A guide to the best restaurants in Bitez

Beach views at Lemon Tree

On the seafront next to the small Yali Mosque, this popular place with both an inside dining area and outside terrace with ocean views offers a blend of traditional Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy complimentary balloon bread, olives and cheese as you await your main course and finish it all off with a cup of freshly made apple tea.

Local specialities at Black Cat

Located one street back from the beach front, this playful restaurant is decorated with pictures of cats snapped by children on Turkey holidays of yesteryear. Black Cat serves traditional Turkish food, freshly prepared every day. Catering to vegetarians and meat lovers alike, try the tzatziki, pitta bread and cheese stuffed mushrooms or the perfectly grilled sea bass.

Homecooked delights at Bitez Mantici

This unassuming, alcohol free, family-run restaurant in the middle of Bitez offers some of the best home-cooked Turkish dishes in the area. Try the freshly made manti, a Turkish ravioli dish served with yoghurt sauce, or the gozleme savoury pancakes, accompanied with a glass of ice-cold cola.

Beautiful views at May Flower Restaurant

The May Flower offers a wonderful blend of Turkish and international fare with impressive views of Bitez bay and the neighbouring island of Kos from the roof terrace. You’ll find a range of traditional kebabs, mezze and salads but for something special try the chef’s special chateaubriand, a large steak for two, carved and served at your table.

Chinese in Turkey at Salmakis Restaurant

Enjoying a beachside location, if you fancy a change from Turkish cuisine, head to Salamakis for a taste of the orient. Tuck into an authentic bowl of chicken and sweetcorn soup or a delicious plate of crispy duck as the staff attend to your every need.

Italian flair at Chef and Wine Bistro

Relax in the pretty courtyard adorned with flowers and potted plants as you browse the interesting wine list featuring both local and international collections. Small, cosy and unique to the area, the chef cures his own meat for several weeks and offers suberb 28-day-aged steaks. For an unforgettable finish, try the homemade cheesecake with raspberry sauce.

Manuela Restaurant

Delivering a mix of Turkish and European cuisine with breathtaking views across the sea, choose from local or international wines, Turkish pizzas, fresh fish and succulent steaks. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment in The Temple Bar downstairs, where the establishment regularly hosts salsa nights complete with a live Cuban band and free dance lessons.

Fresh seafood at Blanca Restaurant

As with most restaurants along the beach front, the extensive Turkish menu at Blanca is accompanied by all the British favourites, including Sunday lunches and full English breakfasts. For a taste of the sea, tuck into a mixed seafood plate or freshly-caught lobster, or go traditional and order a testi keba*, slow-cooked meat and vegetable casserole, served in a clay pot over a flame.

Chic dining at Marko Pasa

Towards the quieter end of Bitez, tucked behind the main beach promenade, you’ll find this contemporary-looking restaurant offering a mixture of Turkish, international and fresh seafood. The traditional mezze are presented beautifully on crisp white plates which match the clean, chic interior bursting with natural light.

Fresh and local at Gravilya Cafe and Restaurant

A little off the beaten path, this quaint restaurant is set amid a mandarin tree grove with its own small swimming pool and play area. Mismatched wooden furniture adorns the cute tree-lined garden terrace and the cosy interior makes you feel at home. Try the beautiful homemade carrot soup, fresh lentil salads, Turkish manti, bulgur kofte and sour dough bread.