Çeşme and Alaçatı have vibrant and diverse culinary scenes, blending traditional Turkish flavours with Mediterranean influences. Cesme restaurants are more oriented to family or fast food dining except at the marina and a few selected outlets. In comparison, Alaçatı boasts a thriving culinary scene that is somewhat more sophisticated than that of Çeşme centre, with numerous restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine utilising the seasonal and unique products of the region.
Cesme Restaurants – Table of Contents
Çeştur Restaurants & Cafés (Çeşme centre)
Çeştur Restaurants & Cafés in Çeşme, run by the Çeşme Municipality, offer a range of dining experiences with a focus on affordable, local cuisine and scenic locations.
Tekke Restaurant
Location: 16 Eylül, 3052. Sk. 61/A, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir – Open daily 09:00-00:00
Tekke Restaurant, situated on a wooden deck overlooking Tekke Beach in the centre of Çeşme, is open both in summer and winter with its indoor and outdoor areas and a capacity of 80 covers. The restaurant is open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with reasonably priced traditional dishes, including full-service Turkish breakfast, grilled meats and fish such as sea bass and sea bream.
Seyir Et Restaurant
Location: 16 Eylül, 3016. Sk., 35930 Çeşme/İzmir – Open daily 09:00-00:00
Located on the hill above the centre of Çeşme, Seyir Et Restaurant has a panoramic view of Çeşme and is an ideal spot to watch the sunset over Chios; as the name suggests, Seyir Et is a play on words meaning watch-point or meat restaurant with a view. The restaurant is also open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with reasonably priced traditional dishes; the focus is more on grilled meats such as beef fillet, lamb chops, chicken skewers, and Adana or Urfa kebab. There is no grilled fish but a wide range of meze dishes to select from their chilled cabinet. As of the summer of 2024, a full Turkish breakfast was priced at the TL equivalent of approximately €14, but getting a simple omelette for as little as €2 is possible.
The restaurant has an alcohol license, and in addition to beer, raki, and other spirits, it offers an impressive range of reasonably priced Turkish wines. As of the summer of 2024, a 750ml bottle of Sevilen Majestik white or red was priced at the TL equivalent of approximately €9. In Tūrkiye restaurant, prices for wine usually start around €30 per bottle.
Meydan Café
Location: Musalla, 1015. Sk. No:2, 35930, 35950 Çeşme/İzmir – Open daily 09:00-23:00
Occupying the northeast corner of Cumhuriyet Meydanı Square, the Meydan Café is a simple outlet with small wooden tables and chairs. It serves mainly non-alcoholic beverages and a small snack selection such as ıspanaklı börek (spinach pie), Elmalı Kurabiye (apple cookie), and Çeşme gevreği (sesame bread ring). Finding a seat can be difficult as locals like to linger at the tables and watch the world go by, especially as Turkish items’ prices are excellent. As of summer 2024, a glass of tea was the TL equivalent of less than €0.50, still or soda water less than €0.50, and Turkish coffee (with or without mastic) less than €1.00. Note the park/square area in front of Çeşme Castle Museum next to the Çeşme Memory Museum also has a Çeştur kiosk with some tables and chairs that sell similar items at the same reasonable prices.
Turkish Fast Food Outlets & Cafés
Çeşme is famous across Tūrkiye for the “Çeşme Kumrusu” or kumru sandwich (see also: LikeCesme.com – Kumru Sandwich), and the town centre has many restaurants whose primary focus is the kumru sandwich. Other fast food favourites are İzmir Kokoreç outlets (see also: LikeCesme.com – İzmir Kokoreç), pide (a sort of Turkish thin pizza), chicken restaurants and chicken rotisserie. Below are a selection of fast food restaurants in Çeşme centre:
Kumrucu Şevki (Çeşme centre)
Location: 16 Eylül, Atatürk Blv. NO:97 D:F, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir – Open daily 24 hours
Kumrucu Şevki, in Çeşme centre, is a popular eatery known for serving kumru, the regional speciality grilled sandwich made with sesame-encrusted bread filled with spicy sausage, cheese, and tomatoes. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, offering quick service and authentic flavours. While the main draw is kumru, the menu includes other Turkish fast food staples, making it a versatile spot for a quick and satisfying meal. The pricing is reasonable for the area (as of summer 2024, the kumru sandwich was TL equivalent of €5-€6); however, like many popular establishments, it can get crowded during peak times.
