What to Eat in Ilgaz

Ilgaz stands out not only for its natural beauty but also for its local cuisine. On my last trip, I decided to explore this beautiful mountain town and discovered some truly unforgettable flavors in the restaurants I visited.

First of all, I visited Yıldıztepe Cafe & Restaurant, located at the foot of Ilgaz Mountain, and I was mesmerized by both the view and the food. I especially recommend you to try the mixed breakfast. Fresh breads, olives, olives, cheese varieties and local breakfast dishes made for a perfect start. It was really peaceful to listen to the silence of nature while having breakfast in the mountain air.

Then I went to Lezzet Sofrası, a place that really does justice to traditional Turkish cuisine. If you like home cooking, you are in the right place. From soups to meat dishes, everything was really delicious. I especially recommend you to try the lamb tandoori and dried beans with meat. And definitely don't miss the homemade yogurt with it. 

I also visited Masal Garden Cafe Restaurant, which is a bit more modern, but the atmosphere is very nice. It is quite pleasant to sit in the garden and visit the cafe. I mostly tried their tea and desserts. Especially their cakes were delicious and I felt very relaxed with the hot tea I drank with them. You can take a sweet break here.

Of course, I did not miss Celal Ustanın Yeri. If you are looking for local flavors in Ilgaz, this place is a great choice. The sarma and lahmacun are worth a try.

Finally, I discovered Bereket Lokantası at the end of my trip. Especially the artichoke and vegetable dishes with olive oil are very light and healthy. If you are looking for a pleasant lunch after a walk in nature, this restaurant is ideal. The prices of the dishes are also quite affordable.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Ilgaz Hotels page.