Best Restaurants In Eskisehir (2026): Local Favorites & Must-Try Dishes

Best Restaurants in Eskisehir (2026): Local Favorites & Must-Try Dishes

Alissa Walker

Travel writing based on first-hand experience

April 15, 2026

Looking for best restaurants in Eskisehir? Discover the best restaurants by area and budget—what to order, local dishes, opening hours, reservations, kid-friendly picks, and tips.

Planning a trip to Eskişehir? Read these next

1. Tatlıdil Köftecisi

One of the oldest tradesmen’s restaurants in Eskişehir, Tatlıdil Köftecisi has been serving since 1932. Known for its delicious, all-beef meatballs, it’s a favorite among locals. The meatballs are cooked to perfection, juicy and full of flavor, served on slices of toasted bread.

If you visit this historic spot, don’t miss trying their special grape drink made from dried black grapes—it’s a unique and tasty treat!

Location: Yandaş Street No:19, Odunpazarı

What we love: Classic grill flavor, daily-made şıra (grape must), and a no-frills, old-school vibe.

Opening hours: Typically opens around 07:00 and closes once meatballs sell out; closed on Sundays and often Friday noon/Ramadan hours vary—go early.

2. Balaban Kebab

One of Eskişehir’s most iconic dishes is balaban kebab: pita soaked in bone broth, topped with yogurt and tomato sauce, finished with hot butter—served with meatballs, sliced meat, or both.

For a quintessential plate, head to Abdüsselam Balaban Kebap, serving this classic since 1938.

Location: Municipality Street No:13, Odunpazarı

What we love: Proper bone-broth base, generous butter finish, and the “meat + köfte” mixed option.

Opening hours: Daily about 11:00–20:45.

3. Trakya Lokantası

If you’re craving hearty stews and home-style plates, Trakya Lokantası has been a beloved tradesmen’s spot since 1946. Expect daily rotating casseroles and soups; their liver sarma appears weekly and sells out fast.

Location: Değirmen St. No:10, Odunpazarı

What we love: Daily-changing tray dishes, once-a-week liver sarma, and honest prices.

Opening hours: Lunch-led hours; listings vary—call ahead as some directories lack or show outdated times.

4. Gaga Restaurant

On Fener Island along the Porsuk River, Gaga pairs stylish interiors with water views and a broad menu—from breakfast to dinner—and hosts special events.

Location: Orhangazi District, Özleyiş St. No:1, Odunpazarı

What we love: Riverside setting, big menu for mixed groups, and a lively weekend scene.

Opening hours: Often closed Mon; Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–00:00/02:00 depending on day.

5. Pino

Pino started on Hamamyolu Street in 1978 and grew into a much-loved Eskişehir chain for its classic hamburgers and thick-cut fries. Many branches around town keep it easy to find a quick, nostalgic bite.

Locations: See Pino branches

What we love: Local burger heritage, citywide branches, and late options at mall/central spots.

Opening hours: Vary by branch; typical daytime–late evening. Examples: some close ~20:00–21:30; mall branches run later. Check the branch list before you go.

6. People

Inside the five-star Tasigo Hotel, People offers a panoramic dining room and a menu spanning Turkish favorites and international plates—great for a dressier night.

Location: Haktanır St. No:4, Odunpazarı (Tasigo)

What we love: Skyline views, polished service, and a calm, special-occasion feel.

Opening hours: Commonly listed as 12:00–24:00. (Hotel pages note breakfast at Turquoise; People is à la carte.)

7. Ayten Usta

Famous for sprawling breakfasts plus Ottoman/Seljuk-inspired lunch and dinner plates, Ayten Usta is a go-to any time of day. For a coffee break, the on-site Aynalı Kahve section is lovely.

Location: Pond Park, Burhan Felek St. No:2, Tepebaşı

What we love: Huge breakfast spread, regional touches, and family-friendly seating.

Opening hours: Generally 08:00–22:00 daily (Aynalı Kahve may start later on weekdays in winter).

8. Ciğerci Ahmet

Known for liver, but equally loved for its juicy Harran-style chicken shish, Ciğerci Ahmet wraps the experience in a traditional décor and charcoal aromas that hit you the second you walk in.

Location: Mustafa Kemal Paşa, Sivrihisar-1 Cd. No:54, Tepebaşı

What we love: Super-fresh liver, smoky chicken shish, warm lavaş straight off the grill, and fast, friendly service.

Opening hours: Typically daily around 11:00–22:00. Popular items can sell out—go on the earlier side or call ahead.

9. Rodop Köftecisi

Rodop Köftecisi, on the auto industry site, turns out some of Eskişehir’s best-seared köfte. Pair them with piyaz and finish with crunchy tulumba; a hot tea seals the deal.

Location: Yenidoğan, 1. Soğuk Demirciler Sk. No:6, Odunpazarı

What we love: Juicy köfte with a proper char, classic piyaz on the side, and old-school dessert-and-tea finish.

Opening hours: Usually 11:00–21:30. It’s a tradesmen-style spot—dishes may run out by evening on busy days.

10. Husnuniyet Lokantasi

A true tradesmen’s lokanta known for tray stews and soups at fair prices. Don’t miss the liver and the oven-baked meatballs—comfort food, done right.

Location: Cumhuriye, Dinçel Sk. 14/B, 26130 Eskişehir Merkez

What we love: Daily-changing home-style pots, generous portions, and that nostalgic lokanta warmth.

Opening hours: Typically lunch through early evening (around 11:00–20:00). Go early—favorites can sell out by late afternoon.

FAQs: Best Restaurants in Eskişehir

What food is Eskişehir famous for?
Çibörek (fried pastry), balaban kebap, met helvası, and hearty tradesmen-style stews.

Where should I eat—Odunpazarı or along the Porsuk River?
Do both: Odunpazarı for historic lokantas and classics; riverside (Adalar) for cafés, views, and longer dinners.

Do I need a reservation?
Weekend dinners and riverside spots fill up—book ahead. Lunch at lokantas is usually walk-in.

What time do restaurants open?
Lokantas skew lunch (11:00–16:00/18:00). Riverfront and hotel restaurants often run 12:00–23:00 or later.

How much should I budget?
Street/lokanta: ₺150–₺350 per person; mid-range: ₺350–₺700; upscale view venues: ₺700+ (without premium drinks).

Any vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes—bean stews, veggie casseroles, mezes, salads, and pizza/pasta are common. Always ask about butter/stock.

Can I find alcohol with my meal?
Licensed restaurants and many riverfront venues serve alcohol; lokantas typically don’t.

What should I try if I only have one meal?
Balaban kebap (meat + köfte mix), or a lokanta tray with soup, a stew, pilav, and salad.

Is tipping expected?
Not mandatory; 5–10% for good service is appreciated when service charge isn’t included.

Do places take cards?
Most do; carry some cash for small, family-run spots.

Are restaurants kid-friendly?
Very—high chairs are common, and many menus suit children.

Any seasonal tips?
Peak evenings (Thu–Sun) and university term times are busy—reserve and arrive a bit early.