5 Best Restaurants in Fethiye, The Turquoise Coast

Owned by a local butcher, this sophisticated waterfront spot serves up the high-quality, perfectly cooked steaks and chops that you’d expect, along with burgers, kebabs, and lighter options like mezes and salads, though the selection of non-meat mains is slim. There’s a full bar and a great view, especially at sunset.

Those who are tempted by Turkey's fish markets but have nowhere to cook for themselves can head to Fethiye's lively local market area. For a small charge, several casual restaurants will cook your purchase, adding mezes and salads. Non-fish eaters can buy steak instead on the same system. Everyone has their favorite spot: Hilmi and Öztoklu are both reliable choices.

A tranquil, stylish break from options in the sometimes tacky hustle and bustle of Fethiye’s bazaar area, Kukina serves up a distinctive (and delicious) international menu of dishes like falafel tacos, fried chicken burgers, and popcorn shrimp. Standbys like burgers and pizza are available, as are plenty of vegetarian options. The greenhouse-like courtyard and cheery, plant-filled interior are both comfortable places to linger over an afternoon coffee or a glass of wine.

This excellent, straightforward Turkish restaurant is on the western edge of the bazaar and favored by locals for its kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), and traditional casseroles. It's open all day, morphing from a breakfast joint in the morning to a family restaurant in the afternoon to the perfect place for a late-night snack at 3 am. The same owners also operate the somewhat more upscale Meğri Restaurant in the center of the bazaar.

In a backstreet garden, a stone's throw from the gauntlet of Fethiye's bazaar area, this restaurant has earned fans with its tranquil atmosphere and tasty dishes from eastern Turkey, particularly the Hatay region. Mains include belen tava (meat-and-vegetable casserole topped with cheese) and the Mozaik kebab with grilled chicken and lamb in a yogurt sauce. The chef sometimes takes a break from the kitchen to proudly place his creation on your table. The same owners operate Motif Restaurant along the Çalış Beach waterfront.  Call ahead to make a reservation in high season.