Best Restaurants in Ankara
Often overshadowed by Istanbul’s culinary fame, Ankara has quietly built a food scene that deserves serious attention. The Turkish capital may be a hub for politics and culture, but it is also a playground for food lovers. Today, the city offers flavors that range from traditional Anatolian dishes to inventive modern cuisine.
In Ankara, meals are more than sustenance—they are a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and a touch of local pride. From bustling street-side eateries to elegant fine-dining establishments, the city offers a diverse range of experiences. Here, each dish tells a story, and every flavor invites a second helping. Here’s our list of the best restaurants in Ankara;
Trilye Restaurant
Located in Ankara’s Çankaya district, Trilye Restaurant has established itself as one of the city’s premier seafood destinations since 2002. Renowned for its upscale ambiance and commitment to high-quality ingredients, Trilye serves a menu that expertly blends Turkish and Mediterranean seafood traditions.
Signature dishes such as Octopus Pimenton, fried calamari, and grilled sea bass showcase both freshness and culinary finesse. The restaurant also offers creative touches like liquid nitrogen-frozen strawberries and lemon-scented oxygen to elevate the dining experience.
It also caters to special diets, offering a range of vegetarian-friendly and Mediterranean-inspired options. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with retractable roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows. The experience is complemented by a carefully curated wine list featuring local and international selections.
Also Read: Guide to Spending A Weekend in Ankara.
Develi1912
Situated on Ankara’s prominent Palestine Street, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the city set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. The building’s industrial exterior contrasts sharply with a sleek, modern interior. Inside, cream leather chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows create a refined dining atmosphere. Guests can begin with puffed Lavash bread accompanied by a selection of flavorful condiments.
Don’t miss out on Cig Kofte—a traditional raw meat meze that will kickstart your dining experience. For vegeterians, it’s replaced with a vibrant lentil version, yet still bursting with herbs and spices. Pide, the iconic Turkish flatbread often topped with cheese or seasoned meat and finished with a sprinkle of Sumac, is another essential highlight. Develi1912 also impresses with sizzling melted cheese paired with sautéed mushrooms.
These are served in a cast-iron pan that arrives bubbling and aromatic on a wooden platter. Dessert enthusiasts are treated to Katmer, a crisp pastry filled with cream and crushed pistachios. It’s the perfect sweet finale to a meal that expertly blends tradition, creativity, and refined presentation.
Divan Çukurhan
Divan Çukurhan, part of the renowned Turkish Divan hotel chain, combines elegant dining with a prime historic location directly opposite Ankara Castle. The outdoor seating offers unparalleled views of the city, including landmarks such as Anıtkabir, CSO Ada, Gençlik Park, and Kocatepe Mosque. The restaurant’s menu showcases carefully presented dishes. Enjoy plates of pickled vegetables accompanied by hummus, labneh, and ezme dips.
For vegetarians and vegans, specialties like Barbunya Pilaki, a stewed kidney bean dish, highlight the richness of Turkish cuisine. For the less picky, meat-based dishes, such as creamy lasagne ensure that you loosen up your belt while enjoying one of the best city vistas.
Günaydın Kebap & Steakhouse
Situated in Çankaya, Günaydın Kebap & Steakhouse is one of Ankara’s most celebrated dining destinations. The chic restaurant combines the best of traditional Turkish kebabs with a refined steakhouse experience. Günaydın specializes in grilled meats, offering classics such as Adana kebab, Urfa kebab, lamb chops, and a selection of dry-aged steaks.
Meals are often accompanied by fresh mezes and crisp salads, providing a well-rounded dining experience for casual diners and meat enthusiasts alike. The interior is modern and thoughtfully arranged, with both indoor and outdoor seating options that create a comfortable atmosphere.
High-quality ingredients, consistent meat quality, and professional service make Günaydın a reliable choice for those seeking both traditional flavors and expertly cooked steaks. From tender lamb shish to perfectly grilled prime cuts, the menu caters to anyone eager to enjoy the rich flavors of Turkish and international cuisine.
La Gioia
La Gioia is an upscale Italian and European restaurant located in the Beymen department store in Ankara’s Kavaklıdere district. This chic local offers a sophisticated dining experience that blends Mediterranean warmth with Parisian elegance. The space features large windows, original Venetian mirrors, and delicate porcelain decorations, creating an atmosphere that appeals to the city’s business and social elite.
The menu combines classic Italian staples with inventive European dishes, including thin-crust pizzas, seafood risotto, and handmade pastas such as truffle tagliolini. It offers signature mains like Duck Confit with Blueberry Risotto, Gorgonzola Tenderloin with Green Risotto, and the locally inspired Gioia Turka (beef slices served on eggplant bread).
Breakfast and brunch options are equally enticing, featuring Eggs Benedict, fluffy pancakes, and traditional Turkish Menemen. Desserts include; the renowned Tiramisu and white chocolate pumpkin pudding, paired with a curated selection of wines and cocktails.
Uludağ Kebapcısı
Uludağ Kebapcısı, whose name means Grand Mountain, has been a beloved culinary institution in Ankara since 1956. While the restaurant’s exterior and interior remain modest and unassuming, the food more than compensates with bold flavors and generous portions. Fresh salads come alive with sweet, vibrant notes and can be paired with a choice of homemade dressings like pomegranate, lemon, or vinegar.
A hearty lentil soup makes a satisfying starter, paving the way for the signature Iskender Kebab. The latter is a dish of thinly sliced doner served over lightly grilled pide bread, bathed in tomato sauce and doner fat. It’s often accompanied by grilled tomatoes, green peppers, and creamy yoghurt. Vegetarian diners can enjoy the same experience by simply skipping the meat.
Desserts at Uludağ Kebapcısı are equally impressive. The restaurant offers traditional Turkish favorites such as fırında sütlaç, künefe, and ekmek kadayıfı. The fırında sütlaç is a baked rice pudding with a golden top while kunefe is a stretchy, syrup-soaked pastry filled with melted cheese. Finally, ekmek kadayıfı is an Ottoman-era bread pudding drenched in syrup and topped with clotted cream.
Conclusion
What makes Ankara truly special is the way its restaurants balance hospitality and flavor. Meals often come with conversation, laughter, and a sense of community, reflecting the warmth of the city itself. Chefs and restaurateurs take pride in sourcing local ingredients, crafting dishes that honor heritage and creativity. Visitors quickly discover that exploring Ankara’s restaurants is as much about people and culture as it is about the food.