Tavuk Dünyası (Çeşme centre)
Location: 16 Eylül, 3003. Sk. No:5, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir – Open daily 10:00-23:30 – Tavuk Dünyası Website (English)
Tavuk Dünyası in Çeşme offers a casual dining experience with its signature chicken dishes, complemented by pasta and Mediterranean-style salads. Popular menu items include the “Café de Paris” chicken, “Kremantar” chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, and spicy options like “Acılı Bi’Köri,” featuring a curry-based sauce. The restaurant also serves red meat options like “Bonfile Kekiklim” (thyme-marinated beef fillet) and lighter choices such as fresh salads like the “Çıtır Tavuklum Salata” with crispy chicken or “Sezarım Tavuklum Salata” featuring Caesar-dressed chicken strips. For dessert, traditional Turkish options like “Fırın Sütlaç” (baked rice pudding) are available. The area’s prices range from moderate to slightly premium, with main dish prices in the summer of 2024 the equivalent of approximately €8 for chicken or salad dishes, €15 for red meat dishes, and €2-€3 for soups or dessert. Tavuk Dünyası is part of a Türkiye wide franchise chain of restaurants. Due to its broad menu and relaxed atmosphere, it is a popular choice for families and groups. As of October 2024, Tavuk Dünyası has 310 restaurants in 54 cities.
Traditional Turkish Restaurants
Turkish traditional restaurants, often called lokantas or ocakbaşı (fireside grill), are renowned for their warm hospitality and diverse offerings that reflect Tūrkiye’s rich culinary heritage. Turkish culture places great emphasis on making guests feel welcome. They are often casual, with options for all ages. They do not usually serve alcohol but frequently give complimentary tea or Turkish coffee at the end of meals.
Dishes include Mezes: Small plates like hummus, haydari (yoghurt with garlic and herbs), and ezme (spicy tomato dip) often start the meal, especially in meyhane-style restaurants. Soups: Lentil soup (mercimek) and yogurt-based soup (yayla çorbası) are common starters. Kebabs: Adana, Urfa, and Iskender kebabs are staples. Stews (Güveç): Slow-cooked meat and vegetable dishes served in clay pots. Grilled Meats: Lamb, chicken, or fish often prepared on an open grill. Pide and Lahmacun: Turkish-style flatbreads with toppings ranging from minced meat to cheese and vegetables. Vegetarian options such as imam bayıldı (stuffed eggplant) and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil) cater to vegetarians. Desserts: Baklava, künefe (cheese-filled pastry), and sütlaç (rice pudding).
Elit Life Restoran (Çeşme centre)
Location: Sakarya, 3011. Sk. no:4, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir. Telephone: +90 232 723 0162 – Open daily 24 hours – Elit Life Website (Turkish)
Elit Life Restaurant in Çeşme is a well-known local spot offering a variety of Turkish dishes, including favourites like döner, pide, lahmacun, and İskender kebab. The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere, and dishes are freshly prepared to order. Elit Life has multiple branches; it is a popular choice for casual lunches and dinner outings. The price range is mid-tier, with main dish prices in the summer of 2024 the equivalent of approximately €10-€18 for döner and other kebabs, €7-€10 for pide, and €3-€6 for desserts.
Kırçiçeği Restoran (Ilıca)
Location: Ilıca, Celal Bayar Caddesi, 5065. Sk. No:35/B, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir. Telephone: +90 232 723 3232 – Open Mon-Thu 10:00-00:00, Fri-Sun 10:00-02:00 – Kırçiçeği Restoran Website (Turkish).
The Kırçiçeği Restaurant chain is a popular dining destination in Turkey. It is known for its comprehensive menu featuring traditional Turkish breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, including kebabs, lahmacun, pide, and regional specialities. Options range from hearty breakfast platters to soups, salads, kebabs, and desserts. Popular dishes include the Adana kebab, Manisa kebab, lahmacun with unique twists, and a selection of gourmet pides. Kırçiçeği Restoran is part of a southwest Türkiye franchise chain of restaurants. As of October 2024, Kırçiçeği has 12 restaurants in and around İzmir and Aydin and one outlet in Marmaris. The price range is mid-tier, with prices in the summer of 2024 the equivalent of approximately €12-€18 for döner and other kebabs, €8-€10 for pide, and €3.50-€8 for desserts. Breakfast is available from approximately €3 for an omelette to €25 for a full Turkish breakfast spread for two people.
Fish & Seafood Restaurants
Fish restaurants in Çeşme are celebrated for their fresh, locally sourced seafood and beautiful coastal locations, offering diners a taste of the Aegean Sea’s bounty. Many of these establishments feature daily catches prepared in traditional and modern ways, often accompanied by classic Turkish mezes and traditionally consumed alongside rakı (40% alcohol spirit drink flavoured with aniseed). The fish and seafood restaurants are concentrated along Çeşme waterfront along Hürriyet Cd and in Çeşme Marina; other notable restaurants are in Dalyanköy, Alaçatı Port and Alaçatı town.
