5 Best Restaurants in Kas, The Turquoise Coast

Located next to a 19th-century Ottoman house at the edge of the harbor, Smiley's has been an open secret among Turquoise Coast yachters since 1987. Relax in the fresh air beneath vines, flags, and fishing nets, and enjoy a reasonably priced and generously portioned meal of some of the best kebabs and seafood in Kaş, as well as some of its friendliest service. Try the Greek-style grilled calamari and brightly flavorful mezes (the reasonably priced mixed-meze plate is a good deal; make sure the roasted eggplant in garlicky yogurt is included). Head downstairs to see the restored Lycian cistern.

A casual but stylish courtyard restaurant serving delightful Turkish dishes in a quiet garden setting, Bahçe is just opposite the 4th-century-BC Lycian sarcophagus known as the King's Tomb. The starters are very famous—especially tasty options are grated carrot with yogurt, mashed walnut, cold spinach, fish balls, and arnavut ciğeri (fried liver prepared with chopped nuts). The same family runs a restaurant opposite (Demeti by Bahçe Balık) that has lots of fresh seafood on offer.

Fresh, creative mezes and salads are accompanied by a warm welcome, a good list of high-quality Turkish wines, and a bird’s-eye view over Kaş’s lively central square at this laidback restaurant on a small upstairs terrace. The vegetarian-friendly menu includes culinary combinations you won’t find elsewhere, like börek (savory pastry) stuffed with three kinds of mushrooms, mackerel with fresh ginger, and artichoke with almonds.

Müpptela means "addicted," and, after one visit to this excellent ocakbaşı (grillhouse), you'll understand why the name fits. The mezes are excellent, and there is a wide variety of hot appetizers and grilled meat and kebab dishes. Friendly, warm service in a sultry outdoor setting on the edge of old Kaş is a final (and big) plus.

Set in a tree-shaded garden just back from the harbor, Oburus Momus specializes in vegetarian and vegan dishes—from samosas and nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) to eggplant Parmesan and a black-bean burger—with excellent flavors and international flair. It’s a chilled-out place to have a meal or to linger over a cocktail, a smoothie, or a cup of masala chai.