Places to eat in Side
Side's culinary culture is heavily influenced by the cuisine of Antalya and the broader Mediterranean region. Olive oil-based dishes, vegetable dishes, salads, and sautéed greens are prominent. As a coastal town, it has a rich variety of fish and seafood.
Among the most famous dishes in Side is sac kavurma (a type of sautéed meat). You should definitely give it a try! Additionally, you can taste unique flavors like arapaşı (a traditional soup), vegetable kebabs, eggplant jam, sour orange jam, laba (a type of meat stew), and hibeş (a tahini-based dip).
Since Side is a tourist destination, it’s easy to find restaurants offering a variety of Turkish and international cuisine. From snacks like toast and gözleme (stuffed flatbread) to fast food, home-cooked meals, pides (Turkish flatbreads), kebabs, and even Chinese restaurants—there is something for every palate.
If you wish, you can enjoy a traditional Turkish experience of fish and rakı (anise-flavored spirit) by the sea, accompanied by a moonlit view. The diverse selection of olive oil-based mezes (appetizers) and seafood will complement your experience.
The Best Restaurants and Breakfast Spots in Side
Side, the jewel of the Mediterranean, is not only famous for its historical ruins and magnificent beaches but also for its delicious cuisine. During the summer, this area is a hotspot for vacationers, offering a variety of restaurants to cater to every taste. If you are in Side, don't miss out on a delightful breakfast with a sea view or a memorable dinner at these amazing spots.
Breakfast Spots, Side has a variety of spots for a peaceful breakfast that will rejuvenate your spirit before starting the day. Breakfasts filled with fresh and natural products from the Aegean region will give you an unforgettable vacation morning.
- Side Café: One of the most popular breakfast spots in Side, Side Café enriches your breakfast with fresh bread, cheese varieties, olives, and homemade jams. If you prefer local flavors and a breakfast with a sea view, this is the place for you. Recommended highly on TripAdvisor, it offers a serene morning atmosphere.
- Café 53: Known for its breakfast menu prepared with the freshest ingredients from the Aegean, this café is a great choice for those wanting a homey breakfast. Their pastries and bagels are also delicious, and there is an extensive coffee menu for coffee lovers.
Meyhane 43: If you're looking for a more diverse breakfast, the menu at Meyhane 43 is a must-try. It also offers snacks and meals throughout the day, making it one of the most popular spots in Side, known for its quality service.
Restaurants
Side’s restaurants offer both local flavors and international cuisine. Here are some of the region’s favorite spots:
Side Balıkçısı: If you love seafood, this restaurant is perfect for you. Known for its fresh fish and mezes, it offers a stunning view by the sea, creating a charming ambiance for dinner. TripAdvisor reviews often highlight the "excellent service" and "delicious flavors." It’s ideal for a more luxurious dining experience.
Antik Side Restaurant: Located near the historic Side Ancient City, this restaurant is famous for its beautiful views and rich menu. It mainly serves Aegean and Turkish cuisine, with mezes, fresh fish, and kebabs being popular choices. You can also enjoy a mesmerizing sunset by the shore during dinner.
Liman Restaurant: Situated in Side’s harbor area, this restaurant provides a peaceful dining experience. Known for its fresh seafood and tasty mezes, it’s a great spot for a dinner with a beautiful sea view. Many TripAdvisor reviews emphasize its "romantic seaside atmosphere."
Orfoz Restaurant: As one of the most popular restaurants in Side, Orfoz is famous for its fresh seafood and the refined flavors of Aegean cuisine. With its elegant interior, it’s a preferred spot for both locals and tourists seeking a pleasant dining experience.
Saray Restaurant: If you’re looking for traditional Turkish cuisine, Saray Restaurant is an excellent choice. It serves a variety of meat dishes and kebabs, and its mezes offer a wide range of flavors. If you love Turkish cuisine, you’ll have a memorable meal here.
Dessert and Beverage Spots
If you're looking for a sweet treat or a cup of coffee after your meal, there are several delightful dessert shops and cafés in Side. Here are some suggestions:
Dondurma 7/24: This ice cream shop is famous for its fresh fruit ice creams, which are rich and refreshing. It’s a great spot to cool down after a warm day.
Side Kahvesi: Perfect for lovers of Turkish coffee, this café is well-known for its local coffee varieties like Turkish coffee and menengiç coffee. You can pair your coffee with a sweet treat for a delightful experience.
Side offers an unforgettable culinary experience with its rich cuisine and wonderful restaurant options. Whether enjoying a seaside dinner or a breakfast with organic products, you can make every moment in Side delicious. Don't miss out on exploring these unique spots.
