10 dishes to try when coming to Ankara

In Ankara you will find the widest selection of restaurants. Connoisseurs of completely different cuisines are sure to find dining establishments to match here. Here is a list of 10 dishes to try when traveling to this city.

Grilled Fish at Yelken Balık

One of Ankara's best seafood restaurants, Yelken Balık is the most popular representative of Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine in Ankara. Their hot and cold mezes are made with fresh, seasonal fish. Diners' favorite is grilled fish served with a glass of rakı.

Address: Yelken Balık, Kazım Özalp Mahallesi, Reşit Galip Cd. No:58, Cankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Phone: +90 312 448 29 90

İskender Kebap at Uludağ Kebabçısı

Uludağ Kebabçısı is famous in Ankara for its delicious İskender Kebap, made from pide bread topped with thin slices of döner kebab, tomato sauce and melted butter. Although the menu also features a variety of other kebabs, it is the grill that has become a legendary brand.

Address: Uludağ Kebabçısı, Gaziosmanpaşa Mahallesi, Kırlangıç Sok. 12/B, Cankaya/Ankara, Turkey,

Phone: +90 312 219 12 40

Dairy desserts at Zeynel

Turkish desserts are varied and plentiful, and at Zeynel you should definitely taste the best dairy desserts. Try kazandibi (thick pudding with slightly burnt caramel topping), muhallebi (pudding with mastic), or tavuk göğsü (thick pudding with thin slices of chicken breast).

Address: Zeynel, Remzi Oğuz Arık Mahallesi, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Doner at Süha'nın Yeri

What confirms the popularity at Süha'nın Yeri is the delicious döner grilled over a wood stove, giving the meat a distinctive flavour. It's a great place for a casual lunch where you'll get a great döner sandwich accompanied by ayran. Süha is very popular with locals, so you may have to wait a bit to find a seat.

Address: Süha'nın Yeri, Küçükesat Mahallesi, Esat Cd. 33/A, Cankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Phone: +90 312 447 42 33

Baklava at Baklavacı Hacıbaba

Another essential stop for the saccharification side of Turkish cuisine, Hacıbaba is the best place to enjoy baklava (a layered pastry served with syrup or honey) in Ankara. The third generation of the family that now runs the business — founded in 1949 — comes from baklava's mecca, Gaziantep.

Address: Baklavacı Hacıbaba, Necatibey Cad. No: 20/D, Sıhhiye, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey,

Phone: +90 312 229 47 09

Doner kebab at Bursa Hacı Bey Kebabçısı

Bursa Hacı Bey Kebabçısı, open since 1961, specializes in serving simple but faithful döner kebabs with traditional recipes and ingredients. Great portions of döner meat are accompanied by tomato sauce and yogurt.

Address: Bursa Hacı Bey Kebabçısı, Nasuh Akar Mahallesi Ziyabey Caddesi No:10, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Phone: +90 312 286 88 00

Candy and lokum at Ali Uzun ekercilik

The last stop on your exploration of Ankara desserts is Ali Uzun, a truly amazing candy shop that's been open since 1935, where you'll find all the classic Turkish sweets that can't be missed. the hearts of the sweet diners always yearn. You'll find akide şekeri (Turkish hard candy), with hazelnuts, mint, strawberry, lemon or cinnamon, as well as lokum (Turkish marshmallow), helva, pişmaniye (candy only) and almonds core….

Address: Ali Uzun Cekercilik, Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Selanik Cd. 15/A, Cankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Phone: +90 312 435 44 94

Meze (appetizer) in Kalbur

You will have to make a reservation in advance to get a table at this very popular seafood restaurant. In a very meyhane (pub) atmosphere, you'll find great seasonal mezes in Kalbur, such as şevket-i bostan (thistle), sübyeli çorba (soup with squid) or palamut pilaki (stewed horse mackerel with beans), and many other special dishes.

Address: C3 blok, no:23/24 Rafet Canıtez Caddesi, Ankara, 6450, Turkey

Phone: +903124905001

Kebabs at Hacı Arif Bey

Because there are so many great kebabs in Ankara, a second restaurant also serves great grilled food. At Hacı Arif Bey you'll find a wide selection of kebabs including everything from classic Adana to Ali Nazik to delicious Beyti.

Address: 48/1 Güniz Sokak, Ankara, 6700, Turkey

Phone: +903124670067

Esnaf Restaurant in içek Lokantası

The esnaf lokantası restaurant in Ankara also has Çiçek Lokantası for classic home-cooked Turkish food that locals consider comfort food. You'll find everything from traditional Turkish soups to olive oil dishes, meat and vegetable dishes and desserts prepared with pure traditional recipes.

Address: 5/45 2176. Sokak, Ankara, 6510, Turkey

Phone: +903122840888