The Most Delicious Stops on Your Journey: Turkey's Roadside Food Stops

The best part of long car trips, in my opinion, isn't just the destination, but the little breaks along the way. When you start to get hungry, your eyes wander to the roadside signs and you immediately think, “I wonder what's famous here.” Especially if you come across a kebab shop or a well-known sandwich place along the way, that's when the trip becomes much more enjoyable. When we hit the road, we always open the map and research “where can we find good food nearby, which restaurants are famous.” Because traveling isn't just about getting from one point to another; it's about discovering little joys along the way. Sometimes it's a frothy Susurluk ayran, sometimes a warm soup enjoyed early in the morning, and sometimes a small local restaurant that has been serving the same delicious food for years—these become unforgettable parts of the journey. When you hit the road, you inevitably crave new flavors. In this article, we've compiled the most delicious roadside stops you might encounter in different cities. Who knows, maybe on your next trip, you'll stop by one of these places and make your journey even more enjoyable.

Tekirdağ Food Stops

1. Famous Köfteci Brothers
2. Özcanlar Köfte
3. Köfteci Abdi Özcan
4. Şar Pastry Shop

Famous Köfteci Brothers

One of the oldest and most established stops you can visit in Tekirdağ is the Famous Köfteci Brothers. There's no need to describe the köfte; they've been making it with the same flavor for years. What really sets them apart is their sheep's milk yogurt and cheese desserts you can't leave without trying them. What's more, you can enjoy köfte and piyaz with a sea view from the restaurant's upper floor. I can wholeheartedly recommend this culinary stop to anyone passing through Tekirdağ.

Özcanlar Köfte

This restaurant is located in Beyazköy on the road to Istanbul. At Özcanlar, you'll find not only köfte but also many other options, from grilled meats to desserts, soups to breakfasts.

Köfteci Abdi Özcan

One of the city's most famous köfte restaurants is Abdi Özcan. Eating here is a Tekirdağ experience in itself. First, lentil soup arrives at the table, followed by köfte served with onion salad and tomatoes. Add an ice-cold ayran, and you're all set. After your meal, you can finish off with a Hayrabolu dessert or a cheese dessert.

Şar Pastanesi

For those with a sweet tooth, Şar Pastanesi is the place to go for Tekirdağ's famous cheese halva. Whether plain, with ice cream, or with chocolate sauce, it doesn't matter. We especially recommend the plain or ice cream versions for first-timers. The pastry shop's menu also includes savory snacks.

Edirne Food Stops

1. Tahmis Köftecisi
2. Çamlıbel Restaurant
3. Köfteci Osman
4. Ciğerci Niyazi Usta
5. Kavaklık Restaurant

Tahmis Köftecisi

If you find yourself in Edirne, Piknik Restaurant is a must-visit. As you start your day in the spacious and airy atmosphere of the restaurant, you can sample classic regional delicacies such as satır köfte, picnic-style kokoreç, and Albanian liver.

Çamlıbel Restaurant

Located on the Istanbul-Edirne road, at the entrance to Keşan, this restaurant is a favorite spot for meat lovers. Satır meat and köfte, unique to Keşan, are especially popular here. In the spring, you can sit under the trees and enjoy your meal in the spacious garden. There is also a small playground for families with children.

Köfteci Osman

Since 1988, it has been one of the first names that come to mind when talking about meatballs in Edirne. It serves customers at four different branches. The meatballs are cooked to perfection and served with piyaz (a traditional salad) and hot pepper sauce. You can also find soup, grilled dishes, and ice cream-topped cheese halva on the menu. You can even buy jars of the hot pepper sauce to take home.

Ciğerci Niyazi Usta

Serving since 1983, Niyazi Usta is one of Edirne's famous liver spots. The menu includes not only liver but also meatballs, beef lokum, sucuk, and hamburgers. For dessert, ice cream with semolina is the most popular choice.

