If you’re visiting Marmaris any time soon, the good news is that not only will you have the time of your life in the sun, with plenty to see and do, but there are also some amazing restaurants to try.
Turkish food is simply delicious; in fact, once you’ve tried it, it might become your new favorite. From all manner of different kebabs to baklava, borek, gözleme, and, of course, the famous Turkish breakfast, you won’t struggle to find something you adore. But of course, you’ll find all the regular international food here too, as Marmaris is a major tourist hotspot.
To help you find the best food while you’re enjoying your holiday in the sun, let’s check out some of the best places to eat. I tried to keep it to a list of the 10 best restaurants in Marmaris, but I had to make it 17 as it was so hard to choose.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
Marmaris’ Food Scene
Marmaris isn’t short of restaurants; in fact, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You’ll find a superb blend of traditional and international, and of course, there are plenty of doner kebab joints when you’ve finished your night out and you want a delicious wrap to enjoy before bed.
Marmaris as a whole encompasses not only Marmaris center itself but also Icmeler, which is around ten minutes away on the mountain road. Both resorts offer excellent food, and it’s definitely worthwhile checking out as many eateries as you can during your time. It’s very easy to get stuck with one or two places you like on repeat, but trust me, you’ll be missing out!
It’s for this reason that I really discourage all-inclusive hotels. Sure, they’re awesome for facilities and the fact that your drinks are included in the price, but the food is so repetitive and not the greatest quality. There are so many amazing places to eat and drink around the town that if you don’t head out, you’re going to wish you had.
Marmaris itself doesn’t have any particular traditional food that hails from the town, but Mugla as a whole (the province Marmaris belongs to) does have Mugla kofte and Mugla simit. These are both variations of foods you’ll find all across Turkey, but they’re made slightly differently in Mugla.
Mugla kofte is a little smaller than the regular kofte you might see elsewhere, and it’s traditionally eaten either in a wrap or bread or on a plate with salad and rice. Mugla simit is very similar to regular simit, except in this case, they’re larger and super-soft. You can find both of these things in Marmaris, along with all the other delicious Turkish dishes you might already know and love.
Marmaris Marina, in particular, is famous for its traditional fish restaurants that line the walkway. You’ll see different types of seafood displayed outside in a display fridge, and the friendly staff will be more than happy to talk you through your options. Here, you can try the famous fresh fish and raki combination that locals love!
15 Best Marmaris Restaurants And Eateries
When you arrive in Marmaris, you’ll notice very quickly that there are countless restaurants to try. Just like everywhere in the world, some restaurants are better than others, so knowing beforehand where to go is a major help.
Many restaurants tend to serve the same thing, e.g., burgers, chips, pizza, etc, but if you want something different and more authentic, you won’t struggle to find it. From my years of experience in eating in Marmaris, I’ve come up with 15 of the best spots across Marmaris and Icmeler.
Happy eating!
1. Cihan Ocakbaşı – My Pick For The Best Restaurant In Marmaris
Siteler, Barbaros Cd. No:2, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
Cihan is one of the most famous restaurants in Marmaris, and it’s not by accident – it’s also one of the best. Both locals and tourists flock here all year round, and it’s a very tourist-friendly way to try authentic kebabs and meze.
The menu may be small, but what they do serve is done to perfection, and while you’re sitting and enjoying, you can watch the open kitchen grilling meat and making bread from scratch. This restaurant is also relatively low-cost compared to many others in the area, but they certainly don’t sacrifice quality.
Cihan serves traditional kebabs, such as Adana, Urfa, chicken or lamb şiş, çop şiş, and a variety of casseroles. They also have an extensive list of meze to try, and they also serve alcohol, including raki and local beers. If you have a sweet tooth, try their kunefe, which is one of the best in the area.
2. Ida Restaurant – You Won’t Be Disappointed
İçmeler, Kenan Evren Blv. No:17, 48720 Marmaris/Muğla
Over in Icmeler, you’ll find Ida Restaurant, a firm favorite amongst regular visitors to the area. Ida doesn’t have dancing entertainment or loud music. Instead, it’s a chilled-out ambiance with tasty food and fantastic drinks. In fact, the cocktail menu here is seriously top quality – try their apple mojito; it’s the best I’ve ever had.
The diverse menu at Ida is quite large, but they don’t do anything bad. You’ll find a range of international dishes, including steaks, but they also do traditional food, such as testi kebab, and a large range of fish dishes.
Ida might not be the cheapest restaurant in Marmaris, but it’s certainly not the most expensive either. The quality of food makes it more than worthwhile, and the staff are super helpful and friendly. They also have a new tapas bar which has recently opened next door, so give that a try if you’re into Mediterranean tapas.
