A Food Lover’s Guide to Fethiye: Discover Turkish Delights, Fresh Seafood, and International Flavors by the Coast

Fethiye, a beautiful coastal town in southwestern Turkey, offers a rich variety of food influenced by its Mediterranean location and Turkish heritage. Whether you're looking for traditional Turkish cuisine, fresh seafood, or international dishes, Fethiye has something to offer for every palate. Here are some of the key food varieties you can enjoy in Fethiye:

Turkish Cuisine

• Mezes (Appetizers): A variety of small dishes such as hummus, haydari (yogurt dip with garlic and herbs), acılı ezme (spicy tomato paste), and grilled eggplant dishes are common.
• Kebabs: Turkish kebabs, including shish kebabs, Adana kebabs (spicy minced meat), and döner (rotating roasted meat), are widely available.
• Pide: Often referred to as Turkish pizza, pide is a flatbread topped with various ingredients such as cheese, minced meat, or vegetables.
• Gözleme: A popular Turkish street food, gözleme is a savory pastry filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, or meat.

Seafood

• Fethiye, being on the coast, is famous for its fresh seafood. You can find various seafood dishes including grilled fish, calamari, prawns, and mussels. The local fish market (Balık Pazarı) is a great place to choose fresh seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.
• Levrek (Sea Bass): A popular local fish often served grilled or baked.
• Karides (Shrimp): Grilled or sautéed, shrimp dishes are often served with garlic and herbs.

Mediterranean Cuisine

• Fethiye’s location in the Mediterranean region means that dishes are often light and fresh, with ingredients like olive oil, lemons, herbs, and fresh vegetables playing a major role. Mediterranean salads with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives are popular.
• Zeytinyağlı Dishes: These are dishes cooked in olive oil, often served cold, such as green beans, artichokes, or stuffed grape leaves.

International Cuisine

• Due to Fethiye’s popularity as a tourist destination, you’ll find a variety of international restaurants offering Italian, Chinese, Indian, and British dishes, catering to the large number of visitors from around the world.
• Full English Breakfast: With many British expatriates living in Fethiye, there are also plenty of cafés offering traditional English breakfasts.

Desserts

• Baklava: A famous Turkish dessert made of layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup.
• Künefe: A traditional dessert made with shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup, often served warm.
• Lokma: Small fried dough balls soaked in syrup, a popular street food dessert.

Drinks

• Turkish Tea and Coffee: Served throughout the day, Turkish tea is a staple in Fethiye, often accompanied by a slice of lemon. Turkish coffee, strong and thick, is another popular choice.
• Rakı: An anise-flavored alcoholic drink, often paired with seafood or meze, is a traditional choice for those looking to experience the local culture.
• Fresh Juices: Thanks to the abundance of citrus fruits and pomegranates, freshly squeezed juices are readily available.

Fethiye has a diverse selection of restaurants catering to various tastes and preferences, from traditional Turkish eateries to international cuisine. Here’s a breakdown of the types of restaurants you’ll find in Fethiye:

Traditional Turkish Restaurants

• These restaurants offer authentic Turkish cuisine, including kebabs, mezes, and local specialties like gözleme and pide. Many of these places have a casual atmosphere with simple yet flavorful dishes.

Seafood Restaurants

• Due to Fethiye's coastal location, seafood restaurants are abundant, you can enjoy fresh catches of the day. Many of these restaurants are located near the marina or by the sea, offering beautiful views along with your meal.

Mediterranean and Aegean Cuisine Restaurants

• These restaurants focus on the fresh and healthy flavors typical of the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, with dishes featuring olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables. You’ll find a range of light and flavorful salads, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.

International Cuisine

• Fethiye is a popular destination for tourists, so there’s a wide range of international restaurants catering to various tastes. You’ll find Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and British food in different parts of the town.

Beachfront and Seaside Restaurants

• Many restaurants in Fethiye offer dining right by the sea, allowing you to enjoy your meal with a stunning view of the coast. These restaurants often serve a mix of Turkish and international dishes, with a focus on seafood. Çalış Beach area has several beachfront restaurants where you can dine watching the sunset over the beach.

Cafés and Bakeries

• There are plenty of small cafés and bakeries in Fethiye where you can enjoy a light meal, coffee, or dessert. These spots often serve pastries, simit (Turkish sesame bread), börek (filled pastries), and various sweets like baklava and Turkish delight.

Fine Dining Restaurants

• If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Fethiye also has fine dining restaurants that offer gourmet Turkish and international cuisine. These places often focus on quality ingredients, innovative presentations, and excellent service. There are high-end seafood restaurants offering luxury dining with premium dishes and wines. Restaurants in boutique hotels offer an intimate and elegant dining atmosphere too.

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

• While many traditional Turkish dishes naturally include vegetarian options (such as vegetable mezes, lentil soups, and salads), Fethiye also has a growing number of restaurants that specifically cater to vegetarians and vegans. These places often emphasize organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Street Food Stalls

• For a quick bite, Fethiye offers plenty of street food stalls and vendors selling delicious snacks like simit, roasted corn, döner wraps, and lahmacun These are a great way to sample local flavors on the go.

Fethiye’s food scene is vibrant and varied, with options for every type of eater, from traditional Turkish food lovers to those seeking international flavors. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal by the beach or a fine dining experience, Fethiye's restaurants have something to offer.