry, spinach, potatoes, bread, tomatoes and spices and herbs such as cumin, paprika, mint and thyme.
Popular starters (mezes) include hummus (a chickpea dip), dolma (vine leaves, peppers, pumpkin or aubergines stuffed with rice and/or meat), Börek (thin layers of dough stuffed with meat, cheese and vegetables) and cacik (cucumber with yogurt, dried mint and olive oil).
Popular main dishes include Kuzu Güveç (lamb casserole), olive oil-drizzled lamb kebabs, köfte (meatballs made from minced meat, parsley, bread-egg, onion and spices such as cumin, oregano, mint, garlic and pepper.
Vegetarian dishes include fried aubergine and pepper served with yogurt and garlic, Rice pilaf (rice with white beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas and vegetables) and Mücver (grated courgette/squash with egg, onion, dill and cheese, fried or oven cooked).
Famous Turkish sweets include Turkish delight, baklava (pistachios or walnuts sweetened and wrapped in sweet pastry), lokma (fried dough dipped in syrup) and helva (made from sautéed semolina, pine nuts, butter, sugar and milk).
Where to Eat Cheap?
Marmaris offers a variety of dining options that cater to all budgets, including some great places for affordable meals.
If you eat where the locals eat, than it is cheaper. You can keep it cheap and tasty at the many fast food restaurants which serve everything from burgers to kebabs, or have a pie or pasty at one of the British pubs.
Here are a few suggestions on where to eat cheaply in Marmaris:
Local Lokantas and Kebab Shops
Lokantas
Local lokantas (small, casual restaurants) are a great place to find affordable and delicious Turkish food. These family-run establishments offer a range of traditional dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles. Popular options include lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), stuffed vegetables (dolma), and various types of kebabs.
Kebab Shops
Kebab shops are another excellent option for budget-friendly meals. You can enjoy doner kebabs, chicken shish, and lamb kofta at very reasonable prices. Many kebab shops also offer dürüm (wraps) which are both tasty and inexpensive.
Street Food and Markets
Street Food
Marmaris has a variety of street food vendors offering quick and affordable snacks. Simit (a type of Turkish bagel covered in sesame seeds), corn on the cob, and gözleme (Turkish flatbread with various fillings) are popular choices.
Marmaris Market
The local markets are not just for shopping; they also have food stalls where you can enjoy freshly prepared Turkish delicacies. The Marmaris Thursday Market is particularly well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food options.
Budget-Friendly Cafes and Bakeries
Cafes
There are numerous budget-friendly cafes in Marmaris where you can enjoy a light meal or snack. Many cafes offer sandwiches, salads, and pastries at reasonable prices. They are perfect for a quick and affordable meal.
Bakeries
Bakeries are an excellent choice for cheap eats. You can find a variety of fresh bread, pastries, and savory pies. Borek, a pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, is a popular and inexpensive option.
Cheap Eats in Popular Areas
Armutalan and Siteler
These areas are known for their affordable dining options. You can find numerous small restaurants and cafes serving traditional Turkish meals at budget-friendly prices.
Back Streets of Marmaris
Venture away from the main tourist areas and explore the back streets of Marmaris. Here, you’ll find hidden gems offering authentic and inexpensive Turkish cuisine.