Selçuk’s Top 5 Foodie Spots: Eat Like a Local!

Selçuk, just a little way from the spectacular Ephesus, has a very deep history, it seems. But let’s talk about something almost as captivating: the grub! You see, escaping the usual tourist traps to sample local cuisine might be just a bit like uncovering a region’s best-kept secrets, you know? If you’re visiting Selçuk and wanting a truly authentic food experience, very well, this is totally for you, really.

Forget the overly priced spots targeting tourists; this is about proper eating like the locals do, in their favorite hangouts. Ready? Here’s the breakdown of some must-try joints and food experiences that’ll leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. Read our full review: Selçuk Food Market Full Review and Details

1. Ayasuluk Restaurant: A Taste of Tradition

Ayasuluk Restaurant seems to be just a bit of a local fixture, it seems, offering traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. You get pretty amazing views overlooking Selçuk and the surrounding countryside, I think. So, the ambiance makes dining here just that much more special. Very similar to how a cozy blanket does on a cold day, you know?

One could very easily consider the pottery kebab (Testi Kebabı) as being just a bit of a star on their menu, it is almost, you know? This is a flavorful dish slow-cooked in a clay pot. I want to say it’s just so flavorful, very much melting in your mouth kinda thing, arguably. Another standout tends to be the stuffed squash blossoms. It sounds a bit out there, yet they burst with freshness. Actually, they make your tastebuds jump with joy. The herbs, a bit, anyway.

Expect the prices to be moderately higher in contrast to what you will find in other local eateries, though in a way the quality and atmosphere arguably make it worth the spend, I believe. Basically, it is just a bit of a delightful place to settle if one likes sitting somewhere with a panoramic view, you see. And, to eat food slowly, I mean, to savor every morsel very deliberately. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ayasuluk Restaurant)

2. Ottoman Turkish Cuisine: Step Back in Time

Stepping into Ottoman Turkish Cuisine is in a way like stepping into a mini time machine, it almost seems, you see? The food isn’t just food; it’s in some respects history on a plate. Prepared according to traditional Ottoman recipes, it seems.

So, their slow-cooked lamb dishes are particularly notable. They’re typically melt-in-your-mouth, you see. This kind of restaurant tends to pride itself very much on authenticity. That tends to attract both tourists and locals. Just very keen to get a taste of royal food. Basically, It is a spot, truly, you could consider for an eating experience a bit special. Read our full review: Ottoman Turkish Cuisine Full Review and Details

Plus, the building itself kinda helps in that department. The decor, or very least what the space looks like. That may provide the feel and aura like an ancient, like your old house. You can imagine having a tasty meal at your grandma’s. And after that you can just fall asleep. Because you’ll be that full of satisfaction. This spot tends to offer an environment rich with just a bit of history. The building’s design elements, you see. Actually, It tends to be very rich with tales from the past. The waiters and chefs really like talking about it. They will have good knowledge with all you may inquire with. And so, will provide a better learning curve of the land. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ottoman Cuisine)

3. Boomerang Cafe & Restaurant: A Modern Oasis

In contrast to strictly conventional places, Boomerang is very much your perfect little cafe for just a bit of a modern twist, as a matter of fact. Basically, Their international menu kind of serves almost every palette, arguably. Still, expect to just find good Turkish plates there, as well. They’ve pretty much made it their own, which tends to be good. Anyway, It has become pretty popular, mainly with tourists. Especially with Aussies, due to its name. Read our full review: Boomerang Cafe Full Review and Details

You may find just about anything here, from pasta dishes, from snacks and smoothies to heavy meats. What they mostly pride themselves for are, probably, the vegetarian options on the menu. Usually not too common to have proper vegetarian dishes offered within regular restaurants in Turkey, you see. They made a real good job including alternatives to cater a good % of crowds.

It has been a spot known for their great coffee and tea. A little further known, their relaxing terrace which is great when the temperature during summer skyrockets. You tend to find quite a few tourists here during any time of the day, just hanging around. I feel the very friendly service tends to make it more unique than most places in Selçuk. The employees just treat everyone very nicely. I bet this really contributes to its popularity among international tourists in town. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Boomerang Cafe)

4. Selçuk Friday Market: A Feast for the Senses

I mean, to properly experience Selçuk, I would suggest taking the time and energy to just wander in the very famous Selçuk Friday Market, very actually. And in fact, This tends to be when the town explodes with vivid colors and aromas. That make it the perfect place to nibble through local grub, or whatever seems to be just a bit unknown.

The local produce really is fresh. Everything is really good quality, it tends to seem, as a matter of fact, I mean. It is just ideal to snack on the go, too. The market may provide very much insight on regional tastes and products. Such as the freshly baked bread. Or pastries filled with local ingredients. You want something very fulfilling, or something a bit quick, basically that can always be satisfied. Read our full review: Selçuk Friday Market Full Review and Details

And actually the vendors, just know how to grab your attention with samples and chatter. So, If you’re unsure on something, do inquire. Because that will usually have a very happy outcome, more or less. And actually make it an educating, fun adventure. This really happens with friendly people who really enjoy just showing the food. So, Try all of them and let yourself be a tiny connoisseur and discover everything yourself. This just has a special energy, and is very much worth the wander. You might even try something unexpected. You see all locals hanging in there, as well, basically that’s where and how the local people buy goods weekly. In contrast with modern, conventional ways such as going to supermarkets or malls. This kinda is how it goes and that’s that. That’s the way Turkish people shop. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Friday Market)

5. Şırdancı Dayı’nın Yeri: The King of Street Food

Okay, now that’s a good street food adventure, very surely! This place, actually, basically is where locals who like grub often come to, alright. You know that is gonna have just great tastes, as I was saying. Anyway, The location seems to specialize in “Şırdan”. I think that is why the restaurant may be a bit famous in the surrounding towns, as well, actually.

So, the Şırdan itself seems to be a dish derived of lamb or sheep stomach, filled in some respects with rice, I believe. Then it is slowly cooked, you see. At first I guess you are a bit frightened of tasting such type of thing. But let me say once that actually bursts with tastes that only make the foodie in you more happy. In fact, the rice is usually blended with various spices. That is the true art of mastering local spices, in some respects. And then, It seems it gives such a powerful kick once one chews into it. I am being straight up with you guys here!

I almost bet if you do give this location a try, actually you’re going to basically love that specific bite of local culinary experience, that is! As a matter of fact, Don’t let yourself get pushed off by such a random local dish! Especially if the inhabitants rate it very much worthy! Let yourself try one of Turkey’s best eating adventures out there in the streets. You will probably find yourself just a tiny bit wanting to stay some extra weeks so that you can continue. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Şırdancı Dayı)

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (More Selçuk Restaurants)