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Best Food in Konya (2026)
Begin your culinary journey at the historic Εifa Restaurant (Mevlana Cd. No:12, Karatay), a local institution serving authentic Konya cuisine since 1959. Try their signature etliβ¦ π½οΈ Where to Start
Begin your culinary journey at the historic Εifa Restaurant (Mevlana Cd. No:12, Karatay), a local institution serving authentic Konya cuisine since 1959. Try their signature etli ekmek (a long, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat) for around 80 TL. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
π₯ Must-Try Local Dishes
Konya is famous for tirit, a hearty dish of shredded bread soaked in lamb broth and topped with meat, and bamya (okra stew). For a unique taste, head to KΓΆΕk Restaurant (AlΓ’eddin Cd. No:1, SelΓ§uklu) and order their tirit for 90 TL. Don't miss the Konya usulΓΌ mantΔ± (tiny dumplings with yogurt and garlic) at MantΔ± Evi (Sultan Selim Cd. No:15, Meram).
π₯© Best Kebab Spots
For the iconic Konya kebab, visit Somer Sef'in Lezzet DuraΔΔ± (Δ°stanbul Cd. No:45, SelΓ§uklu), where the tender lamb is cooked over wood fire and served with pide and grilled vegetables. A portion costs around 120 TL. Another excellent choice is Tarihi Γatal KebabΔ± (Mevlana Cd. No:78, Karatay), open since 1923, offering a unique double-skewer kebab for 110 TL.
π₯ Street Food Finds
Grab a quick bite from the street vendors near Mevlana Square, where you can find piyaz (white bean salad with tahini) for 30 TL and fresh simit (sesame bread rings) for 10 TL. For a sweet treat, try the Konya-style hΓΆΕmerim (a semolina dessert with cheese) at the stalls along AlΓ’eddin Hill. Prices are negotiable, but most items cost between 15 and 40 TL.
π° Desserts and Bakeries
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Εekerci Cafer Erol (Mevlana Cd. No:50, Karatay), a historic confectionery known for its Konya cevizli sucuΔu (walnut sausage) and lokum (Turkish delight). A box of mixed treats starts at 80 TL. For baklava, visit BaklavacΔ± HacΔ±baba (Δ°stanbul Cd. No:22, SelΓ§uklu), where a portion of pistachio baklava costs 60 TL.
π₯€ Traditional Drinks
Pair your meal with ΕΔ±ra (non-alcoholic grape juice) or ayran (salted yogurt drink), both widely available at restaurants. For a unique experience, try the hot salep (orchid root drink) at Tarihi Εifa Γay BahΓ§esi (Mevlana Cd. No:5, Karatay) during winter months. A glass costs 25 TL. You can also sample Konya's famous tarhana soup at most lokantas (eateries) for 40 TL.
ποΈ Food Markets to Visit
Explore the Konya Bazaar (Kapu Camii YanΔ±, Karatay) for local specialties like dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The market is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For fresh produce and street food, visit the Meram Market (Meram Cd., Meram) on Saturdays, where you can sample homemade cheeses and olives. Bargaining is expected, so start at half the asking price.
π‘ Dining Tips for 2026
Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants like KΓΆΕk and Somer Sef, especially during weekends and holidays. Most eateries accept credit cards, but carry cash for street vendors. Tipping is customary: 10-15% at sit-down restaurants. Note that many restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM), so plan your meals accordingly.
honestly this guide is solid, especially the mention of somer sef - their kebab really is that good. one thing i'd add is that the tirit at lokanta dede, a tiny spot behind the iplikΓ§i mosque in karatay, is even better than kΓΆΕk's imo. it's like 70 tl and they load it with way more lamb, plus the bread soaks up the broth perfectly. also for a quick breakfast, grab a konya usulΓΌ yaΔlama from the stalls near alΓ’eddin hill in the morning - it's basically layered flatbread with butter and eggs, costs like 25 tl and beats any sit-down place for that early meal
I appreciate the thoroughness of this guide, it really covers the classics. One thing I would add is that the bamya (okra stew) at KΓΆΕk is actually better in the winter months when they use dried okra from the EreΔli region, it has a much deeper flavor than the fresh stuff. Also, if you are near the Mevlana Museum around 5 PM, the simit vendors by the tram stop sell off their remaining stock for half price, usually around 5 TL each.
The guide covers the main spots well. I would add that the best etli ekmek I have had is actually at a small place called HacΔ± ΕΓΌkrΓΌ in the Meram district, a bit off the tourist path. Their dough is thinner and crispier than what you get at Εifa. Also, if you are around during Ramadan, do not miss the iftar pidesi from the bakeries near the Mevlana Museum around sunset, it is a different experience entirely.
Konya neighborhood recs for next month?
ngl if u wanna be close to everything but not in the thick of tourist crowds check out the area around alaaddin tepesi instead of direct mevlana zone. the hill itself is nice for evening walks and there's solid pide places on the side streets near the alaaddin camii. tram stops are right there so getting to mevlana is like 5 mins and the food spots around the kapu camii area are way more chill than the main drag. plus rooms in that pocket tend to run a bit cheaper like 500-650 lira
Merkez is your best bet, specifically around the Mevlana area. You'll be walking distance to the museum and the old bazaar, and the tram line runs right through there for getting to Alaaddin Hill or the Selimiye Mosque. For food, skip the tourist spots right on Mevlana Caddesi and head a few streets over toward the Kapu Camii area for better lokanta and kebab places that aren't marked up. A room in a boutique hotel near the Mevlana park will run you maybe 600-800 lira a night depending on the season.
honestly merkez is the obvious choice like the other person said but if u want something a bit quieter with good food too try the selcuklu side near the kule site shopping center area. there's a bunch of family-run kebab places along feritpasa caddesi that are cheaper and just as good as the tourist zone spots. plus the tram still connects u to mevlana in like 10 mins and u get to see the modern side of the city a bit