From traditional Aegean meze and fresh seafood to modern Turkish fusion, discover the best restaurants in Izmir. These foodie favorites serve up unforgettable flavors in scenic coastal settings.

Best Restaurants in Izmir

1. Bogazici Restaurant

Boğaziçi Restaurant is one of those Izmir classics you can recommend without sweating. It’s reliable, it’s consistently good, and it fits almost any kind of meal—quick lunch, long catch-up, or the “we need somewhere that won’t disappoint the whole group” scenario. If you want city energy, the Bostanlı branch puts you right on a charming street where the tram glides past. If you want sea air, the Üçkuyular branch gives you that soothing waterfront mood with views across Izmir.

It’s also a favorite for business lunches (translation: the service is used to people who are hungry and in a hurry). Our non-negotiable here? The salads—generous, fresh, and available with fish, meat, or meatballs depending on your mood.

What to order

• One of the signature salads (choose fish, meat, or meatballs).
• A hearty main if you’re starving—this is not a “tiny plates” kind of place.
• Extra salad on the table if you’re sharing (we always are, somehow).

Bostanlı, Şht. Cengiz Topel Cd. No: 38 / B, 35590 Karşıyaka/İzmir, Türkiye | facebook.com/restaurantbogazici/

2. La Cigale Alsancak

If we’re going out in Izmir and we want it to feel like a proper night—good food, good mood, and music that keeps the table buzzing—La Cigale is the move. The atmosphere hits you immediately: you pass through the garden gate and suddenly you’re in a different world. If it’s chilly, there’s a wood-fired stove greeting you at the entrance like a warm handshake. Inside, it’s all soft lighting, flowers, and those little details that make you want to linger.

The layout is part of the charm: private lodge-style tables on one side, a stage for live music on another, and a bar holding court across the room. Start with their special cocktails, then settle in—because the appetizers are hearty, the mains deliver, and the wine list is wide enough to need help (luckily, the staff will guide you). This is absolutely a “reserve ahead” kind of place.

What to order

• A signature cocktail before you even look at the menu properly.
• A spread of appetizers for the table (they’re filling in the best way).
• A main course you’re excited about—this is not the place to “play it safe.”
• A glass of wine with staff recommendations (let them do their job; they’re good at it).

Kültür Mahallesi Alsancak Mahallesi Fransız Kültür Merkezi Cumhuriyet Bulvarı, 35220 Konak, Türkiye | instagram.com/alsancaklacigale

3. Izmir Deniz Restaurant

Izmir Deniz Restaurant is a Kordon essential: big views, sea air, and the kind of service that somehow stays attentive even when the place is packed. Come around sunset, grab your seat, and start the meal the Izmir way—slow, social, and definitely not rushed.

We like to begin with a selection of appetizers while the sky does its dramatic color shift over the water. Then move on to fish cooked properly (as it should be), with the sound of the sea as background music. If you want a clear recommendation, try their Şevketi sea bass and shrimp. This is one of the best spots on Kordon for raki and seafood done right.

What to order

• Appetizer selection to start (don’t skip this step).
• Şevketi sea bass and shrimp (our go-to recommendation).
• Raki + seafood pairing if you want the classic Kordon night.

Kültür, İzmir Palas Oteli, Atatürk Cd. No: 188/B ZEMİN, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye | denizrestaurant.com.tr

4. Topçu Restaurant 

Topçu Restaurant is a long-running Izmir staple that’s stayed popular for a reason: the flavors don’t wobble. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and perfect when you want something traditional that actually delivers. Their skewer kebabs are the headline act, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you left without trying the lahmacun or one of their soups.

What to order

• Skewer kebabs (the standout here).
• Lahmacun as a “we’ll just taste it” order that turns into “we should’ve ordered more.”
• Soup if you want comfort-food energy (especially on cooler days).

Akdeniz, Vali Kazım Dirik Cd. No:3/B, 35210 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye

5. Pizzeria Venedik Restaurant

Sometimes the most romantic plan is also the simplest: pizza, pasta, and a glass of wine that makes you talk a little slower. Ristorante Pizzeria Venedik, tucked on Gül Street in Alsancak, is your classic Italian comfort stop in Izmir—especially if you’re craving thin-crust pizza with genuinely tasty toppings.

It’s a great choice for date night, but also for those “we need something familiar after a long day” evenings. Order a couple of plates, share, and let the city do its thing around you.

What to order

• Thin-crust pizza (the main reason to come).
• A pasta dish if you want to go full comfort mode.
• A glass of wine to match the “romantic dinner, no rush” vibe.

Kültür, 1382 Sokak, Alsancak – İzmir Gül sokak No:10/A-B, 35220 Konak, Türkiye | instagram.com/pizzavenedik

6. Teras 1885

Teras 1885 is a “come for the view, stay for the food” situation—and luckily, it delivers on both. The restaurant sits on the upper floor of a stylish seaside building, right in a central spot, and it’s famous for its panoramic Izmir views. Even if you land a middle table, you’ll still enjoy the atmosphere, but if you can… aim for a window seat. Sunset from up here is the kind of scene that makes you forget to check your phone.

Food-wise, it’s especially praised for appetizers, so don’t rush straight to mains. Also: book ahead. This place is not a spontaneous walk-in on busy nights.

