The culinary delights in Izmir are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. Located on the coast, the city is known for its fresh seafood like grilled fish, calamari, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Kumru, a local sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread and filled with sucuk or cheese, is a must-try street food. Also popular are meze, which are small plates of appetizers like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil).
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Izmir is around $34 (₺1357) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $86. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Izmir are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $24
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Cuisine of Izmir is a reflection of its multicultural history, especially of Mediterranean influences. There are plenty of seafood dishes including items like shrimp, crab, scallops, and squid. These are often served in the form of mezes, or a selection of small dishes served to accompany alcoholic drinks, usually at the beginning of multi-course meals. Other meze dishes include a mashed eggplant called Mutabbal or Babaghanoush, hummus, falafel, halloumi cheese, souvlaki, yogurt, flatbread, tzatziki, calamari, and many more. There is also a rich selection of fresh vegetables, plenty of cheeses, and a variety of fruits like plums, apricots, pomegranates, pears, apples, grapes, and figs. Generally, ingredients in Turkish cooking include lamb, beef, rice, fish, eggplants, green peppers, onions, garlic, lentils, beans, zucchinis, and tomatoes. Olive oil is also a staple. As far as local specialties go, boyoz (usually plain) and lokma (deep fried and soaked in syrup or honey) are pastries associated with Izmir.
When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Izmir, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class for $248 details