Top 5 Belek Food Spots: Eats & Drinks You Can’t Miss

So, you are off to Belek and are already dreaming of all the yummy stuff you’re going to eat? Belek, Turkey, that is known for its beautiful golf courses and beaches, and very, very good food too; actually it’s got way more to offer than just a nice tan and a hole-in-one. As a matter of fact, I spent a week there last year trying to discover as many restaurants as possible, and let me tell you, you’re in for a treat, it’s almost unfair, like, how good the food is over there. Right, this is a short list of my top five eats and drinks in Belek. Get ready for a culinary adventure that hits all the right notes, kind of like, that one song you cannot help but sing along to.

1. Zeytin Alti Kahvalti: Start Your Day Right

If there’s one thing you just need to do in Belek, actually, it’s hitting up Zeytin Alti Kahvalti for breakfast. First off, forget grabbing a quick coffee and a muffin, or some kind of cereal thing that doesn’t feed your soul at all. This is a breakfast feast that could be enough for the whole family, sort of like, a proper Turkish spread, just in the best possible way. Alright, imagine tables loaded with local cheeses, like your halloumi but much, much creamier, seriously fresh tomatoes that, really, do taste of sunshine, olives marinated in herbs you cannot even begin to guess, and just baked bread that’s still warm. In fact, I’m already drooling. What is more, they are known for their ‘menemen’, that’s like, scrambled eggs cooked with peppers and tomatoes, plus it is spicy – really, it’s comfort food defined, right? The atmosphere is so, so welcoming that you will not want to leave and the price? You are kidding right, more or less, a steal for the amount of amazing food you are going to get. Basically, Zeytin Alti is not just food, but is actually like, experiencing a piece of Turkish culture first thing in the morning.

2. Boğazköy Balık Evi: Seafood Heaven

Okay, if you fancy yourself a seafood fan, as a matter of fact, you absolutely cannot miss Boğazköy Balık Evi. By the way, “Balık Evi” that is kind of like “Fish House,” very simple really, and seriously, they know how to cook fish. This spot’s kinda off the beaten path, as a matter of fact, and nestled near the river, it gives you very chill vibes, you know? Apparently, the fish they serve is super fresh, right out of the sea basically, and you will be able to tell because it’s quite nice. Alright, you can begin with a selection of mezes—little appetizers—things like hummus, smoky eggplant salad, and stuffed vine leaves and really, those are quite tasty. Clearly, for your entree, anyway, go for the grilled sea bass or the shrimp casserole. And as I was saying, they grill it just right so it is flavorful but juicy and you have that nice chargrilled bit going on which adds some smokiness. Right, the shrimp casserole is creamy, garlicky and packed with so much flavor. And yes, everything tastes that much better when enjoyed while gazing at the gently flowing river. All in all, it is a seafood feast you won’t soon forget, literally!

3. Şef Ali: The King of Kebabs

Ok, you’ve gone to Turkey and not had a kebab yet? Anyway, you haven’t lived. So when it comes to kebabs in Belek, Şef Ali is seriously your guy, basically like the king. And no, not talking about the sad, greasy stuff you get from the takeaway at 3 a.m. Şef Ali’s kebabs are really like, works of art and the whole experience will surprise you in the best way! Anyway, the meat—lamb, chicken, or beef—is juicy and flavored perfectly, basically it’s marinated in a blend of spices that is almost magical, in a way. Then it’s all cooked over an open fire, in other words, the smell alone will have you drooling when you are walking past the location and that makes you want to spend a fortune and order everything! As a matter of fact, try the Adana kebab—spicy and great—or the Beyti—wrapped in lavash bread with yogurt and tomato sauce basically that is great. Like, each dish is served with fluffy rice, grilled veggies, and fresh herbs. The atmosphere is always kinda lively and the staff is happy and really welcoming and stuff and really nice! You will probably have to wait for your turn at the counter, literally. But as a matter of fact, it is so worth it. This is actually Turkish fast food but it has had like, a total upgrade to super gourmet status.

4. Deniz Restaurant: A View with Your Food

If you’re looking for not only seriously great food but you kinda want that amazing view too? Like you really do get the best of both things then? The answer really is Deniz Restaurant. Seriously, it’s in a spot right by the sea. Anyway, you are able to, basically, sit there and just listen to the waves while enjoying your meal is seriously very amazing. I mean the menu actually, is pretty awesome, they have something that fits all, from classic Turkish stuff to dishes from Europe too, but, as a matter of fact, the seafood really is the star. And seriously, try the grilled octopus—very tender—or the salt-baked fish, or their clay pot meal with various things that makes sense and works too— that will totally get you talking. Actually it really is quite spectacular to view the way they cook it and crack it open at your table! In addition to the food’s being very very good, the service, it’s so polite. It also kinda feels romantic. Therefore, it is great for any family wanting a little something different. The sunset views? Seriously, priceless, literally!

5. Sefik’in Yeri: Go Local

Anyway, so if you want to discover a total local gem that gives you that seriously genuine Turkish feel? Sefik’in Yeri actually, is where it’s at. What happens there is a proper home style cooking in what is not only really relaxed surroundings. Basically, it seems like, you’re eating at someone’s house, if that makes any sense, you know? Apparently, you won’t see a menu posted or written down but you need to go check out the dishes available that day, for real. I mean, the dishes they serve, literally are everything you want to try and stuff. The choice is pretty comprehensive but what you must get is manti basically it’s tiny dumplings with meat and stuff which have yogurt, and red pepper, all very nice, and try the stuffed vegetables, as I was saying! The ladies in the restaurant there know what they do. Actually, I can taste it just by describing what I saw the staff do. It almost makes it, if that makes sense, hard to go wrong. Right, the price that’s affordable too! Anyway Sefik’in Yeri shows that a few restaurants make great local food. It might actually soon be the thing the restaurant becomes famous for. As I was saying you get really great, real and real affordable dining. Do be certain to check out these eateries and the flavors found in Turkey.