Kavaklık Restaurant

Located on the Çanakkale Highway at the 10th kilometer, Kavaklık Restaurant is a wonderful rest stop for travelers with its huge garden, small pools, and hammocks. The satır köfte here is prepared with meat from nearby villages and is quite famous. Don't forget to try the village breakfast and the Loznik pastry made from grape leaves for dessert.

Balıkesir Food Stops

1. Nermin Hanım Olive Grove
2. Aslanboğa Kokoreç
3. Çorbacı Sarı Kemal
4. Susurluk Yasa Rest Area
5. Düzdağ Tost
6. Adanalı Mazlum Usta

Nermin Hanım Olive Grove

Located on the Ayvalık road, this place welcomes its guests with rich and carefully prepared breakfast tables. The freshness of the products offered, the abundance of variety, and the opportunity to try different flavors provide an enjoyable experience. Homemade pastries are particularly popular, while olive oil tasting offers a unique experience specific to this place. This atmosphere, combined with warm service and fast service, makes the venue one of the must-visit culinary stops along the road.

Aslanboğa Kokoreç

Aslanboğa Kokoreç is one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of kokoreç in Balıkesir. Open until late hours, it is a favorite spot for those who get hungry at night. The place is rustic but welcoming; the taste of kokoreç cooked over a wood fire has kept regulars coming back for years. In addition to kokoreç, they also offer snacks such as stuffed mussels and meatballs. Prices are reasonable, portions are filling. 

Çorbacı Sarı Kemal

One of Balıkesir's most famous soup restaurants. It serves from the early morning until late at night. Its tripe soup is particularly famous, served with garlic and vinegar. There are also varieties such as head soup and lentil soup. It's perfect for those coming out of a night out or looking for a hot soup early in the morning. Prices are reasonable, service is fast, and the atmosphere is simple. The name “Sarı Kemal” has become almost a symbol of soup culture in Balıkesir.

Susurluk Yasa Rest Area

Since 1995, Yasa has been synonymous with Susurluk, known especially for its ayran and toast. Çiğbörek is also among the menu's favorites. Today, it has branches not only in Susurluk but also in Akçay, Bursa, Balıkesir, and İzmir Alsancak. In addition to toast and ayran, you can find many products such as local cheeses, olive varieties, olive oils, legumes, and baked goods at its branches. If you wish, you can also order these delicacies online.

Düzdağ Tost

This is the place to go if you say you can't leave Susurluk without eating toast. What sets Düzdağ Tost apart is the ingredients they use. The bread is prepared daily, the sausage is sourced exclusively from a sausage producer, and Mihaliç cheese is the cheese of choice. The tomato paste is spread on top of the toast, not inside it. It is always served with a plate of sliced tomatoes and hot peppers. And of course, Susurluk ayran should also be on the table.

Adanalı Mazlum Usta

Then there's Adanalı Mazlum Usta, whose name is as legendary as his food. Finding Adana kebab in Susurluk may seem surprising at first, but regulars have been choosing this place for a long time. Thanks to the kebabs, cooked to perfection with plenty of spices, travel fatigue is instantly forgotten.

Çanakkale Food Stops

1. Zafer Cheese Halva Shop
2. Master Halva Maker Kadir

Zafer Peynir Helvacısı

Serving since 1950, Zafer Peynir Helvacısı is one of the first names that comes to mind when thinking of peynir helva in Çanakkale. You can enjoy the dessert at the venue or take it with you. It’s not just sweets—you can also satisfy your hunger with regional dishes.

Helvacı Kadir Usta

Kadir Usta presents Çanakkale’s famous dessert with a unique twist, especially standing out with baked peynir helva. This recipe blends traditional taste with a modern touch, making it a favorite for many. Here, you can find both classic peynir helva and variations enriched with different flavors.

