Turkey Culinary Guide: Karaman’s Dining Spots and Restaurants

Karaman is known for nurturing many significant figures like Yunus Emre, Mevlana, and Şeyh Edebali, and it boasts a rich culinary heritage.

In the traditional Karaman cuisine, where wheat, bulgur, legumes, and dry vegetables take center stage, items made from goat’s milk yogurt and cheese hold a special place.

Dishes like quince dolma and apricot musakka highlight the use of fruits in meat dishes, while lamb calla kebabı cooked in earthen pots, batırık made with fine bulgur, and quail dolma are among the beloved meals served during special occasions. Yet, there’s a unique mushroom from Karaman that I think captivates the taste buds in a way that is hard to describe.

The Domalan mushroom that grows in May is transformed into a decadent butter sauté that is best experienced rather than explained; if you ever find it, be sure to give it a try.

Having touched on some of Karaman’s favorite dishes, let’s explore the gastronomic spots that Karaman has to offer. Come along as we take a closer look at where to eat in Karaman.

Karaman’s Culinary Spots:

Zeyve Yörem Lokantası

If you’re visiting Karaman and you’re looking for a delicious village breakfast by a gently flowing stream, without a second thought, head to Zeyve Yörem Lokantası.

Setting traditional breakfast items aside, the standout dishes at Zeyve Yörem Lokantası include warm pastries from a stone oven and keş salad, both of which rank high on my list.

Address: Yaylapazarı Köyü, Ermenek, Karaman

Chef Börek

Once a social media sensation, at Chef Börek you can find various versions of the famed Adana pastry, including pastirma, minced meat, and spinach options, making it a favorite spot for those wanting to start their day with warm pastries.

If you’re not a fan of Adana pastry, the Bosnian pastries at Chef Börek are also excellent. There are several types, but I highly recommend trying the potato Bosnian pastry topped with yogurt sauce.

Address: 1. İstasyon Mahallesi, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Okulu Karşısı, Karaman merkez
Phone: 0338 213 80 00

Birtat Lokantası

If you’re among those who believe that the best way to get acquainted with a city’s cuisine is to explore its local eateries, then I recommend making Birtat Lokantası your first stop in Karaman.

Among the delicious offerings at Birtat Lokantası, you’ll find oven kebab and Calla (also known as güveç), which are two of the most famous dishes of Karaman.

If you want to savor the unforgettable flavors of Karaman’s cuisine, be sure to give Birtat Lokantası a chance.

Address: Tahsin Şanal Mahallesi, 27. Sokak, No: 13/B
Phone: 0338 213 18 53

Mim Lokantası

Mim Lokantası is among the top recommended places for a lunch in Karaman.

I suggest you try their lamb sauté and rice and beans.

If you want to enjoy the delightful flavors of Mim Lokantası, make sure to arrive before three in the afternoon, as it tends to get very crowded during lunch hours and the dishes run out quickly — just a heads-up.

Address: Tahsin Ünal Mahallesi, Şamkapı Caddesi, No:83, Merkez
Phone: 0338 213 26 86

Köşebaşı Yemek Evi

If you’re looking for delicious homemade dishes, you should definitely check out Köşebaşı Yemek Evi. Their baked beans and eggplant musaka are simply worth trying.

When visiting Köşebaşı, don’t forget to order a side of fragrant rice pilaf to accompany your meal.

Address: Külhan Mahallesi, İstasyon Caddesi, No:24, Merkez
Phone: 0338 213 28 16

Hanzade Etli Ekmek

For a meal featuring a generous lahmacun, various pide options, or the tastiest etli ekmek, Hanzade Etli Ekmek is the place to go.

While all of Hanzade’s baked goods are delicious, I recommend pairing the etli ekmek with a refreshing ayran.

Address: Koçakdede Mahallesi, Kendi Caddesi, No: 4 / C, Karaman Merkez
Phone: 0532 658 29 60

Hatıra Tantuni

At Hatıra Tantuni, you can find tantuni made with either meat or chicken, catering to all tastes.

Whether you go for bread-filled tantuni or stick with the classic meat dürüm tantuni, I recommend squeezing a bit of lemon on your meat tantuni dürüm.

Address: Tahsin Ünal Mahallesi, 1. Sokak, No:2, Karaman merkez
Phone: 0338 213 71 73

Şükret Köfte & Kokoreç

If you want a quick bite without skimping on flavor, give Şükret Köfte & Kokoreç a try.

While they do serve items like grilled meatballs or cheese meatballs in plate portions, my suggestion would be to try one of their bread options, especially the bread-filled meatball.

Address: Külhan Mahallesi, Kemal Kaynaş Caddesi, No: 64/B, Karaman merkez
Phone: 0554 160 70 66

Almila Restaurant

If you’re looking to enjoy a delightful evening with a finger-licking kebab and delicious mezes, make sure to visit Almila Restaurant in Karaman.

When dining at Almila, don’t forget to start with a crispy lahmacun and a frothy ayran as a beverage.

Address: Alişahane Mahallesi, 1. İstasyon Caddesi, Merkez
Phone: 0338 214 14 53

Özdiyar Burma Künefe Salonu

At Özdiyar Burma Künefe Salonu, you can find a variety of rich desserts from sesame-layered katmer to carrot slice baklava, pistachio kadayıf to sea snail sweets, making it one of the best spots for a sweet treat in Karaman.

If you’re someone who can’t resist sweets, be sure not to miss Özdiyar Burma Künefe Salonu when you visit Karaman.

Address: 1. İstasyon Caddesi, Karaman merkez
Phone: 0338 214 57 51

Gaziantep Sultana Künefe Katmer

At Gaziantep Sultana Künefe Katmer, you can find every type of sweet dessert, so prepare to lose yourself in their offerings.

The pistachio paşa künefe with cream and the classic baklava with Antep pistachio are among the most popular desserts at Gaziantep Sultana.

If you agree that sweet treats mean pistachios, then I strongly recommend trying the special künefe with pistachio paste topping. It’s an amazing flavor, but can be a bit heavy, so consider sharing it.

Address: Külhan Mahallesi
Phone: 0338 213 15 16

HB Waffle

Whether you desire a sandwich, a double-layered waffle, or a classic chocolate-strawberry delight, you can find a suitable waffle at HB for every taste.

For those who claim not to like waffles, HB Waffle also offers scrumptious chocolate desserts, but I believe resisting their waffles is quite a challenge. Be sure to try the one with plentiful nuts and popping candy-coated milk chocolate.

Address: Külhan Mahallesi, 1. İstasyon Caddesi, No: 28 / D
Phone: 0338 212 92 90