Altın Kapı

Established in 1978 as a humble meatball shop, Altın Kapı has evolved into an esteemed and elegant restaurant renowned for serving one of the best iskender kebabs in İzmir. The rich menu showcases a variety of grilled and pita options, including the famous inegöl meatballs.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/altinkapirestaurant

• Address:

  Alsancak, İrfan Boyuer Sokak, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 422 02 20

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–11pm

Deniz

With over 30 years of expertise, this unpretentious eatery has become a favourite, celebrated for its flavorful experience of seafood delights. The menu features fish, calamari, shrimp, octopus, and sardines, complemented by seasonal salads and local mezze, to be enjoyed in a relaxed setting a few steps from the Kordon promenade.

• Web:

  www.denizrestaurant.com.tr

• E-mail:

  rezervasyon@denizrestaurant.com.tr

• Address:

  Yenişakran, Yalı Caddesi, Aliağa/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 464 44 99

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9am–11:30pm, Sun 11am–midnight

Ristorante Pizzeria Venedik

Adorned in an old classic style featuring wooden booths, Venedik invites diners to indulge in a culinary journey reminiscent of an Italian trattoria. From pizzas and pasta dishes to irresistible desserts, Venedik captures the essence of Italian flavours. The carefully curated wine selection complements the experience.

• Web:

  www.pizzavenedik.com

• Address:

  Kültür, Alsancak - İzmir Gül Sokak, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 422 27 35

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11:30am–11pm

Topçu

Topçu is an authentic Turkish restaurant, offering diners traditional flavours with a menu featuring kebabs, lahmacun (Turkish pizza), soups, salads, and more. Be sure to come hungry as the portions here are quite generous.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/topcurestaurant

• Address:

  Akdeniz, Vali Kazım Dirik Caddesi, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 484 62 61

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–1:30am

Yengeç

If you are looking for a place to enjoy fresh local seafood, this is where to book a table. Yengeç serves a premium selection of fish and seafood that you will be able to choose from a buffet before you order your meal. Their meze is also delicious and will accompany your choice of seafood perfectly.

• Web:

  www.kordonyengecrestaurant.com

• Address:

  Atatürk Caddesi 314 Kordon, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 464 57 57

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–midnight

Bios

Bios is one of İzmir's favourite places for excellent live music and refreshing drinks. Enjoy an evening out with friends at this popular entertainment venue while you listen to great artists. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming events and performances.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/biosizmir

• Address:

  Alsancak, 1453 Sokak 18, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 530 575 23 96

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9pm–4am, Sun closed

Eko Pub

Eko is a laid-back pub offering a selection of draft beer, wines, and special cocktails, complemented by a menu featuring pizzas, burgers, and salads. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, it's an excellent spot to enjoy a beer and socialise, all at very decent prices, particularly noteworthy considering its prime location.

• Web:

  www.ekopub.org

• E-mail:

  info@ekopub.org

• Address:

  Kültür, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 421 44 59

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–2am

La Puerta

La Puerta is a lively and upbeat tavern located in Alsancak. It offers a decent variety of international dishes, plus craft beers and cocktails in a vintage and cosy setting with exposed brick walls. However, it's worth noting that the ambience comes at a price, making La Puerta a somewhat pricey option for those looking to enjoy its dynamic atmosphere and diverse menu.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/lapuertaizmir

• Address:

  Alsancak, 1469 Sokak, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 422 44 57

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri noon–1am, Sat & Sun 10am–1am

Oc Murphy's

Oc Murphy's is an absolute gem in the heart of İzmir. As you step inside this premium boutique bar, you’re instantly enveloped in a cosy and inviting atmosphere that exudes sophistication and warmth. Its impressive selection of over 100 whiskeys paired with knowledgeable and skilful bartenders results in delicious and expertly prepared cocktails, ensuring a memorable and refined drinking experience in İzmir.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/ocmurphys

• Address:

  Kültür, Talatpaşa Bulvarı, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 408 56 50

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 5pm–2am, Sun closed

Sirena

Situated on Kordon, the most famous street of Alsancak, Sirena is a lively beer garden offering a diverse selection of beers and tasty bar food. The atmosphere at Sirena is exceptional, with friendly staff, music that always fits the mood, and spot-on drinks.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/1976sirena

• Address:

  Atatürk Caddesi, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 539 747 36 22

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–1am, Sun 10am–midnight

Poka Coffee Roasters

Poka is a charming coffee shop offering a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, including vegan options, plus signature drinks and a selection of teas. To complement your beverage of choice, you'll find a delicious assortment of snacks and desserts. Despite the lively surroundings, this hidden gem offers a tranquil escape with its quiet and cosy ambience. And for those looking to recreate the magic at home, Poka also sells freshly roasted coffee beans.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/pokacoffee

• Address:

  Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 505 317 30 46

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7:45am–midnight

• More info:

  Other locations: Cemal Gürsel Caddesi 472, Bostanlı, Süvari Caddesi 27, Bornova

Reyhan

Reyhan, arguably İzmir's best patisserie, has delighted locals and tourist for over 50 years with its high-quality sweet treats, including cakes, handmade chocolates, and freshly baked pastries blending Turkish and French flavours. Located in a quiet street in Alsancak, this beloved spot is a must-visit for visitors, offering a charming setting to gather with friends and indulge in their famous pastries and cakes over a cup of coffee or tea.

• Web:

  www.reyhan.com.tr

• E-mail:

  reyhan@reyhan.com.tr

• Address:

  Kültür Mh, Doktor Mustafa Enver Bey Caddesi, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 700 19 65

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–midnight

Sevinç Pastanesi

An institution in İzmir, Sevinç Pastanesi is a timeless meeting spot cherished by locals for generations. Their traditional desserts — especially their famous meringue-based dessert called Pavlova — attract both locals and tourists alike. If the weather is nice, take a seat outside and watch the busy streets of İzmir.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/izmirinsevinci

• E-mail:

  info@sevincpastanesi.com.tr

• Address:

  Ali Çetinkaya Bulvarı, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 232 421 75 90

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–midnight

Şükrü Bey'in Yeri

Şükrü Bey'in Yeri, situated in the heart of Kızlarağası Hani, is a traditional Turkish coffee house renowned for its unique claim to fame – the first Turkish coffee boiled directly in the cup. A popular stop along the extensive paths through the Kemeraltı Bazaar, the café not only offers Turkish coffee but also provides tea, lemonades, and fruit-flavoured Turkish delights.

• Address:

  Şükrü Bey'in Yeri, 906 Sokak, Konak/İzmir

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–9pm

Yaşam Vegan Cafe

Yaşam is a quaint little vegan spot offering a diverse (and tasty) menu featuring plant-based versions of traditional Turkish delights like falafel, doners, and kebabs. Here, you also get all the stuff you usually miss out on at non-vegan places like mayo, sauces, and desserts — there is no excuse now to miss out on local specialities.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/yasamvegancafe

• E-mail:

  kafeyasam@gmail.com

• Address:

  Alsancak, 1484 Sokak, Konak/İzmir

• Phone:

  +90 534 033 03 72

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat noon–9:30pm, Sun & Mon closed