What to order

• A generous appetizer spread (their strong point).
• Whatever pairs best with sunset (aka: give yourself time, don’t speed-run dinner).
• One more small plate if you’re sharing—the view makes everyone “accidentally” stay longer.

Alsancak, Atatürk Cd. No:190, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye | instagram.com/teras1885/

7. Kordon Yengeç Restaurant

For a classic fish and raki night along Kordon, Kordon Yengeç Restaurant is a strong contender. The inside is just as appealing as the outdoor seating—spacious, clean, and styled in a simple way that doesn’t distract from what you’re here for: the sea view and the food. If you sit indoors, aim for an upper-floor window table so you still get that Kordon scenery while you eat.

We always recommend starting with appetizers before moving onto the fish. This is the kind of meal that should unfold slowly, not arrive all at once like a fast-food order.

What to order

• Appetizers first (build the table, build the mood).
• Fish as the main event (after you’ve warmed up with mezze).
• Raki if you want the full Kordon experience.

Alsancak, Atatürk Cd. 314/A, 35460 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye | instagram.com/kordonyengecrestaurant/

8. Tavacı Recep Usta

Tavacı Recep Usta isn’t your typical fish stop on Izmir Kordon—and that’s exactly why it’s so loved. It’s wildly popular with locals, and the whole experience feels like a treat: a charming setting inside a historical building, attentive service, and a menu that keeps you curious from the first bite.

The appetizers alone can derail your plan (in the best way)—especially the stuffed meatballs, which tend to become the thing you crave again later. But save room for the main event: sheet pan dishes, tandoori over rice, and lamb delight are all the kind of delicious that makes you stop talking mid-sentence. And yes, there’s dessert after your meal—don’t leave without giving that baklava the attention it deserves. Then take a walk along Kordon to finish the night properly.

What to order

• The appetizers, especially the stuffed meatballs.
• Sheet pan dish for the main course.
• Tandoori over rice if you want something deeply satisfying.
• Lamb delight if you’re here to go all in.
• Baklava to finish (even if you swear you’re full).

Alsancak, Atatürk Cd. No:364, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye | instagram.com/trecepusta/

9. Balmumu Dükkan Lokanta

Balmumu Dükkan Lokanta is the kind of place that makes you feel looked after—the food is home-cooked in spirit, but confidently executed. Owner Chef Ahmet is the reason people leave happy (and the reason they come back). This is a great stop when you want something authentic and satisfying, without the “overly styled” restaurant vibe.

Start with the olive oil delicacies (zeytinyağlı magic), then make sure you try the meat dishes. This menu is built for slow eating and happy sharing.

What to order

• Olive oil delicacies to begin (don’t skip the starters here).
• One or two meat dishes as your main focus.
• A little extra variety if you’re sharing—this place rewards “taste everything” energy.

Alsancak, Kültür Mah, 1388. Sk. No: 5 D:C, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye | instagram.com/balmumulokanta

10. Zaim Usta Et Restoranı

Zaim Usta is a beloved tradesman-style restaurant with the kind of loyal regulars that basically act as a quality guarantee. The system is simple (and fast): you choose what you want from the display case, and your plate lands on your table within minutes. They’re known for meat doner, grilled meatballs, plus plenty of olive oil dishes and meaty classics—so everyone can find something to love.

Just know that the place gets busy around noon, because everyone has the same idea. The good news: service is efficient, the team is experienced, and it keeps moving even when it’s packed. Our strongest recommendation is the grilled meatballs—they may take a little longer, but they’re worth the wait.

What to order

• Grilled meatballs (worth waiting a bit longer).
• Meat doner if you want something quick and satisfying.
• Olive oil dishes as side plates to round out the meal.

Çamdibi, Tuna mah, Fatih Cd. No:91, 35030 Bornova/İzmir, Türkiye | instagram.com/zaimusta/

11. Kokoreççi Asım Usta

If you’re a kokoreç devotee (or you’re ready to become one), this is the Izmir name you keep hearing—because Kokoreççi Asım Usta has been famous for years. It’s the kind of place locals mention with confidence, and it’s absolutely worth adding to your food list if you want a proper kokoreç experience.

What to order

• Kokoreç (the point of coming, and the thing to judge them by).
• Another kokoreç if you’re sharing—because someone always wants “just a bite.”

Rafet Paşa, Burak Reis Cd. No:226A, 35500 Bornova/İzmir, Türkiye | instagram.com/kokorecciasimusta/

12. Kumrucu Ömür

Kumrucu Ömür, right in Karşıyaka, is the place we go when we want a proper kumru sandwich in a roomy, no-stress setting. It works for breakfast, lunch, dinner—basically any time your stomach says “bread + filling, now.” The flavors are at their best with the classic extras, so don’t skip the sides.

Kumru pairs perfectly with pickles and buttermilk, and that combo lifts the whole sandwich into “why don’t we eat like this more often?” territory. And if someone in your group isn’t into kumru (it happens), there’s kumpir as a back-up plan, so nobody has to sit there sadly poking a salad.

What to order

• Kumru sandwich (the main reason you’re here).
• Pickles on the side (non-negotiable).
• Buttermilk to drink with it (trust us on this combo).
• Kumpir if you’re not team kumru (or you want options).

Bostanlı, Girne Blv No.2A, 35540 Karşıyaka/İzmir, Türkiye | instagram.com/kumrucuomur/

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