Nestled along Türkiye‘s Aegean coastline, İzmir and its picturesque neighbouring town Alaçatı form a culinary landscape that is as vibrant and diverse as its history. From the rich, olive-oil-soaked dishes of the region to the bold scent of freshly brewed Turkish coffee, it’s no wonder that this part of the country boasts so much to food lovers and travellers alike.
İzmir, Türkiye’s third-largest city, has a lively, bustling atmosphere that’s contagious. A melting pot of cultures and flavours, the city is a food lover’s paradise, with street vendors offering everything from freshly baked boyoz to grilled meats – while fine dining establishments serve up the finest Aegean cuisine. Just an hour away, Alaçatı is an absolutely adorable coastal town famed for its cobbled streets, cute boutique shops, and impressive food scene. A former fishing village turned foodie haven, it exudes a laid-back atmosphere, offering a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

When it comes to food in this part of Türkiye, there’s an emphasis on locally sourced, fresh ingredients – from the olives grown in the region’s orchards to the seafood pulled straight from the Aegean Sea. The Mediterranean climate contributes to a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices that form the backbone of the region’s dishes. But what really makes this area stand out is its deep connection to the land – whether it’s the centuries-old olive oil traditions, the vineyards dotting the hills, or the artisanal products made by local craftsmen.
Having recently been on a journey immersed in İzmir and Alaçatı’s culinary treasures, I discovered unique food experiences that range from a traditional Turkish breakfast to sipping fine wines among the vines. Visiting some of the region’s best eateries, coffee spots, and farms, each with its own story and charm, I was treated to the very best of Aegean gastronomy – and now I want you to dive in, too.
Turkish food in İzmir
Alaçatı
A perfect way to start your day in Alaçatı is with a cup of traditional Turkish coffee at Köşe Kahve. Located in the heart of this charismatic town, this charming café has been serving up perfectly brewed Turkish coffee for years. The rich, aromatic brew is accompanied by a small sweet, offering the perfect balance of flavours. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a first-time drinker, Köşe Kahve offers a quiet escape where you can soak up the ambience and indulge in a beloved Turkish tradition.

No trip to İzmir is complete without a visit to Ferdi Baba, an iconic restaurant where the region’s rich culinary traditions come alive. With a menu full of Turkish delights, this family-run eatery is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Lap up the freshest seafood – I adored the grilled squid and octopus in wine – and be satisfied with every bite, which is a delicious nod to the region’s proud history and connection to the sea.
If you’re searching for a traditional Turkish breakfast, then look no further than Asma Yaprağı. No culinary tour of the town would be complete without experiencing this iconic meal – and Asma Yaprağı in Alaçatı is the place to do it. Hidden in a quaint courtyard, this eatery offers an extensive breakfast spread featuring a range of mezes, cheeses, olives, fresh breads, and more.
Paired with freshly brewed Turkish tea, it’s the perfect way to start your day in this beautiful coastal town. You’ll also have the chance to try regional specialities like ‘börek’ and ‘simit’, alongside a variety of fresh, seasonal produce. It’s also open for lunch and dinner and I can only imagine how magical the atmosphere would be at dusk.

Alaçatı’s cobbled streets come alive even more as the day progresses – and the intensity of the sun weakens. In addition to gorgeous restaurants such as Kapari Bache (where the portions are big, the food is excellent and the ambience is the perfect blend of laidback, yet luxe), you can also enjoy street food style Turkish kebabs or you can enjoy stuffed mussels as they’re shelled right in front of you – the deal here is you eat as many as you want before getting the shells weighed to work out what you owe. A local’s spot, if you find yourself in Çeşme, is Veysi’s – sink your teeth into a gorgeously succulent Lokum steak or an İskender or Beyti kebab.
Urla
Drive to the postcard pretty region of Urla and you will find Terruar Restaurant, a well-deserved Michelin restaurant which offers a contemporary twist on traditional Aegean cuisine. Turkish for “terroir”, the eatery has an impressive menu, courtesy of Chef Osman Serdaroğlu, that highlights local, seasonal ingredients while plating up dishes using modern culinary techniques. The result? Dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in the region’s history. The restaurant building is constructed from local stone – lucky guests can even stay overnight.
Whether you’re feasting on locally sourced seafood or indulging in an expertly crafted dessert, Terruar offers a refined dining experience that captures the essence of the Aegean. Our tasting menu boasted an exceptional 15 courses – from basil croquettes to okra caponata to a phyllo dish filled with homemade artichoke pate which, in this region, is a PDO product. While everything was exquisite, the bluefin tuna in green pepper sauce and blue-tailed shrimp truly stood out – and there’s jus something about seeing herbs and vegetables picked from their own garden minutes before your meal.

