Eating & Drinking

Beautiful rooftop restaurant overlooking the harbour and town beach. As you would imagine they specialise in seafood but for the non-fish eaters there is a good choice too. I discovered this restaurant during my first holiday many years ago and I’ve been hooked even since. It is still run by the same friendly team and the food is as good as ever. It is part of my holiday tradition to go there on the first and last night just so I can get my fix of calamari and curry sauce which I think is the best in town but you decide for yourself. My other favourite is the Umberjack, a local meaty white fish – totally delicious. Fish Terrace is always busy so you might have to book but it is worth the wait. The waiters are really friendly and you will be greeted with smiling faces. Don’t be surprised if you hear Ramazan, one of the waiters say its ‘yummy for my tummy’ and ask you if you want ‘more medicine’. 

Sedat who runs this wonderful roof top restaurant is one of the top chefs in Kalkan. His food is incredibly tasty, have a modern touch with great Turkish influence. We have eaten most if his wonderful dishes, especially fish dishes are our favourite. He has such a great smile and he pays attention to all his customers and their needs. You will never come out of here with an empty stomach and definitely will leave with a huge smile on your face. This place is one of those you can’t stop visiting again and again.

Along with Fish Terrace which is situated upstairs, this is one of the oldest restaurants in Kalkan. It is one of my favourite places for a long lazy lunch although it is just as good at night. What more can you want – meze and chilled rose. You should also try the Black Sea lamb which looks like a giant Cornish pasty but it is much tastier.... apologies to any Cornish pasty lovers, try it and tell us what you think. Any questions just ask Yusuf who is never far away - if you have been to Kalkan before, it is always great to catch up with him for news and gossip and if you are a first timer to Kalkan his recommendations and advice are equally good. 

If you are staying in town this is quite a long walk but definitely worth the short cab ride as it is tucked away in Kalamar Bay. Here you will final Ali and his team on hand to look after you whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also don’t be surprised if Peanut his golden retriever and his other cats and dogs are quietly hanging out in the background as Ali is a real animal lover. Having worked in the old town for many years in both the beach club and restaurants Ali decided to set up his own place and lovingly restored an old building quickly turning it into a very popular and busy restaurant. As well as the traditional Turkish dishes they do a mean prawn curry and so may Trip Advisor reviews compliment the steak too, you know it must be good.

I am not sure why they call it Trio as you will only see the duo of Murat & Ali.....the other partner, the chef is preparing your dinner!  Another beautiful restaurant on the harbour front with great sofas in the bar area for pre or after dinner drinks. If you haven’t booked it is a great place to hang out until a table becomes available. Whilst sampling the extensive cocktail menu, sit back, relax and watch the world go by. For me this is the place for meat lovers and to enjoy a really good steak or for those that fancy fish you can pick your own from the counter. 

Managed by Ibo and supported by his brothers where you will always be welcomed with a hug and a big smile (and a silver foil rose if you’re lucky!). This popular open plan restaurant bar looks down on the harbour. In the evening you can dine under the stars and enjoy traditional and modern fusion cuisine or just relax with a drink in the big comfy sofas.  This is the perfect setting for a romantic meal or an evening amongst friends and family. It’s also a great venue for larger groups or a special occasion. Try the Umberjack with curry sauce or one of the chicken & fig dishes. You may even spot Pepper “Biber” (Nihat’s little dog) curled up in a corner.

Yet another lovely rooftop restaurant in one of the small streets heading down to the harbour. It can be found opposite Class Leather, the best leather bag shop in town. The Terrace is quite small and the restaurant gets busy so be sure to book a table in advance, it's so worth it - especially if you request the balcony which is a great spot to people watch. If Cemal from the eye shop below and Cafer the owner of Class Leather are outside their shops there will always be the sound of chatting and laughter below. The seabass and giant prawns as well as Chicken Hermes are my favourites but there is a varied menu to choose from including a good selection of meze, kebabs and the steaks come highly recommended too. 

Probably the best known and one of the longest established bars in Kalkan. As you walk into town from the taxi rank, you can’t fail to spot the tables and chairs that spill out on the cobbled street.  For those that have walked into town on a hot summers evening, it is quite often the first stop off before dinner. Muhitdin or the ‘gorgeous M’ as some of my girlfriends call him, is always there day and night – often into the early hours organizing his team to make sure no one’s drinks are forgotten. This bar attracts all ages and the locals too after a long day at work. For sports fans, this is the place to go and watch football and if in season often a rugby game too.  There is also a small dance floor inside but the hardcore dancers will be found in one of the small clubs that have recently been established like Chocolate or Karma. 

A new and very smart bar/club. There are sofas outside to relax in, a dance floor inside and a small rooftop bar that feels like the VIP area in a nightclub. If Mahsun isn’t multi-tasking serving drinks, laughing and chatting, you may well find him on the dance floor showing off his moves...and yes he can move! Great place to stop off on your way home – not that you’ll get home early – be prepared to dance the night away! 

Newly created bar and the masterpiece of Namik, hidden down a side street between Moonlight and The Whitehouse. There is nothing like it in Kalkan. You have to see it to believe it – a chill out zone in a garden amongst the olive trees, covered with plants, lanterns and hammocks. It’s hard to imagine the sea is just minutes away. There is an extensive cocktail menu, herb infused concoctions, as well as the usual selection of beers, soft drinks and spirits. One big tip for you… if you ever have an upset or too full tummy after enjoying the yummy Turkish food, go to Botanik and get advice from Namik – he is the plant doctor!

Well…you can’t leave Kalkan without visiting one of the trout farms dotted around Islamlar, Kalkan. There are several trout farm restaurants in the mountains with the views over the valley, however, we highly recommend Village Café & Restaurant, with their lovely staff, unbelievable fresh food and the variety is incredible.  You will wonder how they create such fresh food in such a short time and so much of it! It is placed just 6km from Kalkan centre, serving breakfast, lunch (trout!), grilled cheese, homemade bread, chips and the list goes on…If you want to escape from the heat during summer months, visit Village Café & Restaurant, and enjoy the cool air, great food and wonderful views.

While in Kalkan, you should not miss out on trying a well-known Turkish breakfast. Once you have a real Turkish breakfast, be aware that you will not need lunch! And the best place to have it is Adam’s place which is just outside of Kalkan, on the way towards Kas. If you call a taxi, you will be there in less than 10 minutes. Adam’s place is also famous with homemade offerings, from fish to meat, great menu to enjoy. For dinner, you can book in advance and Adam is happy to come and pick you up and drop you back, so you can enjoy a drink or two! – contact details: +90 (242) 844 32 32