Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in Turkey
Daily food budget: $8–$17 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$8
per person/day
Mid-range
$17
per person/day
Luxury
$37
per person/day
What Meals Cost
Doner kebab$2-4
Pide (Turkish pizza)$3-6
Meze platter for two$10-18
Rooftop dinner Istanbul$20-40
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Eat at lokantasi (cafeteria-style restaurants) for filling meals under $3.
Dining in Turkey
Eating well in Turkey doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.