Ankara, Turkey’s vibrant capital, boasts a rich culinary scene blending Central Anatolian hearty meats, fresh pilafs, and Ottoman sweets. From smoky kokoreç to tender lamb tandır, dive into these 10 featured restaurants where locals and visitors savor the city’s iconic dishes in cozy, authentic settings.
1. Boğaziçi Sofrası – Arjantin Caddesi
Savor Ankara tava, a soul-warming clay-pot stew of tender lamb, orzo pasta, tomatoes, peppers, and cumin served risotto-style at this family-run chain favorite.
2. Uludağ Kebabçısı – Kızılay
Indulge in İskender kebap, thinly sliced döner lamb draped over pita bread, drenched in buttery tomato sauce and yogurt, a decadent classic here.
3. Süha’nın Yeri – Çankaya
Grab döner kebab, marinated lamb shaved from a vertical spit, wrapped in fluffy flatbread with onions and tomatoes—pure street-food perfection elevated.
Süha’nın Yeri (4.0★, 256 reviews)
Google Maps
4. Zeynel – Bahçelievler
Finish sweet with ekmek kadayifi, syrup-soaked bread pudding topped with kaymak cream and pistachios, a beloved Ottoman dessert staple.
Zeynel İstinye Bahçeli (3.7★, 62 reviews)
Google Maps
5. Yelken Balık – Gölbaşı
Try grilled fish, fresh lake perch seasoned simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, paired with meze for a lighter Ankara seafood twist.
Yelken Balık (4.5★, 1,079 reviews)
Google Maps
Tip: You might need a reservation for this place.
6. Kokoreççi Mustafa – Samanpazarı
Devour kokoreç, grilled lamb intestines and sweetbreads sliced into a baguette with tomatoes and parsley—Ankara’s bold, charcoal-kissed fast-food icon.
KOKOREÇÇİ MUSTAFA’NIN YERİ (4.4★, 220 reviews)
Google Maps
7. Beypazarı Güveç Evi – Beypazarı
Relish Beypazarı güveci, slow-cooked lamb, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes in a clay pot, bursting with earthy, mingled flavors.
8. Tandirci Ahmet Usta – Keçiören
Feast on kuzu tandır, pit-roasted marinated lamb so tender it melts off the bone, served with rice and grilled veggies.
Fried Meister Keçiören (4.7★, 43 reviews)
Google Maps
Tip: You might need a reservation for this place.
9. Mercimek Çorbacısı – Ulus
Warm up with mercimek çorbası, velvety red lentil soup simmered with veggies and spices, perfect with crusty bread for winter comfort.
7/24 Kaşıkhan Çorba (Ankara’nın Marka Çorbacısı) (4.2★, 1,541 reviews)
Google Maps
Tip: You might need a reservation for this place.
10. Bulgur Pilavcısı Osman – Yenimahalle
Enjoy bulgur pilavı, nutty bulgur wheat pilaf cooked with onions and peppers, often paired with tender lamb chunks for a wholesome Anatolian bite.
Local Etiquette & Ordering Tips
Greet staff with a friendly “Merhaba” and share meze platters family-style. Order çay (tea) to end meals—it’s complimentary. Specify “az baharatlı” for mild spice, and use bread to scoop soups politely. Cash is king at smaller spots; tip 10% at sit-downs.
Ankara’s food scene delivers bold, comforting tastes that linger—plan your eats around these gems for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Places List
- Boğaziçi Sofrası | Ankara tava | Arjantin Caddesi
- Uludağ Kebabçısı | İskender kebap | Kızılay
- Süha’nın Yeri | Döner kebab | Çankaya
- Zeynel | Ekmek kadayifi | Bahçelievler
- Yelken Balık | Grilled fish | Gölbaşı
- Kokoreççi Mustafa | Kokoreç | Samanpazarı
- Beypazarı Güveç Evi | Beypazarı güveci | Beypazarı
- Tandirci Ahmet Usta | Kuzu tandır | Keçiören
- Mercimek Çorbacısı | Mercimek çorbası | Ulus
- Bulgur Pilavcısı Osman | Bulgur pilavı | Yenimahalle
Experience Ankara virtually first: Drive through Ankara on Drive & Listen while listening to their local radio stations.