If you’re a fine dining fiend, also make reservations at OD Urla – another one of the region’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Set in another fairytale-style garden (with the option of chef’s table dining), the focus of the menu here is on open wood fire cooking. Local produce is at the heart of the kitchen here, once again – and similarly to Terruar, there is a range of vegetarian and pescatarian dishes.
Chef Şefin Yolculuğu’s 12-course tasting menu is brought to the table in as stylish a manner as the dishes are plated up – with refreshing, zesty dishe such as courgette with citrus and sea bream carpaccio with apple, as well as chargrilled squid on a bed of tomato couscous. The beef cheek with carrots and cumin was a hearty crowd pleaser – melting on the tongue and each mouthful so tender – and even further appreciated as it was the only meat dish on the menu.
İzmir
For a truly immersive food experience, consider taking a food tour in İzmir. Here, you’ll get to sample some of the city’s most iconic dishes and treats including freshly-baked simits and “boyoz”, a flaky pastry that’s a local favourite. Don’t miss a spoonful of Turkish marzipan, pistachio butter, almond paste and semolina squares from Elgani Ezmecizade, a delicacy of the region, either.

If your tastebuds still need something sweet, opt for some baklava (of course), “sakizli muhallebi” (Turkish mastic pudding), “firinda sutlac” (Turkish rice pudding), “keskul” (Turkish almond pudding), “kazandibi” (a custard-based dessert). Wash it down with a strong Turkish coffee at Kızlarağası Han to complete the experience…and I think that’s just enough sugar consumed to warrant a savoury treat (aka lunch).
Köstem Olive Oil Museum
While we all think of Italy and Spain when it comes to olive oil, the Aegea region is, in fact, famous for its olive oil – and no visit to İzmir would be complete without a stop at the Köstem Olive Oil Museum. Dedicated to the history and production of olive oil, it offers a detailed insight into one of Türkiye’s most important agricultural products. As well as learning about the methods of olive oil extraction and the varieties of olives, find out how the oil has been integral to Turkish cuisine for centuries – as well as partaking in a tasting.
Uzbaş Arboretum
A sustainable palm and plant supplier, the Uzbaş Arboretum is located an hour from İzmir and is a key player in the local agriculture scene. A stroll through the arboretum is a peaceful retreat, and you’ll also find a small shop where you can purchase locally grown plants and palm-based products.

Turkish wine and the vineyards of the Aegean
Urla Vineyard
Just a short drive from İzmir, Urla Vineyard is a must-visit for wine lovers. This scenic winery offers tours where you can learn about the unique terroir of the region and the indigenous grape varieties that thrive here. The family behind Urla Vineyard is passionate about reviving traditional winemaking practices – and their wines reflect this dedication to their craft. After the tour, indulge in a tasting session and sample some of the best wines the Aegean has to offer, paired with local cheeses and other delicacies.
IsaBey Winery
A visit to IsaBey Winery is an essential part of any culinary journey through this part of Türkiye. Located in the town of Selçuk, further inland and separate to the Urla wine route, the winery makes Sevilen wines uing grapes from vineyards south of İzmir.

The Güner family own the winery, making wine for over 50 years and offering both local and international grape varieties. They work with Florent Dumeau, a French wine specialist, to ensure the high quality of their wines and offer guided tours where you can learn about their winemaking processes and the various unique flavours.
While the wine tasting itself is a must-do activity, you absolutely cannot miss lunch at IsaBey. The Michelin-awarded food, on its way to a star, is paired with their signature wines – while the al fresco dining space is in the tranquil gardens. I could have eaten the baby calamari with garlic and parsley multiple times, while the sole fish in Narince mussel sauce was another standout dish. Poached peach on white chocolate “soil” with sweet cream cheese and lavender ice cream, paired with a sublime sweet wine – every meal was amazing in Türkiye but I truly didn’t want this one to end.

Yedi (7) Bilgeler
Near to Epesus – so a great post-ruins activity – is Yedi (7) Bilgeler, a sustainble winery (complete with boutique hotel). The name translates to “Seven Sages”, referring to the seven wise men in Greek mythology, and is a family-run vineyard. Set in the rolling hills of İzmir, you can enjoy a wine tour and learn about the region’s winemaking history and the art of crafting exceptional wines. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious meal at the vineyard restaurant, with a glass of wine in hand and the stunning landscape as the backdrop.
Fly: Turkish Airlines fly to Izmir from London, via Istanbul, with fares from £225pp.
Stay: Antmare Hotel (Alaçatı); X (İzmir).
Plan: For more information, visit the Go Türkiye website.