Top 5 Luxury Restaurants in Ankara, Türkiye – Turkey
Discover Ankara’s top luxury dining experiences, each blending authentic Turkish flavors with international elegance. Here’s your guide to the finest restaurants in Turkey's capital, showcasing world-class cuisine, stunning interiors, and exclusive atmospheres.
Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, is a city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and a flourishing culinary scene. While Istanbul often captures the spotlight with its bustling food culture, Ankara has quietly been crafting its own unique blend of traditional Turkish flavors and international influences. For those looking to indulge in the very best that Ankara has to offer, here’s a look at the top five luxury restaurants in the city. These establishments go beyond the ordinary, transforming dining into an unforgettable experience with exquisite dishes, elegant settings, and impeccable service.
1. Fige Restaurant & Jazz House
Located in a beautiful historic building, Fige Restaurant & Jazz House offers a dining experience that combines refined Turkish cuisine with an intimate ambiance. Known for its dedication to high-quality ingredients and artful presentation, Fige is where luxury meets tradition.
The interior, with its soft lighting and warm, elegant decor, is perfect for a sophisticated evening. Fige’s menu is a tribute to Turkish flavors with modern twists, and the chef's attention to detail is apparent in each course. Signature dishes such as the lamb shoulder with apricot glaze and fig sauce represent the epitome of Turkish culinary artistry, merging traditional spices with modern culinary techniques.
One of the highlights of Fige is its live jazz performances, adding an enchanting soundtrack to your meal. This combination of fine dining and music creates a unique experience, making Fige more than just a restaurant – it’s an evening affair. The carefully curated wine list includes both Turkish and international labels, ideal for pairing with the thoughtfully crafted dishes.
2. Trilye Restaurant
If you're a seafood aficionado, Trilye is a must-visit. Known as Ankara’s premier seafood restaurant, Trilye combines the freshest ingredients with refined culinary techniques, making it a haven for luxury dining lovers. Trilye is set in a charming villa surrounded by a lush garden, offering an atmosphere of tranquility amidst the city's hustle.
The menu is extensive, featuring everything from fresh local catches to rare Mediterranean delicacies. Dishes like grilled sea bass and octopus carpaccio are complemented by the chef’s unique touches, ensuring that each bite is a memorable one. The emphasis at Trilye is not only on flavor but also on presentation, with each plate a work of art. For a taste of pure indulgence, try the king prawns with pomegranate molasses—a dish that epitomizes Trilye’s approach to sophisticated, seafood-focused cuisine.
Trilye is also renowned for its wine selection. With an expansive cellar of local and international labels, the restaurant offers expertly recommended pairings to elevate the seafood experience. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, the wine choices enhance the freshness and flavor of the food, making for an unforgettable meal.
3. Meyhane Fige
For those who want to experience an upscale version of the traditional Turkish “meyhane,” Meyhane Fige is the perfect choice. This luxurious take on the classic tavern scene offers an elevated approach to Turkish mezze and seafood in a setting that’s chic yet welcoming. The decor is a modern blend of Ottoman charm and contemporary elegance, and the ambiance is lively yet sophisticated.
Meyhane Fige is especially celebrated for its mezze platters, featuring small, shareable dishes that capture the essence of Turkish flavors. From yogurt-based dips and eggplant spreads to more adventurous fare like fish roe and octopus salad, each dish is prepared with the finest ingredients and plated beautifully. Diners can expect attentive service and a convivial atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a group celebration or a romantic night out.
The drink menu here is extensive, with a focus on premium raki (a traditional Turkish spirit) and a curated selection of wines. The staff is knowledgeable and can recommend the perfect drink to complement your meal. The highlight at Meyhane Fige is the grilled lamb kebabs, tender and seasoned with a unique blend of Turkish spices, creating a dish that feels both authentic and luxurious.
4. Zenger Paşa Konağı
For an unforgettable taste of Turkish history and luxury dining, Zenger Paşa Konağı is the epitome of a fine dining experience rooted in culture. Set in a 300-year-old Ottoman mansion, this restaurant transports guests back in time while treating them to an upscale culinary journey. The decor preserves the historic charm of the building with its antique furnishings, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork.
The menu at Zenger Paşa Konağı reflects the richness of Anatolian cuisine. Signature dishes include the kuzu tandır (slow-cooked lamb) and dolma (stuffed vegetables), each showcasing the chef's deep respect for Turkish culinary heritage. Traditional spices and cooking methods are elevated with a modern touch, creating flavors that are both familiar and innovative. Dining at Zenger Paşa Konağı feels like a journey through Turkey's culinary history, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant's wine selection is carefully chosen to complement the flavors of the dishes, offering a range of Turkish and international wines. The ambiance, historic setting, and expertly crafted dishes make Zenger Paşa Konağı one of Ankara’s top luxury dining destinations. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Turkish cuisine in an authentic, yet elevated, environment.
5. Nusr-Et Steakhouse Ankara
No list of luxury restaurants in Türkiye would be complete without mentioning Nusr-Et Steakhouse, founded by the world-renowned chef Nusret Gökçe, also known as “Salt Bae.” This location in Ankara offers an exclusive steakhouse experience for meat lovers who want the best of the best. The restaurant’s luxurious ambiance, attentive service, and theatrical presentations make dining here a true event.
Nusr-Et is famous for its top-quality meats, sourced from select suppliers and prepared with exceptional skill. The menu features a variety of beef cuts, from filet mignon to ribeye, each seasoned and cooked to perfection. Guests can expect show-stopping dishes, like the Tomahawk steak, which is carved tableside with the chef’s signature flourish of salt. Nusr-Et’s take on the “Ottoman Steak,” a decadent creation of aged beef, is a must-try for a truly indulgent experience.
Aside from the main courses, Nusr-Et’s menu includes luxurious sides like truffle mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms, along with a fine selection of wines and premium cocktails. For dessert, the baklava served with a dollop of clotted cream offers a sweet ending to an extraordinary meal. The unique combination of showmanship and culinary excellence makes Nusr-Et Steakhouse an unforgettable luxury dining destination in Ankara.
Ankara’s luxury dining scene is filled with surprises, from historic mansions and elegant seafood restaurants to Turkish meyhanes and world-famous steakhouses. These five establishments are not just places to eat; they are immersive experiences that showcase the best of Turkish cuisine, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re a resident of Ankara or a traveler looking to explore the capital’s finer side, these restaurants promise an unforgettable journey through the flavors and elegance of Türkiye.