Bodrum, one of the favorite summer holiday destinations, is not just about its sea, nature, and nightlife. It’s also a unique experience with its cuisine and famous restaurants. The region’s renowned olive oil dishes, seafood, and local specialties are the perfect answers to the question, what to eat in Bodrum. If you’re planning a holiday in Bodrum and wondering about the food in Bodrum, start reading now. And if you haven’t booked your flight yet, don’t miss the chance to fly with Corendon Airlines!
Bodrum Food and Dining Guide
Combining the blue of the Aegean with the warmth of the Mediterranean, Bodrum is not only an exceptional destination for a seaside getaway but also a culinary paradise. The rich and diverse Bodrum cuisine turns every meal into a feast, offering something delightful for every taste. We’ve gathered Bodrum’s must-try flavors, famous restaurants, hidden food spots, and gourmet experiences just for you. Let’s dive in!
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
One of the most delicate and flavorful dishes of Aegean cuisine, stuffed zucchini flowers, is among the first foods that come to mind when talking about Bodrum dishes. Prepared by filling zucchini flowers, picked early in the morning, with a lightly spiced rice mixture and cooking them in olive oil, this dish is a true summer delicacy. Especially when made fresh during the summer, its taste is unforgettable. You can savor this delightful dish at Akbalık Restaurant in Gündoğan, known for serving the best stuffed zucchini flowers in the area.
Bodrum Ravioli, Also Known as Bitez Ravioli
Unlike traditional ravioli, Bodrum ravioli, also called Bitez ravioli or crispy ravioli, stands out with its unique cooking method, shape, and presentation. Instead of being boiled like the classic version, Bitez ravioli is fried, giving it a distinctive crispness. It’s a perfect treat when you want to take a short break from your seaside adventures. For a delicious plate of crispy ravioli, Bağarası in Bitez is one of the best spots to visit.
Çökertme Kebab
If you’re wondering about eating out in Bodrum and looking for a hearty meat dish, the answer is Çökertme Kebab. This iconic Bodrum specialty is prepared with thinly sliced fried potatoes topped with strips of beef tenderloin and a rich yogurt sauce. Both flavorful and filling, this kebab can be savored at its best in places like Moya Brasserie in Eskiçeşme, Sünger Pizza in the center, Bodrum Müdavim on Bar Street, and Otantik Ocakbaşı on Atatürk Street.
Olive Oil Dishes and Aegean Greens
The light, refreshing, and healthy olive oil dishes and Aegean greens, staples of Aegean cuisine, are also at their finest in Bodrum. Artichokes, fried zucchini flowers, black-eyed peas, purslane, glasswort, and many more… Do you want to know where to eat olive oil dishes in Bodrum? Kocadon Restaurant and Nazik Ana Restaurant in the center, as well as Savra in Bitez, are some of the best spots to enjoy these flavorful and wholesome dishes.
Seafood Delights You Can’t Miss!
Sitting by the seaside in Bodrum and indulging in freshly caught seafood is an experience you shouldn’t skip. Dishes like grilled or stewed octopus, fried calamari, marinated sea bass, shrimp casserole, and stuffed mussels are some of the top favorites to savor in Bodrum. The fish restaurants around Gümüşlük, Yalıkavak, and Bodrum Marina excel in serving these delicacies. Don’t forget to add Gonca Balık in Torba, Atılay Balık in Türkbükü, Balıkçı İsmet in Bitez, Mandalya Restaurant in Güvercinlik, Orfox Restaurant in Kumbahçe, and Terzi Mustafa’nın Yeri in Gündoğan to your list for a memorable seafood feast.
Bitez Ice Cream
Now that you know where to eat in Bodrum, let’s talk about where to find the famous Bodrum ice cream! Here are our top picks: Gelato Pioppo in Yalıkavak, Türkbükü Dondurmacısı in Türkbükü, and Bodrum Dondurmacısı in Kumbahçe are beloved spots to cool off with delightful ice cream. Additionally, you can explore the local and boutique ice cream shops on Neyzen Tevfik Street in the Bodrum center or other neighborhoods for a sweet and refreshing treat.
Homemade Bodrum Jams
Homemade Bodrum jams are the crown jewel of breakfast tables. Thanks to the region’s sunny climate, locally grown fruits are transformed into flavorful jams, offering a nostalgic and natural treat. You can find these delightful jams at Bodrum’s local markets and artisan stalls, making them a perfect gift for loved ones. Among the most popular varieties are mandarin, bougainvillea, bitter orange, and fig jams. By picking your favorites from our Bodrum food guide, you can turn your vacation into an unforgettable feast. If you’d like to explore the culinary delights of another Aegean gem, check out the İzmir Food: What to Eat in İzmir now!
