Eskişehir is a vibrant city, alive with bustling streets, green parks, and open museums no matter the hour. It welcomes visitors year-round with its cultural and artistic events, offering something fun in every season. Its food scene, shaped by influences from the Balkans, Crimea, and the Caucasus, is packed with mouth-watering dishes. Now, let’s explore the 10 best restaurants in Eskisehir where you can enjoy these delicious flavors together!
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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
2. Balaban Kebab
One of Eskişehir’s most iconic dishes is balaban kebab. To create this delicious meal, pitas are soaked in bone broth, topped with yogurt, and then covered with a special tomato sauce. You can choose between meatballs, meat, or both. The final touch is pouring hot butter on top, making it a dish full of rich flavors.
For the best balaban kebab experience, visit Abdüsselam Balaban Kebab, a place that has been serving this famous dish since 1938. They’ve stayed true to their quality and flavor for decades. If you’re in Eskişehir, don’t miss it!
- Location: Municipality Street No:13, Odunpazarı
3. Trakya Lokantası
If you’re thinking, “I’ve had enough of çibörek and köfte, I’m craving a juicy casserole dish,” then Trakya Lokantası is the place to go. As one of Eskişehir’s iconic tradesmen’s restaurants, Trakya Lokantası has been serving its loyal customers since 1946. Every day, they cook 20 different home-cooked meals and 5 kinds of soups. Their most popular dish is liver sarma, but it’s only made once a week, so if you’re lucky enough to visit on that day, don’t miss it! The boiled lamb is also a burst of flavor in every bite. Whatever you choose to eat here, you’re sure to leave satisfied.
- Location: Degirmen St. No: 10 Odunpazari
4. Gaga Restaurant
If you’re looking for a stylish and upscale dining experience, Gaga Restaurant is a top choice. Located on Fener Island along the Porsuk River, you reach the restaurant by walking across a charming bridge from the shore.
Gaga is known for its beautiful views and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is diverse, offering everything from pizza to fish, meat, and vegetable dishes. The restaurant also frequently hosts special events, making it a perfect spot for any occasion.
5. Pino
Pino’s story started in a small 7-square-meter shop on Hamamyolu Street in 1978, and it quickly became a favorite in Eskişehir with its tasty hamburgers and thickly fried potatoes. Today, Pino remains one of the city’s most popular spots, with many branches across town. If you’re craving a delicious hamburger in Eskişehir, Pino is the place to go. Their classic hamburgers are loved by everyone, and their pizzas are just as impressive!
6. People
One of the most stunning hotels in Eskişehir, Tasigo, offers a remarkable dining experience at its panoramic view restaurant, People. The spacious 455-square-meter hall sets the stage for an unforgettable meal, with the restaurant’s menu just as impressive as its elegant décor.
The menu features a variety of carefully crafted dishes, including smoked meat butter casserole, French-style beef stew, beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, and fettuccine with light garlic and spicy shrimp. For vegetarians, the vegetable schnitzel is a must-try. Don’t forget to save room for dessert— the polka dot cake and chocolate fondant are perfect sweet treats to end your meal.
- Location: Haktanir Street No: 4 Odunpazari
7. Ayten Usta
If you’re looking for a diverse and delicious breakfast in Eskişehir, Ayten Usta is the place to go. Known for its fantastic breakfast spreads, you can enjoy classic items like cheese, olives, butter, honey, and sausage, along with unique treats like pastrami mushrooms, Caucasian pancakes with honey and clotted cream, kavurma toast, pastrami menemen, baked potatoes with kashar cheese, and a variety of pastries.
But Ayten Usta offers more than just breakfast. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves dishes inspired by Ottoman and Seljuk cuisine, making it a perfect spot to enjoy throughout the day. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing coffee break, the Aynalı Kahve section of the venue is an excellent choice.
8. Ciğerci Ahmet
Ciğerci Ahmet is well-known for its famous liver, but its chicken shish kebab, also known as Harran chicken, is even more popular. The restaurant has an authentic, traditional décor that adds to the overall experience. If you’re in Eskişehir and craving delicious meat, Ciğerci Ahmet is a must-visit spot!
9. Rodop Köftecisi
Rodop Köftecisi, located on the auto industry site, is renowned for having the best meatballs in Eskişehir. Along with their perfectly cooked meatballs, their piyaz (bean salad) and tulumba (a sweet dessert) are also highly recommended. To top it off, the tea served is just right and adds the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
10. Husnuniyet Lokantasi
A real tradesman’s restaurant, this spot is famous for its stews and soups, offering delicious meals at very reasonable prices. You absolutely must try the liver and oven-baked meatballs—their flavor is truly unique and unforgettable!