3. Town Steakhouse – Good Value For Money
Içmeler, 75. Yıl Cd. 208.Sokak, 48720 Marmaris/Muğla
This restaurant is one of the newest additions to the gastronomical scene is Town Steakhouse, and they certainly had a fantastic first year in business. Located in Icmeler’s Old Town, you’ll definitely need to reserve a table during high season as they’re regularly full up.
The reason they’re so busy is quite obvious – the food is seriously high quality, and the presentation is something else entirely. They also have a sumptuous cocktail menu that is reasonably priced and good quality, and again, the presentation is on another level.
I’d recommend the sharing platter for starters as it gives you a little bit of everything and has a real Mediterranean flare with calamari, different dips, borek, and salads. This restaurant is particularly famous for its steak dishes, and they’re massive. You really do get value for money here.
4. Ege Barbekü – Best Steak Restoran In Town
Hatipirimi, 148. Sk. No:7, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
Ege is another ocakbaşı-style restaurant that serves kebabs, and many locals head there to watch football, drink raki, and socialize. However, it’s definitely not a sports bar as this restaurant is high quality and offers indoor and outdoor decking area. They’re also open all year round.
The meze menu is extensive and offers something for everyone, while the mains menu provides a range of meat dishes that many other similar restaurants in the area don’t offer. For instance, this is the only place in Marmaris that I know of serving the most delicious steak cooked in butter (tereyağlı lokum). It really will knock your socks off, but even if that’s not for you, there is a huge range of other dishes to sample.
You’ll notice many locals heading to this restaurant for celebrations, such as birthdays, and that should tell you a lot about how good this place is.
5. Bono Good Times Beach – Best Seaside Location
Çıldır, 207. Sk. No: 4/C, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
If you’re after a beachfront location, it has to be Bono Beach. This is a high-quality, high-end spot that also offers sun loungers and a free beach during the day. At night, a live band or DJ plays chilled-out music, and you can sit and watch the sunset and the moon appear over the sea. It’s a really tranquil place, and it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite amongst locals and tourists.
Bono Beach is a classy option, and that shows in their menu. You’ll find mostly international dishes here, but they’re served wonderfully well, and even the burgers are the gourmet variety. The pasta dishes at Bono are wonderfully flavourful, and if you’re into cocktails, the menu is large and of excellent quality.
Bono has a sister restaurant on the marina, so if you like your meal at the beach restaurant, head down to the marina to compare.
6. Pideci Mehmed – Try This Place For Lahmacun
Photo Credit: Pideci Mehmed
Hatipirimi, İnönü Cd. No.19, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
Pide and lahmacun are two of my favorite Turkish dishes, and Pideci Mehmed is definitely the best place to try them. Basically, if you’ve never had pide before, it’s a flatbread that comes with many different fillings, and it’s shaped like a boat and then cut up into slices.
You can try all different versions, including meat and peppers (kuşbaşılı pide), minced meat (kiymali), cheese and spinach, cheese and egg, and chicken with peppers. Pideci Mehmed place has a large selection of different sides to try, and it’s a relaxed spot where you can call in, order, wait, and then eat with your hands. It’s totally chilled out, and that’s ideal after a day on the beach.
Lahmacun is often called Turkish pizza, but it’s not like pizza at all. This is a thin and crispy base that is covered in minced meat, peppers, onions, and spices, and you eat it rolled up with a little salad inside, smothered in freshly squeezed lemon juice. Again, Pideci Mehmed does the best lahmacun in my eyes.
7. Taj Mahal – Asian Cuisine
Siteler, Karacan plaza Taj mahal rest, Kemal Seyfettin Elgin Blv., 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
Sometimes in life, you crave a delicious Indian meal, and if you’re in Marmaris, you’ll definitely find one. Taj Mahal serves some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something, considering it’s from Turkey! The chef at this restaurant is from Bradford, India, which is known to have a sizeable Indian community. The spices are also imported directly from India itself.
The set menu is excellent value, and you can choose from starters, a main course, rice, naan, and a drink for one complete price. Alternatively, you can pick and choose what you want from a large selection of authentic Indian dishes. The starters are my favorites here; I love the poppadoms and pickle tray, and the onion bhajis are divine.
During the summer months, the Taj Mahal is very busy indeed, and it is probably a good idea to book a table if you want to sit upstairs on the outer deck, where you can look over the busy streets below as you enjoy delicious food. This is definitely the type of food that you’ll need to lay down after!