See also: LikeCesme.com – “Çeşme Fish & Seafood”
Ferdi Baba Restaurant (Çeşme marina)
Location: Musalla, 1016. Sk. No:2/22, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir. Telephone: +90 232 712 0277 – Open daily 12:00-00:00 – Ferdi Baba Website (English)
Known for its elegant ambience and impeccable service, Ferdi Baba specialises in grilled fish, octopus salad, and other seafood delicacies. It’s an upscale spot for enjoying fresh dishes with a marina view. Signature dishes include fettuccine with lobster, mustard-grained anchovies, baked artichoke, egg noodles on a parmesan wheel, octopus marinated with wine, shrimps with eggplant puree, fish kebab and desserts bal badem (honey almond) and Ferdi katmer.
Upscale Meditterean Restaurants
Damaki Restaurant (Çeşme centre)
Location: 16 Eylül, 3051. Sk. 6/A, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir. Telephone: +90 532 761 3319 – Open daily 09:30-00:00 – Damaki Restaurant Website
Damaki Restaurant is housed in a historic building dating back to the 1800s, restored and opened in 2017. It maintains its original aesthetic while offering modern comforts. It combines Ottoman-Greek architectural elements, giving it a unique and charming atmosphere. On its upper floors, Damaki also functions as a boutique hotel. The restaurant serves a variety of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
Fine Dining Restaurants
The fine-dining restaurants emphasise farm-to-table dining, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They offer traditional Turkish dishes, fresh seafood, and innovative fusion cuisine. As of the summer of 2024, Alaçatı features two Michelin-listed restaurants: Amavi and SOTA Alaçatı.
Amavi Seafood & Cocktail (Alaçatı)
Location: Alaçatı Mahallesi 13003 Sokak no :1, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir – Tel.: +90 533 352 6012. Open: Thursday-Saturday 18:30-01:30
Amavi Seafood & Cocktail in Alaçatı is a stylish restaurant known for its inventive Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes and vibrant cocktails. Recognised by the Michelin Guide, Amavi blends culinary creativity with a lively yet elegant atmosphere. Guests enjoy seasonal seafood like lobster, shrimp, and octopus, paired with modern techniques and unique flavour combinations. The setting includes a chic cocktail bar, often accompanied by live DJ performances, creating a dynamic ambience. Amavi provides a refined yet approachable dining experience for food and cocktail enthusiasts. Michelin describes the chef at Amavi as “…a master of both street food and fine dining – from crispy bagels stuffed with lobster to grilled dry-aged cod with bold sides – and he will be more than happy to talk you through his creations.” and “He especially loves working with fish. The chef even has a special maturation cabinet in the open kitchen. His cuisine reveals a vivid expression of his personality, as seen in his innovative approach to sea beans, fried quinoa, pomegranate jus and sea ceviche. Or you can choose to taste the aged sea bass on a barbecue.”
Executive Chef Ahmet Can Aras won the prestigious “Rising Chef” prize in the Gault & Millau 2024 Awards. The award signifies his achievement and proves the success and quality of Amavi Restaurant. Gault & Millau note, “Located in Alavya Hotel in the Alaçatı region of Çeşme, Amavi draws all the attention with its pleasant atmosphere, bar and spacious restaurant as soon as you enter. It also draws attention with its roof, which can be opened and closed depending on the weather. It has a dim and beautiful atmosphere. Chef Can Aras serves his sophisticated menu to guests, emphasising seasonal and local products. The place of spices in the well-thought-out and designed dishes is also quite large; products are very rich as a taste palette, such as using sumac, abundant and fresh herbs. The techniques practised in flavours are very good. In addition, mostly regional wines are included in the wine cellar.”
SOTA (Alaçatı)
Location: Alaçatı, 11039. Sokak No:18, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir – Tel +90 232 716 9878. Open daily 08:30-00:00. SOTA Turkish Website.
SOTA Alaçatı, located in the heart of Alaçatı, is a Michelin-recommended restaurant celebrated for its fresh seafood and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant features a stylish open-air design with elegant decor, making it an ideal spot for a luxurious yet relaxed dining experience. The restaurant showcases seafood dishes such as squid, oysters, and lobster with top-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The menu blends traditional Mediterranean flavours with innovative techniques, offering diverse seafood, pasta, and seasonal dishes. A curated wine list complements the menu, enhancing the dining experience. SOTA’s ambience is distinct, with mosaic tiles and elegant furnishings reflecting the Mediterranean soul. The attentive and professional staff elevate the dining experience, ensuring guests enjoy personalised service in a serene atmosphere.
The Michelin guide describes SOTA’s ambience thus: “SOTA’s Mediterranean soul is evident in everything from its mosaic tiles to the fresh seafood on the menu.” and notes, “Lobster and oyster pools are proof that the leading supplier in this open-air restaurant is the sea. At SOTA, the Mediterranean spirit manifests itself in everything from mosaic tiles to fresh seafood. The squid has a perfect vitality and is fully seasoned to taste. Seafood, on the other hand, blends great with super fresh and al dente tagliatelle pasta. The sushi selection is irresistible. SOTA is a restaurant dedicated to displaying the unique abundance of the sea”.