The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Kalkan Old Town
Handpicked by Discerning Collection – For Views, Flavour and Evenings to Remember
Where mesmerising views, Mediterranean flavours and moonlit dinners converge, Kalkan Old Town feels almost impossibly alluring. A cobbled labyrinth of whitewashed houses trailing bright bougainvillaea, it tumbles gently towards the water, revealing at every turn a glimpse of the glittering bay. High above it all, a myriad of elegant rooftop restaurants distil the very essence of Mediterranean dining: vibrant plates, laid-back elegance and the sort of views you’ll replay in your mind long after the last glass is savoured.
At Discerning Collection, we pride ourselves on unearthing experiences that linger. These ten rooftop favourites are the places our guests often return to—where the food is as magnificent as the setting, the hospitality of the restaurateurs is genuinely heartfelt, and every dinner feels like a special celebration. Whether your tastes lean towards flame-grilled drama or Persian comfort, fine Turkish wine or a perfectly balanced cocktail, each promises atmosphere, flavour and a touch of romance in equal measure.
Antioch – Modern Anatolian Cuisine with a Creative Spirit
Poised above the Old Town, Antioch fuses contemporary cool with the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality. Sleek decor and a gentle soundtrack create a mood that feels effortlessly inviting. The kitchen offers a contemporary take on some of the most celebrated dishes from Gaziantep—a major city in south-central Turkey, historically known as Aintab—renowned across the country for its vibrant, richly spiced cuisine.
Signature Dish
Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops, flame-grilled and served with honey mustard glaze, tangy cherry sauce and seasonal vegetables—a clever combination of textures and flavours.
Why We Love It
Inventive without being fussy, Antioch feels like a secret worth sharing. The service is knowledgeable, the food consistently excellent, and the mood relaxed yet refined. For a fresh take on Anatolian cooking, it’s a must.
Baharat – Live-Fire Grilling & Classic Turkish Favourites
Baharat is that rare combination of street energy and rooftop refinement. Family-run and effortlessly welcoming, it hums with an infectious warmth that keeps diners returning year after year. The terrace itself is softly illuminated, with distant harbour views and just enough breeze to persuade you to linger over a final glass.
Signature Dish
Chateaubriand and Tomahawk Steak—flambéed tableside in a theatrical flourish of garlic, rosemary, brandy butter and leaping flames. Part performance, part supper, it delivers a smoky aroma and tender, beautifully seasoned meat that’s impossible to forget.
Why We Love It
Baharat strikes a perfect chord between lively and laid-back—ideal for a celebratory supper that still feels unpretentious. And if you can, save room for the homemade San Sebastian cheesecake, a caramelised, cloud-soft finale to a meal that already brims with generosity.
Eski Ev (The Old House) – Historic Dining with a Contemporary Twist
Housed within a beautifully restored Ottoman building that once served as the old trading house in Kalkan, Eski Ev feels quietly special. Formerly known simply as “The Old House,” it remains a place where authentic Turkish hospitality is woven into every detail, from the natural stonework and timber beams to the glowing lanterns that light the rooftop terrace.
Signature Dish
Flaming Marble Steak—a generous fillet seared tableside on a blazing-hot slab of marble. The beef arrives exquisitely tender, perfectly seasoned, and brimming with theatre, creating a moment that feels both unpretentious and unforgettable.
Why We Love It
There is a warmth at Eski Ev that feels instantly genuine. Chef Masuk and his team balance professionalism with an easy charm, ensuring guests feel looked after from the moment they arrive. The terrace is perhaps the most romantic dining spot in town, and the combination of heritage, heart and remarkable food is irresistible.
Kalamaki – Refined Flavours and Serene Sea Views
Kalamaki is one of Kalkan’s most established and respected dining destinations—an absolute classic and much-loved favourite with a loyal following. It always promises fine Mediterranean cuisine in an effortlessly elegant setting. The rooftop terrace feels like a tranquil escape above the Old Town, while the new stylish interior dining room offers a special space for private events.
Signature Dish
Persian Chicken, marinated in pomegranate, grape syrup and warming spices—a dish layered with sweet, savoury and aromatic notes that linger long after the last forkful.
Why We Love It
Owners Hakan and Hilmi are consummate hosts, combining genuine warmth with impeccable attention to detail. Their carefully curated wine cellar is among the finest in Kalkan, with Turkish and international bottles selected to complement every dish. For special evenings when only the best will do, Kalamaki always delivers.
Korsan Fish Terrace – One of Kalkan’s Most Iconic Dining Experiences
Perched above the ever-popular Korsan Meze, Korsan Fish Terrace is nothing short of a Kalkan institution. One of the very first restaurants ever established in the village, it has long been owned by the esteemed Bilgutay family and is today run with genuine warmth and care by Claire, Uluc and their sons Patrick and Oliver. Over the years, Korsan has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best and most loved dining spots in Kalkan—a place where generations of guests return season after season.
