5 Best Cities in Turkey to Eat Mezze

A Taste of Togetherness in Every Bite

“The taste of a mackerel sandwich eaten on the Galata Bridge at dusk… is the taste of Istanbul itself.”

-Orhan Pamuk in his bestselling book Istanbul: Memories and the City.

If the taste of Istanbul is a mackerel sandwich, it’s fair to say the taste of Turkey is Mezze. These small, delicious and shared dishes bring people together to celebrate fabulous food. Across the country, Mezze offers a vivid glimpse into local ingredients and culinary history, shaped by regional influences. Wanderwell travellers know that food often tells the richest stories, and in Turkey, those stories unfold one small plate at a time.

Let’s dig into the origins and etiquette of Mezze food culture, the most common dishes and the 5 best cities to eat them. Check out our FAQs at the bottom for a glossary of food terms so you know what you’re eating.

What Is Mezze and Where Does It Come From

Mezze is not a single dish but a tapestry of small plates for sharing. Its history stretches across the Eastern Mediterranean, influenced by ancient trade routes and perfected during the Ottoman era. Over time, Turkish cooks have drawn on local produce and seafood to create an ever-evolving culinary tradition.

Whether in a restaurant or a private homes, Mezze usually marks the beginning of a leisurely meal. Balancing texture, temperature, and taste, the meal moves from lighter plates to richer ones. It typically begins with cool plates such as herbed yoghurt or tomato-based salads before moving toward warmer, more robust dishes like fried calamari or sautéed prawns. Rakı, Turkey’s traditional aniseed spirit, is a familiar presence at Mezze tables. Warning: it can be as potent as it is aromatic.

Sharing a series small dishes offers space to appreciate both the food and the company. Eating Mezze is a crash course in culture, local ingredients, and regional tastes. So, what are some of the common Mezze dishes?

The Most Common Mezze Dishes in Turkey

Across Turkey, Mezze brings variety to every meal. Cold plates such as hummus, cacık (cold yogurt soup or dip), and ezme (spicy tomato salad) showcase balance and freshness. Aubergine, however, remains the undisputed star of the table. Whether roasted, mashed, or charred, it adds depth and aroma to almost every selection.

Warm Mezze brings richness to the table. Dishes like stuffed mussels, prawns in butter and garlic, or tender courgette fritters highlight the diversity of Turkish kitchens. Many recipes change subtly from one region to another, reflecting the ingredients that define local markets and coastlines.

After sampling these favourites, it’s easy to notice how flavour changes with geography. Each region leaves its own mark on Mezze, influenced by climate, culture, and history. Let’s explore the five cities where these flavours shine brightest.

The 5 Best Cities in Turkey to Eat Mezze

Istanbul lies at the centre of Turkish culinary tradition, a city where global influences blend seamlessly. In its historic meyhanes, traditional Turkish taverns, especially in Karaköy and Kadıköy, Mezze feels timeless. Amidst the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, here you can find classics like lakerda, a cured bonito, and topik, a chickpea and tahini delicacy.

In the coastal city Izmir, Mezze reflects the freshness of the Aegean. The dishes are lighter, full of citrus and herbs, with favourites like fava and black-eyed pea salad defining the local palate. Foraged greens simply dressed in olive oil celebrate the simplicity and vibrancy of coastal produce. Every plate feels bright and full of energy, much like the city itself.

Further south, Antalya brings a distinctly Mediterranean flair. Olive oil and pomegranate dominate the flavours, giving life to dishes like girit ezmesi and roasted aubergine with yoghurt. Travelling east to Gaziantep, spice takes the lead, enriching plates of muhammara and yoghurt dips. Meanwhile, Bodrum offers a more refined experience, where seafood like sea beans and octopus cooked in wine captures the rhythm of coastal living. Each city tells its own culinary story, linked by a shared appreciation for freshness and balance.

The Enduring Allure of Mezze

Mezze is a reflection of how Turkey approaches food with patience and creativity. Across cities and coastlines, these small plates bring together the best of local produce and timeless recipes. They offer a glimpse into Turkish culture through flavour rather than formality, celebrating subtlety over excess. Mezze is a delicious spread that tells the story of a country through its ingredients, traditions, and sense of place. Enjoy!

Want to read more? The Sleepy Traveller: Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia. The Curious Traveller: What is a Whirling Dervish Ceremony? The Curious Traveller: 10 Fun Facts About Ephesus in Turkey. The Curious Traveller: The History of Cappadocia.

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