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Tourism in Kuşadası has grown a lot in recent years and is becoming increasingly popular with Irish and British tourists looking for sun and great value, as well as Turkish flocking from the big cities. This once small port town has stepped up its game across the board, but especially when it comes to food and drink.
Tourists want quality and variety, and that is what they can expect to find. We’ve rounded up the very best restaurants in Kuşadası and what the culinary scene has to offer. And if you’re looking for the best coffee shops in Kuşadası, look no further.

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Kuşadası’s best coffee shops
For a nation that is famous for its unique Turkish-style coffee, it’s surprising that the third-wave coffee culture has only arrived within the last few years. In Kuşadası there are Starbucks and Turkish chains like Kahve Dunyasi, but there are much better places for an authentic experience with specialty coffee.
Court Coffee Company
For the coffee aficionados among us, Coffee Court is unequivocally the best spot in town to get a flat white or filter coffee. Thiss is an independent spot with a team that really knows what they are doing when it comes to specialty coffee. It’s worth bearing in mind that this café also doubles as a bar which serves some great local craft beers.



It may surprise you that coffee shops in Türkiye are open for much longer hours than coffee shops in the U.S. or UK. Coffee culture in Türkiye is different; coffee shops are refuges after work to hang out with friends which is why they typically don’t close until quite late. Coffee Court, for example, doesn’t close until 1 am.
Dada Coffee Roastery
During a visit to this café, you’ll find yourself in a lovely setting. Dada Coffee Roastery is based in a renovated classic Ottoman house which adds so much to the atmosphere. They offer a large selection of hot and cold coffee, cakes and even a range of cocktails and is definitely one of the best coffee shops in Kuşadası.

Whatever the vibe or time, this café has you covered. And like all good cafes in Türkiye, this café doesn’t close until late, specifically 11 pm.
The best pastries in Kuşadası
Agam – Baklava
Sampling the world-famous baklava is essential on any trip to Türkiye, and Agam is the best place in Kuşadası to do just that. The two classic variations are either pistachio or walnut. The nuts are smashed and generously placed in between flaky pastry. But if you’ve had your fill of these two already, why not branch out?

For something different, try the soğuk baklava. This unique Turkish dessert is baklava which has been soaked in milk and topped with cocoa powder. This may sound strange but trust us, it takes it to the next level of delectable.
And one for the pistachio lovers: fistik dolma. It may look similar to the savory alternative, sarma dolma, but they taste completely different. This variation of baklava is mostly pistachios, creating a flavor which certainly awakens the tastebuds. This baklava is perfect with a side of sade dondurma (plain ice-cream).

Midye Baklava is the classic pistachio baklava that has been stuffed with clotted cream (kaymak) and topped with an intricately designed flaky pastry. Who knew it was even possible to improve on the century’s old classic?
Bulent Borekcilik – savory pastry
A good option if you want to try a local spot is Bulent Borekcilik which is the best place to sample special Turkish pastries called Börek. You may be familiar with börek from other countries in the region (including Israel and even as far as Lithuania), but börek in Türkiye is a little different. Börek may be comparable to a savory adaptation of baklava, and this local café serves up the very best in that department.

While the minced meat filling may be the classic go-to for some, their generously filled cheese börek steals the show. We guarantee this dish will leave you thinking one thing: incredible! Wash it down as the locals do with a black tea or Turkish coffee.
Best restaurants in Kuşadası
Rum Mayhanesi
This is very much a if-you-know-you-know restaurant. If you’re looking for an evening to remember, this is the place to visit. Rum Mayhanesi is a traditional-style restaurant set in a cobbled building and located in the old town. They serve all types of alcohol, from beer and wine to Turkish fire water, Raki.

In terms of food, an abundant fresh meze selection awaits you, along with perfectly grilled meats to accompany. Live music is everywhere throughout the restaurant during the evenings, ranging from Aegean styles to Middle Eastern and even Latin. This place has a seriously cool vibe and is one of the best restaurants in Kuşadası for vibe alone (but don’t worry, they won’t fail you for food).
La Terazza
Grab a cocktail and sit waterside. This is a restaurant with an atmosphere that makes you want to spend an afternoon lazing in the sun. La Terazza really is top draw, so pop in for an enjoyable evening of some of the very best international dishes that Kuşadası has to offer.
From fillet steaks to fillets of fish, they know what they are doing when it comes succulently grilled meats. Rest assured, you’ll be in safe hands at La Terazza.