Manisa Food Stops

1. Ceren Tur
2. Şen Brothers (Paçacı Ahmet)
3. Manisaspor Kebap House
4. Famous Köfteci Mustafa
5. Ali Baba Paper Köfte

Ceren Tur

A perfect stop for those seeking both delicious food and a peaceful atmosphere. Set amid greenery, the menu is prepared daily and fresh. Popular dishes include stewed beans, walnut mantı, olive oil chickpeas, and lamb casserole. Ending with a coffee break is a must. Their homemade sauces are also worth trying.

Şen Kardeşler (Paçacı Ahmet)

A special spot for those passing through Akhisar. The signature dish is chopped pide with kelle paça, cooked for 24 hours over a wood fire. Open from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM, it’s a must-visit for kelle paça lovers.

Manisaspor Kebapçısı

Located on the Manisa–Istanbul road, this restaurant has been serving Manisa Kebab with the same quality for years. Known for its yogurted and special sauce kebabs, the friendly service and delicious meals make it a great stop for travelers.

Meşhur Köfteci Mustafa

With nearly 40 years of history, this is one of Manisa’s classics. The meatballs are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Pair them with lentil soup, piyaz, and ayran. Finish with the baked, tahini-rich crispy pumpkin dessert for a perfect ending.

Ali Baba Kağıt Köfte

Famous in Manisa for its unforgettable köfte, Ali Baba wraps the meatballs in thin paper before baking. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, served with roasted peppers, tomatoes, and fresh bread—it’s a delightful dish. The venue is casual but cozy and welcoming.

Izmir's Culinary Stops

1. Orman Restaurant
2. Petek Skewered Meat
3. Kokoreççi Asım Usta
4. Cumhur Kaptan

Orman Restoran

Located roadside at the entrance to İzmir, Orman Restoran stands out not just for its dishes but also its fresh and tasty bread. The breakfast is rich and varied, with kavurmalı yumurta and balon ekmek being especially popular. A perfect stop for both a filling and enjoyable meal.

Petek Çöp Şiş

Right across from the Selçuk bus station, Petek Çöp Şiş is a famous but modest spot. Both the çöp şiş and the meatballs are highly appreciated. Served with salad, onions, and pickles, paired with ayran—this is a must-visit when in Selçuk.

Kokoreççi Asım Usta

Located in Çamdibi, İzmir, this is a must-stop for city travelers. Skewered kokoreç is always fresh and carefully prepared. Ideal for a quick, tasty, and filling sandwich stop.

Cumhur Kaptan

A must-visit seafood restaurant in Urla. With a seafront location, fresh seasonal fish is expertly prepared. A visually and gastronomically satisfying stop for travelers.

Aydın's Food Stops

1. Yoğurtçu Cavit
2. Mikado Pide
3. Sökeli Ali Baba Skewered Meat
4. Kasap Mehmet Zengin's Place

 Yoğurtçu Cavit

Operating since 1941 by the same family, Yoğurtçu Cavit carries the legacy of four generations. The star of breakfast is honey with clotted cream. Served with a glass of milk, the breakfast becomes a feast. A small but carefully prepared menu with fully natural products makes for a delightful morning.

Mikado Pide

Located in Bozdoğan, Mikado Pide offers a unique take on pide. Varieties include tahini with buffalo clotted cream, çökelek, cheese, or simply buffalo clotted cream. The secret lies in the carefully sourced clotted cream from Ziyaretli village.

Sökeli Ali Baba Çöp Şiş

Located on the Söke–Didim road, Ali Baba Çöp Şiş is a friendly family-run place. The skewers are served on a pan, keeping them hot. Accompanied by salad, tea, and sunflower seeds, it feels like home—a perfect short but delicious stop on the road.

Kasap Mehmet Zengin’in Yeri

A must-visit on the Aydın road, serving Çine köftesi and skewers for over 50 years. Paired with cold ayran, the skewers are so tasty you lose count.

Muğla Food Stops

Akçapınar Tostçusu

Serving 24/7 since 1920, Akçapınar Tostçusu is famous for its large sandwiches. Don’t forget a glass of ayran with your toast. There are other dishes too, but the sandwiches are the specialty.

