Must-Try Foods In Perge Ancient City (Antalya) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Perge Ancient City, Antalya, Turkey

The ancient city of Perge, located near Antalya in Turkey, has a rich history dating back to around 1500 BC. Perge was a significant city of ancient Pamphylia and later under the Romans. The culinary journey in this region blends the richness of Mediterranean cuisine with the influences of various civilizations that passed or settled in the area, including Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Turkish cuisine, as a whole, is renowned for its diverse flavors and ingredients, with an emphasis on grains, vegetables, fruits, and a variety of meats, except pork due to religious dietary laws in Islam. However, herbs, spices, olive oil, and seafood were staples in ancient diets and continue to be important in the local cuisine of modern-day Antalya.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Perge Ancient City, Antalya, Turkey

• Mezze Platter (Veg) - A selection of small appetizer dishes, often including hummus, baba ganoush, and stuffed vine leaves.
• Gozleme (Veg/Non-Veg) - A traditional savory Turkish flatbread and pastry dish, often filled with spinach, feta cheese, or minced meat.
• Şakşuka (Veg) - A delightful meze made from sautéed vegetables drowned in fresh tomato sauce and sometimes served with yogurt.
• Fresh Seafood (Non-Veg) - With the Mediterranean Sea close by, the area offers an abundance of fresh seafood, simply grilled or seasoned with herbs.
• Tavuk Şiş (Non-Veg) - Skewered and grilled chicken pieces, often marinated in local spices and herbs.
• Mercimek Köftesi (Veg) - Delicious lentil balls flavored with herbs, which are a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Pide (Veg/Non-Veg) - A boat-shaped Turkish pizza, topped with a variety of ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, or sucuk (Turkish sausage).
• İmam Bayıldı (Veg) - A classic Turkish dish of eggplants stuffed with onions, garlic and tomatoes cooked in olive oil.
• Yaprak Sarma (Veg) - Vine leaves wrapped around a filling typically made from rice, pine nuts, and aromatic herbs.
• Künefe (Veg) - A sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup, topped with clotted cream and pistachios, perfect finish to a meal.

Top Famous Restaurants in Perge Ancient City, Antalya, Turkey

1. Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant
   Address: Karanlık Sokak, No: 18 Kaleiçi, Antalya
   Famous Food: Modern Mediterranean Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg)
2. 7 Mehmet
   Address: Atatürk Kültür Parkı İçi, Meltem Mh., Antalya
   Famous Food: Traditional Turkish Dishes (Veg/Non-Veg)
3. Vanilla Lounge
   Address: Hesapçı Sokak, No: 14 Kaleiçi, Antalya
   Famous Food: International Cuisine with Turkish twist (Veg/Non-Veg)
4. Il Vicino Pizzeria
   Address: Kılınçarslan Mh., Hesapçı Sk. No: 61, Antalya
   Famous Food: Pizzas and Pastas (Veg/Non-Veg)
5. Kaşıkla
   Address: Şarampol Cad. No: 49, Antalya
   Famous Food: Izgara Kuzu Şiş (Grilled Lamb Skewers) (Non-Veg)

While Perge itself doesn't have its own restaurants due to being an ancient archaeological site, the surrounding city of Antalya offers a vast array of dining options where both regional and international cuisines can be enjoyed.