Eating in Kemer brings together fresh fish from the sea and the simple village cooking of the Taurus plateaus. Antalya-style piyaz with tahini, grilled köfte, slow-cooked tandır, village breakfasts and crisp gözleme are the dishes you’ll meet most often. This guide covers what to try in Kemer and Antalya, where to eat it and tips for finding good local food.
What to try in Kemer
Antalya piyaz and şiş köfte
Antalya-style piyaz is a bean salad dressed with tahini, lemon and vinegar, unlike the classic version, and is usually served with grilled köfte. It’s the region’s favourite lunch pairing.
Fish and seafood
Restaurants by Kemer’s harbour and along the coast road serve sea bream, sea bass, red mullet and the catch of the day, depending on the season. Ask the price and weight before you choose your fish.
Tandır and lamb
In the Taurus village tradition, meat is cooked slowly in an oven or tandır pit. Look for it at village restaurants on the mountain roads.
Gözleme and village breakfast
Gözleme cooked on a sac griddle is a must on any trip into the hills. Village breakfasts feature local cheeses, olives, honey, butter and homemade jams.
Hibeş and meze
Hibeş, made with tahini, lemon and spices, is a meze unique to Antalya and often appears on fish restaurant meze platters.
Desserts and fruit
Antalya is famous for its oranges, pomegranates and winter citrus. Candied pumpkin (kabak tatlısı), baklava and ice cream are summer-evening classics.
Where to eat
- Kemer harbour and marina: Seafood restaurants and dinners with a sea view.
- Kemer centre: Local eateries (esnaf lokantası), köfte houses and cafés, closer to local prices.
- Mountain and village roads: Gözleme and village breakfasts in Gedelme and nearby villages.
- Weekly markets: Fresh fruit, vegetables, village cheese and olives. See our Kemer markets guide.
Tips for eating like a local
- Follow the locals: A busy local eatery in the centre is usually a good sign.
- Eat with the seasons: Season shapes both the taste and the price of fish and fruit.
- Ask prices first: Especially for fish sold by weight.
- Food tours: Guided food tours run in Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic quarter, a fun way to get to know the region’s cuisine quickly.
Eating at the hotel
At Kemer Royal Beach Hotel you can start the day with poolside breakfast (08:00–10:30) and take a break at our restaurant and pool bar (10:00–19:00). For a cook-it-yourself evening, try our garden BBQ. We are in the town centre, so dinner at Kemer’s restaurants is a short walk away. See our rooms or check availability.
Frequently asked questions
What should I eat in Kemer?
Antalya piyaz with tahini and şiş köfte, fresh fish, gözleme, a village breakfast, hibeş and, in season, Antalya oranges and pomegranates.
What makes Antalya piyaz different?
It is dressed with tahini, lemon and vinegar and is usually served with grilled köfte.
Where can I eat fish in Kemer?
At restaurants around the harbour and marina and along the coast road. The catch varies with the season, so ask the price first.