With its front-line position overlooking the harbour, this is also one of Kalkan’s most photogenic terraces. Crisp white linen, soft lamplight, and the gentle murmur of the boats below create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and effortlessly elegant.
Signature Dish
Levrek Lokum ve Pirzola—a celebration of sea bass medallions, tender tail fillets and butterflied king prawns, all brushed with chilli butter to add just the right degree of heat. For those who prefer something different, Korsan’s “not-so-fishy” menu offers a carefully curated selection of meat dishes and vegetarian options that are every bit as satisfying.
Why We Love It
Korsan Fish Terrace embodies everything that makes Kalkan special: long-established hospitality, front-row sea views and a menu that never disappoints. It is effortlessly welcoming, beautifully run, and unfailingly memorable—an essential experience whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for your twentieth summer.
Lal Restaurant – Elegant Turkish-Mediterranean Cuisine
Lal Restaurant is a must for those in search of an authentic yet elevated Turkish dining experience. Spanning multiple tiers—including a softly lit rooftop terrace with wide sea vistas—its atmosphere is as appealing as the menu itself.
Signature Dish
Pistachio-Crusted Lamb, perfectly cooked racks coated in crushed nuts that lend a pleasingly crisp texture and rich, earthy depth. Also not to be missed are the sultan meatballs, slow-cooked and delicately spiced, and the sea bass balls—a lighter take on local seafood with plenty of character.
Why We Love It
The tiered layout creates intimate nooks, whether you’re tucked away mid-level or taking in the upper terrace panorama. With a warm welcome and polished service, Lal celebrates the best of traditional Turkish cooking with a contemporary sensibility—a natural choice for romantic dinners and relaxed gatherings alike.
Luna Restaurant – Turkish Fine Dining & Cocktails
Luna Restaurant & Bar is an elegant, multi-level haven with an air of relaxed sophistication. From its elevated perch above the bay, the views are nothing short of mesmerising—particularly from the rooftop terrace, where warm evenings seem made for lingering. Whether you prefer the al fresco buzz or the shelter of the stylish indoor space, Luna offers an atmosphere of considered ease. The cocktails here are as well-crafted as the menu—think classic spritzes alongside distinctive house creations.
Signature Dish
Walnut Lamb—slow-cooked until meltingly tender, the lamb arrives cloaked in a subtly spiced walnut sauce that manages to be both earthy and refined. The combination of textures—soft meat and gently crushed nuts—makes for a dish that lingers long after the last bite.
Why We Love It
Luna encapsulates what we seek in modern Kalkan dining: beautiful views, a polished yet relaxed mood, and food that speaks of place. The warm service and thoughtfully curated plates ensure that whether you drop in for sundowners and meze or stay for a slow supper, you’ll leave planning your return.
Mey Terrace – Cocktails, Meze and Sunset Views
If your evening calls for a perfectly mixed cocktail and a view of the sun sinking into the bay, Mey Terrace is your answer. This chic, multi-level space balances vibrant energy with laid-back sophistication, inviting you to stay for just one more round.
Signature Dish
Walnut Lamb, slow-cooked in a pomegranate and walnut sauce—rich, tender and best paired with a chilled rosé or an inventive house cocktail.
Why We Love It
Mey has mastered that elusive blend of upbeat and unhurried. With superb meze, clever drinks and an irresistible terrace, it is as suited to relaxed dates as it is to lively gatherings with friends.
Mina Art Café & Restaurant – Persian-Turkish Home Cooking
Tucked away on a quiet Old Town lane, Mina Art Café feels like the home of an old friend with a flair for cooking. Run with real passion, it blends Persian and Turkish family recipes with a slow, unhurried approach that is balm for the soul.
Signature Dish
Saffron Chicken with Barberries—gently spiced, fragrant and golden, served with buttery rice and the bright tang of dried barberries. Comforting yet elegant, it’s a dish that encapsulates Mina’s understated charm.
Why We Love It
With just a handful of tables, booking is essential. After your meal, browse the treasure trove of handpicked ceramics, textiles and jewellery—Mina is as much an experience as it is a meal, and one you’ll want to return to.
Sade Restaurant – Premium Steakhouse with a Relaxed Edge
Sade is everything you could ask for in a steak night: great cuts, a laid-back mood, and a central rooftop spot perfect for people-watching. The soundtrack is spot-on, the service unfailingly warm, and the atmosphere delightfully unforced.
Signature Dish
Peppercorn Fillet Steak—seared to perfection, served with crisp potatoes, fresh salad, and a robust pepper sauce that elevates rather than overpowers.
Why We Love It
There’s no pretension here—just superb food, a welcoming team, and a setting that feels instantly familiar. For evenings when only a great steak will do, Sade remains our first choice.