8. Queen Steakhouse & Fish – Serves A Generous Breakfast Plate
Sarıana, Sarıana Mah. M.Münir Elgin Bulvarı, Netsel Marina No:38-8 D:2, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or you want to enjoy a high-end meal with amazing surroundings, it has to be Queen Steakhouse & Fish. This restaurant is located at the far end of the marina, overlooking the entire bay, right over to Icmeler. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
The restaurant is known for its top-quality food, and while it’s definitely not the cheapest place to go, it’s more than worth it if you want to splurge. Queen offers fantastic steaks and they have a large fish menu on offer. This is one of the best restaurants to enjoy a full Turkish breakfast as you overlook the massive yachts in the harbor.
If you’re visiting with children, they also have a large children’s menu and an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the chilled-out ambiance.
9. Samdan Restaurant – Great Meals If You Are Homesick
Siteler, Cumhuriyet Blv. No:21, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
If you’re a steak lover, Samdan is an excellent choice. Located in the Siteler neighborhood, this restaurant is very close to some of the larger hotels in the area, including all-inclusive. The fact that it’s very busy most nights should tell you a lot about the quality of food in those hotels!
Samdan has nightly entertainment with music and dancing, but it’s not too over the top and doesn’t start until around 10 pm. That means you can enjoy your meal without too much fuss going on around you. They also show all sports on TV, which might be an important factor for you.
Food-wise, this restaurant does a huge range of meat dishes, but they also cater to vegetarians. The menu is generally international, but their casseroles are very traditional and extremely delicious. The drinks menu is pretty good, and they offer two-for-one cocktails during the peak summer months.
10. Kerem’s Plate (Previously Karem Restaurant) – Local Food And Service
İçmeler, Osmangazi Cd. No:30, 48720 Marmaris/Muğla
You won’t find a huge amount of authentic Turkish cuisine in Icemler, but Kerem’s Restaurant is a shining light in the middle of many restaurants serving international fare. This is a family-run restaurant that offers traditional dishes, including meat skewers, guvec, casseroles, and amazing desserts.
The restaurant is located on the canal just before the beachfront and offers a cozy place to enjoy a meal. They don’t play loud music, even if the restaurants around do, and the ambiance is chilled out and really enjoyable.
Kerem is a firm favorite among those who visit Icmeler regularly, and it has an excellent reputation for a reason.
11. Sevgiyolu – Quick Service
Kemeraltı, Hasan Işık Cd. NO:14 Z/1, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
For traditional kebabs, Sevgiyolu is a wonderful choice. They also do fantastic pide and lahmacun and come a very close second to Pideci Mehmed. This is the only place in Marmaris that does a good Manisa kebab, and if you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend you do!
Sevgiyolu is a more laid-back kebab spot compared to the larger ocakbaşı restaurants. They also do a roast beef roast on Sundays during the summer months if you’re missing your roast at home!
Again, this is another place that locals love, and you’ll notice their delivery drivers leaving with orders all the time. The menu is pretty large, so you’re sure to find something you like, but don’t be afraid to try something new, as you’ll find a lot of authentic dishes here.
12. The Love Boat – One Of The Top Fine Dining Restaurants
İçmeler, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:26, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
If you ask anyone who lives in Icmeler, where the highest quality spot is, they’ll probably tell you about The Love Boat. This is high-end dining, and it’s somewhere that you have to try at least once.
The waiting staff are all dressed in white navy outfits, and the restaurant is themed like a boat. You can sit outside and enjoy watching the world go by, but the food is really high quality. The grilled fish and steak dishes here are sublime, and they’re presented in an exquisite way.
Again, this isn’t a cheap option, but it’s somewhere to go if you want a special night or you’re celebrating something important. During the peak summer months of July and August, it’s a good idea to reserve a table beforehand.
13. Liberty Restaurant – Excellent Service On The Seafront
İçmeler, Kayabal Cd. No:67, 48720 Marmaris/Muğla
One of the best places for a traditional Turkish breakfast overlooking the sea is Liberty Restaurant. This is another spot located in Icmeler, and they’re also a great place if you’re looking for traditional Trabzon pide – they’re huge, juicy, and totally delicious!
This restaurant has a jetty that goes out over the sea, and they also have a free beach to use if you’re buying drinks and food throughout the day. The breakfast here is large and extensive, allowing you to try lots of different breakfast dishes you might not have had before.
The lunch menu offers regular items such as burgers, pizzas, and baguettes, but the evening menu is a lot more extensive and features fish, steaks, and authentic Turkish dishes.
