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You won't find many fancy restaurants in this region, but eastern Turkey is the place for smaller eateries offering flavorful local cuisine and welcoming patrons. Food in the Black Sea area relies on dishes made with plenty of butter, rich yellow cheese, corn flour, and fish, especially hamsi (Black Sea anchovies). Although meat
You won't find many fancy restaurants in this region, but eastern Turkey is the place for smaller eateries offering flavorful local cuisine and welcoming patrons. Food in the Black Sea area relies on dishes made with plenty of butter, rich yellow cheese, corn flour, and
You won't find many fancy restaurants in this region, but eastern Turkey is the place for smaller eateries offering flav
You won't find many fancy restaurants in this region, but eastern Turkey is the place for smaller eateries offering flavorful local cuisine and welcoming patrons. Food in the Black Sea area relies on dishes made with plenty of butter, rich yellow cheese, corn flour, and fish, especially hamsi (Black Sea anchovies). Although meat kebabs rule the rest of the east, most restaurants will also offer a variety of fresh salads and delicious vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil, along with stews and other ready-made hot dishes, which are usually meat-based. Gaziantep and (to a lesser extent) Mardin have become known as foodie destinations in their own right, where you can find regional specialities in more refined settings.
The word ocakbaşı means "by the hearth" and the emphasis here is on grilled meats: the usual kebabs, plus the Black Sea meatball specialty, akçaabat köfte. The kitchen also prepares some local stews, but usually only at lunchtime. Vegetarian options, including delicious fresh mezes, are also available.
This restaurant does exactly what its name suggests: serves up tasty döner kebabs, pide topped with the usual range of meat and cheese, and crispy lahmacun (baked dough topped with ground meat, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon). Try a mercimek (lentil) soup to start (ask for az porsiyon to get a small bowl).
One of Kars's better restaurants is set in an old Russian building, where old tiles blend with modern decor, and an open kitchen fills one end. The menu features a decent mix of Western, Turkish, and local dishes. It's a good option for travelers who fancy a change from Turkish cuisine, since you can opt for Italian or Russian instead. Their dumplings in garlic yogurt and roast goose dishes are particularly recommended. It can get pretty busy, so it's best to reserve ahead of time, especially on weekends.
The kebabs here are simple and tasty, and embroidered curtains, rust-color tablecloths, and waiters in shiny vests add a bit of atmosphere to the cave-like space. Try the ali nazik kebab (grilled meat served on a cheesy eggplant puree) or the ejder kebab, pieces of grilled meat, cheese, parsley, sesame, and egg yolk in a calzone-like wrapping.
Atatürk Cad. 276, Kars, Kars, Turkey
474-212–0056
Known For
Ali nazik kebab
Slightly more formal atmosphere than a lot of the casual spots
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