Esenay
Esenay is the best spot in town to try proper local food, from kebabs to pides. If you’ve already sampled the world-famous adana kebab or tavuk şiş elsewhere, don’t be sceptical about trying them again at Esenay. I’m almost certain you’ll be blow away.
If you are looking for something new then sample the Kiremitte Köfte, a dish comprising of meatballs roasted in a rich tomato sauce.

And don’t sleep on their pides, all of which are made with super fresh ingredients baked onto a homemade dough. I don’t think there are many who don’t love this Turkish version of pizza. A solid choice is kuşbaşılı kaşarlı (cubed meat with cheese), or a simple sebzeli (vegetarian) never disappoints.
The atmosphere is casual, and they do not serve alcohol. But in exchange, you’ll get some of the best food in the area, and that’s what makes it one of the best restaurants in Kuşadası.
BEERBUS Gastropub
The place to go if you are craving a decent burger and beer, BEERBUS is an open air pub that is full of like-minded cool kids hanging out and chatting. Their menu comprises of a range of burgers, delicious pizza and fried finger food. Despite what the name may suggest, they also offer a range of drinks like smoothies, coffee, cocktails and wine.

However, for the beer lovers, you won’t be disappointed at their large selection of domestic and international lagers. Boasting three different beers on tap and so many more by bottle, there is something for everyone. I would politely recommend the Bomonti Filtresiz. I’ve had many nights drinking copious amounts of this unfiltered beer, and I never get bored of it.
One to avoid – Planet Yucca
If you stumble across this place while wandering the intricate streets of Kuşadası, we recommend taking a miss. Though the waiters on the street may seem strikingly convincing and with the best of intentions, this restaurant has diminished into a tourist trap in the last few years.

The Yucca is one of the longest standing restaurants in Kuşadası. Back in the day, it was a go-to spot for good food and entertainment, and was famous for being one of the best restaurants in Kuşadası. Unfortunately, it’s had a sad demise as price inflations and diminishing quality of food have taken hold. This isn’t one we’d recommend these days.
Nightlife
Chill Bar
A small little joint in the old town, Chill Bar is great for live music. The interior of the bar has exposed stone walls and neon signs with plenty of good music and beer. You’ll find Tuborg lager on tap and a larger selection by bottle. Don’t miss Wednesday evenings when a local Turkish band comes to cover some of the very best songs in the rock scene.

Cem’s Paradise
Another uber-cool spot set in the old town, Cem’s Paradise is a long-standing bar in the heart of Kuşadası run by friendly owners who really emphasize the enjoyment of their customers. It’s a place for all but particularly those who just want a spot to chill with friends and individuals looking for some entertainment.

On Wednesday evenings, go along to Montuno Salsa night, an all-ability, casual Latin dance class. They also host a range of live bands, often on Friday and Saturday nights. This bar is for locals and tourist alike and is a lot of fun.
Limon Bar
Located on the small backstreets of the old town and open from midnight until 5 am, this club gets its name from the lemon trees that grow in the interior courtyard. Enter through the small, low-ceiling bar, grab a drink and continue to the airy veranda. Their music caters to both Turkish and Europeans which means there is a diverse range of clientele.

Late-night food
Sosyete (for Kokoreç)
Kokoreç is a staple for locals when it comes to after-hours grub, and Sosyette (open until 4 am) is the best place in town to have one. To accurately describe what kokoreç is may turn a few stomachs, so I will put it basically: it is well seasoned, spicy lamb offcuts which are grilled, chopped and stuffed into fresh crusty bread.

It may take an adventurous traveler to try it, but when it’s done right, *chefs kiss*. Eating kokoreç can be an exquisite experience, especially when you’ve already had a few drinks.
May Dönerium (for Döner kebab)
It may be controversial to say, but dürüm is Türkiye’s answer to the shawarma or gyros. A lavash (flatbread) is generously filled with salad, either beef or chicken döner, topped with sauce, rolled up nice and tight and thrown on the grill. It’s served piping hot and devoured in seconds.

Though maybe not one of the best restaurants in Kuşadası, May Dönerium is a decent late-night option as it closes a little after 3 am, and the quality of food is always solid. It’s a good spot to sit street-side with some mates and recount the events of the evening.
Beyond Kuşadası
Can’t get enough of Türkiye’s terrifically cool vibes? Why not consider a visit to Akyaka, only 2.5 hours by road from Kuşadası. We can help you with the best restaurants in the area, as well as spots to hit up in the evening.
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