For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Side Hotels page.
FAQs
How can couples choose a hotel in Side?
Use Filters on this page to identify room and location priorities. Assess sea access, views and age policies together, then check room privacy, bed arrangements and proximity to shared areas in the property details.
How can I choose a sea-view room in Side?
Start with the Sea View option under Filters. A property overlooking the sea does not mean every room has the same outlook. Confirm direct or partial views, balcony access and your preferred room category alongside its photographs.
Where should families with children stay in Side?
First check acceptance for your child’s age, as policies differ between properties in the current list. Use the available options under Filters and obtain written confirmation of room capacity, extra beds, breakfast charges and pool conditions.
What should I look for in a romantic Side stay?
Narrow your preferences using the available facilities under Filters, distinguishing private balconies or terraces from shared spaces. For a celebration, clarify dining, room preparations and other requests, and confirm the minimum age directly with the property.
How can I choose a Side hotel for archaeological visits?
Identify your intended stops and compare the exact hotel address with your daily route. Use the available options under Filters for accommodation needs, and check entry conditions and visiting hours through the relevant official sources. Not every hotel listed in Side is in the historic centre.
What should I check when choosing a garden hotel or bungalow room in Side?
Review the available room and facility options under Filters. Confirm independent room use, whether outdoor space is private or shared, and ventilation. A room-type name alone does not guarantee a kitchen or complete seclusion.
How can I choose a Side hotel near the beach?
A sea view does not imply direct swimming access or a sandy beach within walking distance. Review location information through Filters and property details, then ask about the actual route, steps, platform or beach arrangements and any charges.
How should I assess private-beach access at a city hotel?
Start with relevant location options available under Filters. Confirm whether the beach is in front of the property or elsewhere, its transport arrangements, opening season and included sunbed services. Private-beach wording does not guarantee complimentary or continuous access for every room plan.
How can I find a Side stay with breakfast included?
Review available dining options under Filters and confirm breakfast is included in your chosen room rate. Discuss serving hours, charges for children and dietary needs in advance. Included services may vary between room plans.
How can I choose a Side hotel suite with a kitchen?
Identify your living-space and kitchen needs, then review available room options under Filters. Confirm a hob, fridge and utensils for your chosen room category, and separately ask about capacity, cleaning arrangements and breakfast coverage.
How can I find a Side hotel with a pool?
Narrow the list with the Outdoor Swimming Pool option under Filters. Confirm opening dates, daily hours and child policies. An outdoor pool listing does not imply heating or year-round use.
What should I check when choosing a room with a hot tub?
Use any relevant room option available under Filters, then verify the hot tub for your specific room category. Ask whether it is indoors or outdoors, its private-use conditions, privacy and additional charges. A property-wide facility may not apply to every room.
How can I research a stay with a pet in Side?
Use any relevant policy offered under Filters; do not assume acceptance where information is absent. Contact the property directly for animal type and size conditions, accepted rooms, shared-space rules and charges, and obtain written confirmation.
How can I choose a quiet room in Side?
Room orientation and proximity to restaurants, bars and shared spaces matter in a central location. After using Filters to find a suitable property, ask about sound insulation and events planned for your dates. A courtyard-facing room alone does not guarantee quiet.
What should I consider for a car-free stay in Side?
Compare the exact property address with your daily sightseeing, dining and beach plans. Review available location options under Filters, then check current public transport and pedestrian routes. A short map distance may still involve steps or slopes.
How can I find a Side hotel with parking?
Use a parking option under Filters if offered, then confirm whether parking is private or public and whether charges apply. Clarify vehicle access, luggage drop-off and the route to your room in advance rather than assuming a space is guaranteed.
How can I reach my Side hotel from the airport?
Plan travel to the exact property address using your ticketed terminal and arrival time. Start with available transport options under Filters, then confirm transfer coverage, total charges and the meeting point. An airport-proximity label does not guarantee a fixed journey time.
What should I check when choosing an all-inclusive hotel in Side?
Review available dining options under Filters and the property details. Obtain written confirmation of included meals, drinks, beach services and their operating hours. All-inclusive wording does not mean every service is unlimited and complimentary.
How can I choose an adults-only hotel in Side?
Review the child and adult policies available under Filters. Confirm the minimum age directly with the property for your dates. A romantic or quiet atmosphere alone does not indicate an adults-only policy.
How should I compare Side hotel prices?
Use Filters to identify suitable options and compare the total for the same dates, guest numbers and room category. Assess breakfast, parking, beach access, extra beds and cancellation terms together. Separately confirm charges for requests such as early check-in or late check-out.