Afyon Food Stops

Aşçı Bacaksız

Operating for 80 years, this small, cozy restaurant is one of Afyon’s most special addresses. Meals are prepared fresh daily and served until gone. Afyon kebab and clotted cream with kadayıf are the most popular. Its status as one of Turkey’s oldest restaurants makes it unique.

Antalya Food Stops

Volkan Şişçi Kadir’in Yeri

Located at Antalya’s fruit and vegetable market, this spot is a must for köfte and piyaz lovers. Skewered meatballs and tahini piyaz are famous even among visitors from outside the city. Vedat Milor’s visit increased its fame. A place where quality meat is treated right.

Samsun's Flavor Stops

1. Çarşamba Pideci Galip Usta
2. Mutlu Menemen

Çarşamba Pideci Galip Usta

In Çarşamba, Samsun, Galip Usta’s small, casual pide shop is famous, also recommended by Vedat Milör. Handmade pideler are baked over a wood fire, with crispy edges, generous toppings, and an irresistible aroma.

Mutlu Menemen

Open all day, Mutlu Menemen is known for its namesake dish. Popular among travelers, it also serves meatballs, chicken, chops, and saç tava.

Rize's Food Stops

1. Liman Restaurant
2. Sini Cafe
3. Lale Restaurant

Liman Lokantası

Founded in 1968 by Kemal Reyhanoğlu, Liman Lokantası has been carefully run for three generations. Dishes cooked over wood fires have a unique taste. Must-try dishes: lamb stew, beef stew, and stewed beans.

Sini Cafe

On the way to the Black Sea highlands, stop in Çamlıhemşin for a local breakfast and the famous muhlama. The warm, buttery, cheesy dish leaves a lasting impression.

Lale Restoran

In Çayeli, beans are soaked in milk before cooking, giving them unique softness and flavor. Finish the meal with baked rice pudding.

Bursa Food Stops

1. Bizim Ora Kokoreç
2. Uludağ Kebapçısı (Cemal & Cemil Usta)
3. Kayhan Köftecisi
4. Akay Çiğbörek

Bizim Ora Kokoreç

A family-run spot in Gemlik by the sea, Bizim Ora has been known for kokoreç since 1997. Hygienic and consistently tasty, a must-visit in Gemlik. Orders can also be shipped across Turkey.

Uludağ Kebapçısı (Cemal & Cemil Usta)

A symbol of Bursa since 1964, serving only İskender kebab. Secret: quality meat and butter made from buffalo and goat milk.

Kayhan Köftecisi

A tradition in Kayhan; meatballs served with desserts like kazandibi, chestnut candy, süt helva, or pumpkin dessert.

Akay Çiğbörek

Bursa’s oldest çiğbörek shop, offering six varieties: minced meat, cheese, pastırma, sausage, kaşar, and sweet. Tatar mantısı is also recommended.

Akhisar Food Stops

1. Yıldız Katmer
2. Uğur Katmer
3. Paçacı Önder
4. Paçacı Tayfun
5. Can Köfte
6. Şölen Kokoreç

Yıldız Katmer

Akhisar’s must-try dessert spot. Served hot and crispy with plenty of filling, sprinkled with sugar and pistachio loved by locals.

Uğur Katmer

Another katmer spot. Light but flavorful, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon sweet break.

Paçacı Önder

A great stop for a warming bowl of paça soup after a cold morning or night drive. Not too thick or too watery; garlic and vinegar available on the table. Clean and attentive service praised in reviews.

Paçacı Tayfun

A rival to Önder, known for a richer, more flavorful paça. Served with grilled bread, often busy at night.

Can Köfte

Famous in Akhisar. Meatballs are soft and juicy, served with piyaz and ayran. Highly praised for value for money.

Şölen Kokoreç

One of Akhisar’s known kokoreç spots. Fresh, crispy kokoreç in bread, seasoned to taste. Portions are generous, maintaining quality even late at night.