Top 4 Places to Eat in Gaziantep

Written by Sebastien Simon, Javier Garcia
08/08/2025
Aerial view of Rumkale Fortress surrounded by the Euphrates River in Gaziantep, Turkey.
Elles Bielitschi, Pexels

Gaziantep's culinary landscape is a delightful journey through traditional flavors, celebrated globally for its authentic dishes and sweet treats.

1. İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava Salonu

Cuisine: Traditional Gaziantep Kebabs and Baklava

Stepping into İmam Çağdaş, one feels the lively atmosphere of a historic establishment that has perfected the art of Gaziantep cuisine for generations. The Ali Nazik kebab, with its smoky eggplant puree topped with tender lamb, is a signature dish not to be missed. Beyond savory, their baklava is renowned; the layers are incredibly thin, filled with vibrant green pistachios, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. It is a fantastic place for a fulfilling meal followed by an essential sweet ending.

Price: Estimated 200-400 TRY (6-12 USD) per person for a main meal, baklava 38 TRY (1.18 USD) for a small plate.

Getting There: Located near the Gaziantep Castle and Elmaci Bazaar, it is easily walkable from the city center's main historical areas.

2. Kebapçı Halil Usta

Cuisine: Specialty Lamb Kebabs (Küşleme)

Kebapçı Halil Usta is a local institution, constantly drawing queues for its exceptional charcoal-grilled lamb and chicken kebabs. The Küşleme, a prized cut of lamb fillet, is a must-try here, incredibly tender and flavorful. They often offer complimentary lahmacun and salad, a warm touch to the dining experience. The focus here is entirely on the quality of the meat, delivering a truly authentic kebab feast.

Price: Estimated 150-350 TRY (5-11 USD) per person.

Getting There: While the neighborhood may not be as vibrant as the city center, it is still accessible by a short taxi ride from most central locations.

3. Metanet Lokantası

Cuisine: Traditional Gaziantep Breakfast (Beyran Soup)

For a truly local start to the day, Metanet Lokantası is the place for Beyran soup. This robust and spicy lamb soup, cooked with rice and plenty of garlic, is a unique breakfast tradition in Gaziantep. It is served steaming hot in individual portions, offering a comforting and energizing meal. The rich broth and tender lamb create a memorable taste.

Price: Estimated 100-200 TRY (3-6 USD) per person.

Getting There: It is located centrally and can be reached by walking from many key areas in Gaziantep.

4. Koçak Baklava

Cuisine: Baklava and Traditional Turkish Desserts

Koçak Baklava stands out for its masterful execution of classic baklava. The pastry is remarkably thin, almost silky, perfectly complemented by the quality of the pistachios and the balanced sweetness of the syrup. It offers a pristine environment and quick service, making it an excellent stop to indulge in Gaziantep’s most famous sweet. Trying their classic pistachio baklava is an essential experience.

Price: Estimated 50-150 TRY (1.50-5 USD) per person for a dessert portion, depending on selection and quantity.

Getting There: Conveniently located within Gaziantep, it is easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from the main commercial areas.

Check out our other pages on Gaziantep

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