The evening vibe here is really chilled out, and with the lack of loud music and entertainment, it’s a terrific place to wind down.
14. O’Yes Restaurant – Pleasant Atmosphere
Tepe, Barbaros Cd. Yat Limanı No:9, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
O’Yes has been around in Marmaris for many years, and it’s a firm favorite with plenty of repeat customers. The menu is shown in several different languages, and they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices.
This restaurant is located towards the beginning of the marina and has one of the most beautiful views over the beachfront and beyond. The staff here are very experienced and helpful, and it’s also a renowned place to enjoy sunset drinks, with an extensive cocktail menu.
The lunch menu is great, and they’re famous for their Mexican baguettes – definitely try it! The evening menu is a lot larger and offers international and local dishes, including plenty of choices for vegetarians.
15. Memed Ocakbaşı – Warm And Friendly Team
Sarıana, 20. Sk. No: 2 D:4, 48700 Marmaris/Muğla
Our final choice is another top-quality place to try kebabs and meze. Memed Ocakbaşı is always busy with local people and tourists, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a grand meal and a few drinks.
The restaurant’s décor is really impressive, with plenty of greenery, old-fashioned photos on the walls, and several rooms to make the entire restaurant seem much bigger than it really is. You can also go to the kitchen front and choose the meat you want, with the staff more than happy to help you decide.
This is a fantastic place to enjoy raki and kebabs. However, it’s also a very family-friendly place with a large children’s menu and a relaxed vibe inside. This is the sister restaurant of Pideci Mehmed, so it goes without saying that their pide is also of excellent quality.
16. Golden River Steak House – Big Portions
Nestled in the heart of the Marmaris district, Golden River Steak House is a gem for meat lovers and is often cited as one of the best restaurants in Marmaris.
This spot is all about quality and taste, specializing in big portions that don’t skimp on flavor. The menu includes a variety of meats, such as salami, pepperoni, and premium steaks, all cooked to perfection.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with great service that makes you feel right at home. Prices are acceptable, ensuring you get value for your money. It’s the kind of place where you can find something to satisfy everyone, making it a must-visit for those seeking the best of the best in steak dining options in Marmaris.
17. Ricky’s Chippy
For those craving a taste of British cuisine in Marmaris, Ricky’s Chippy is the go-to spot. Specializing in the classic fish and chips, this eatery offers a slice of home with its authentic flavors and big portions.
Located conveniently in Marmaris, Ricky’s Chippy has become a favorite among both locals and tourists for its friendly atmosphere and quality dishes. The menu also includes other British favorites like sausage, making it easy to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Prices are acceptable, and the service is friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all who step through its doors.
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Top Restaurants In Marmaris FAQs
What types of cuisine are available in Marmaris?
Marmaris offers a wide variety of culinary delights to suit all tastes. You can find traditional Turkish dishes, including kebabs, mezes (appetizers), and fresh seafood. Additionally, there are international cuisines available, such as Italian, Indian, Chinese, and more. You’ll be spoiled for choice!
Are there any vegetarian/vegan-friendly options?
Yes, Marmaris has many restaurants that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. They offer delicious plant-based dishes made with local ingredients. Do not hesitate to ask the staff for specific vegetarian or vegan options; they will be more than happy to assist you.
Where can I find the best seafood restaurants in Marmaris?
Marmaris is known for its fresh seafood. The marina area is a top place to find excellent seafood restaurants. You can enjoy a variety of fish, shrimp, calamari, and other delicious marine delights while enjoying a scenic view of the harbor.
Can I find budget-friendly restaurants in Marmaris?
Absolutely! Marmaris has a range of eateries to suit different budgets. From small local cafes serving tasty Turkish street food to casual dining restaurants offering affordable meal options, you will find something that fits your budget.
Are there any restaurants with a romantic ambiance?
Yes, Marmaris offers a variety of intimate and romantic dining spots. Many waterfront restaurants provide a stunning setting with sunset views or cozy candlelit tables. These establishments are perfect for a romantic dinner with your loved one.
Do I need to make a reservation at popular restaurants?
While not always necessary, it is advisable to make a reservation, especially during peak tourist seasons. Popular restaurants can get busy, and having a reservation ensures you have a table when you arrive.
Are credit cards accepted at most restaurants?
Yes, most restaurants in Marmaris accept credit cards. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, as a few smaller local eateries may only accept cash payments.
Can you recommend any must-try dishes in Marmaris?
When in Marmaris, don’t miss out on trying some local favorites such as Turkish pide (a flatbread topped with various ingredients), doner kebabs, Turkish breakfast (kaval), and baklava (a sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey).