Three courses, one city: Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Antalya

If you’re likely to leave your hotel buffet’s fresh fruit platter entirely undisturbed during your Turkey trip, track down a Pikan Firin. A small chain of bakeries sprinkled across Antalya that makes an ideal brunch or breakfast pit stop. There’s even one in the best shopping mall in Antalya. Artisan sourdoughs, crisp and chewy cookies and biscotti that just has to go with one of Pikan’s coffees. Sit in for omelettes if you like to keep your breakfast traditional – or opt for all manner of interesting goodies on toast.   

Orbzii tip: Our pick of Pikan’s locations is the bakery on Old Lara Street. Yes, the outside seating is nice, but the park just a two minute walk away is ideal brunch picnic territory. That’s if you can keep away from the glorious coastline a brief trot away in the other direction. 

Dropping by a bakery is all well and good, but some days you really do just want a feast fit for a (perhaps slightly gluttonous) king. On those days, lush surroundings matter too. This is the moment you step into the waffle-scented oasis at Luna Garden. Al fresco, reassuringly plant-strewn and bustling, it’s a popular spot for Antalya residents to fuel up in. Excellent, strong, Turkish coffee is served with candyfloss. Dashing all hopes of leaving with your blood sugar levels intact. The croissants are flakey, the juices and smoothies are on point and the waffles? Almost compulsory. 

Orbzii tip: Brush up on your Turkish or have a sturdy translation app in your pocket to do some of the heavy lifting. Few, if any, staff speak English, but don’t let that deter you. Pointing at virtually any menu item will secure a good meal. 

Some of the best food served in Antalya is accidentally vegan. But there are times when, no matter your dietary leanings, you want to be really sure you’re eating vegan, organic, lactose or gluten free. If that’s you – or not to be honest – skip along to Vegan House. Where the sign outside leaves you in no doubt. Vegan. Organic. Gluten Free. Simple, but effective, much like the menu. Expect vegan burgers, homemade falafel and an ever–changing selection of vegan bakes. If that all sounds a little ‘meh’, don’t worry. Yes, you’ve eaten more felafel than you dare tally – but not THESE falafel served with the house speciality creamy cashew sauce. All homemade. All vegan. And all you’ll want to do is dip EVERYTHING in that sauce. 

Orbzii tip: Open from 10 – 7pm weekdays, this restaurant is shut on Sundays and Saturday openings are few and far between. Schedule this for a midweek meal and have a food container to hand to takeaway one, two or more pieces of cake.  

This fine dining spot in Antalya’s Old Town is everything you’d expect from a world class restaurant. Vanilla Lounge’s chic decor and delicately dressed plates tip you off to what’s in store. And that’s simply flavour-packed food from a chef skilled in matching classic ingredients and adding a modern twist. Happily, the wine and cocktail menu maintain the high standards. And, at this point, you may start to harbour concerns about the impact on your wallet. Fear not, for the standards at Vanilla, prices are more than reasonable. Meaning a return visit isn’t out of the question if you’re debating between the short rib or seafood pasta dish. Absolutely deserves its place among the best restaurants in Antalya. 

Orbzii tip: Dine indoors to experience the best of Vanilla – but don’t miss a pre – or post dinner cocktail in the equally charming garden.