Van, Turkey, is shrouded in brilliant culinary history and unique eating places. Located on the eastern coast of Lake Van, this historical city offers beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, and a lot more. Whether you are a frequent traveller or a food lover, Van has much to offer, and its cuisine is as diverse as the region’s history. In this article, we will look at some of the best restaurants in Van, Turkey, where tradition and taste are combined to create the most exquisite dining experience. Let’s talk about some of the best restaurants in the city to take your palette on an adventure.
8 Famous Restaurants In Van
Van’s culinary scene truly represents the city’s past and the impact of various cultures on it. Here, you can taste genuine Turkish cuisine, dishes unique to the region, and contemporary interpretations of the classics. Now, look at some of the best restaurants in Van that you should not miss.
1. Kervansaray Restaurant
Situated in the central Van, Kervansaray Restaurant is perfect for those who prefer to taste genuine Turkish food. The atmosphere is rather homely, which means the place is ideal for relaxation after a long day of sightseeing. This restaurant is well known for its fast food delivery and friendly personnel, and the food served truly reflects the region’s cuisine. The house’s speciality is the Sacta Tava, a meat dish prepared on a flat iron plate and accompanied by fresh salads and homemade sweets. Whether you are a city resident or a tourist, Kervansaray guarantees you a meal that will make you go for more.
Location: Bahçıvan, Cumhuriyet Cd. 84/A D:1, 65130 İpekyolu/Van, Turkey
Timings: From 10 am to 11 pm
Must Try Dish: Sacta Tava
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2. Kuşhane
To get an authentic feel of Van cuisine, Kuşhane is the best place to visit. It is one of the top restaurants in Van Turkey. This restaurant is famous for its authentic cuisine, where the emphasis is made on the fact that all dishes are cooked according to old recipes. Here is one of the most delicious and filling vegetarian dishes called Van Üsülü Keledoş. The restaurant has a homely feel, and the staff is hot and welcoming, making the restaurant popular among the people. If you go to Van, Kuşhane is where you should taste.
Location: Hafizayi, Gölbaşı Sk. , 65300 İpekyolu/Van, Türkiye
Timings: 12 pm to 8 pm
Must Try Dishes: Van Usulü Keledoş, Keledoş Doğaba Helise
3. Urartu Han Van Kahvaltısı ve Yöresel Yemekler
Urartu Han is a must-visit for anyone who wants to taste traditional Turkish breakfast. This restaurant has a vibrant breakfast menu that is worth checking out. All the meals are made from scratch, and the service is excellent, which ensures you begin your day correctly. The Chef Plate is highly recommended; it has many types of flavours that are the best of Turkey. The restaurant has a historical feel, which is quite appealing and makes the dining experience unique.
Location: Bahçıvan, SGK YANI, Meçhul Asker Sk. no:11, 65100 İpekyolu/Van, Türkiye
Timings: Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 11 pm
Must Try Dish: Chef Plate
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4. Chakless Restaurant
Chakless Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in Van, and people can have breakfast and dinner there. This restaurant is renowned for its breakfast menu and evening barbeque; it offers a quiet and beautiful dining environment. The Sıcak Tabağı is a unique dish and more like a warm plate of food. The restaurant is well-staffed with friendly people, and the surroundings are clean with well-maintained facilities, making it appropriate to visit with friends or family.
Location: Hafizayi, Yöntem Koleji Yanı, 65150 İpekyolu / Van, Turkey
Timings: 9 am to 12 pm
Must-Try Dish: Hot Layer
5. Merkez Et Lokantası
Merkez Et Lokantası is a fine-dining restaurant well known for its delicious meat meals. Located on the second floor of a gas station, it offers a great dining experience with its tasty kebabs and lahmacuns. The service is fast and professional, and the personnel is very careful with the guests. If you are in Van and want to eat quality Turkish meat, you should visit the Merkez Et Lokantası restaurant.
Location: Alipaşa, 65200 Van Merkez/Van Turkey
Timings: From 8 in the morning up to 11 in the evening.
Must-Try Dish: Kebabs
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6. Bak hele bak Yusuf Konak Kahvalti ve Kultur Sarayi
Bak Hele Bak Yusuf Konak is the right address for those interested in authentic Van breakfast culture. This restaurant serves authentic Ayran Asi soup and many types of local cheese and honey. It has a friendly environment, and the main goal is to maintain the traditions of Van’s cuisine. The Yöresel Van Kahvaltısı Bak Hele Bak Yusuf Konak is a must-visit restaurant, and the food is delicious with a combination of flavours that will make you want more.
Location: Alipaşa, Semaver kavşağı Günay sit karşısı, Sk. No:37, 65170 İpekyolu/Van, Turkey
Timings: Monday to Friday from 7 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.
Must Try Dish: Regional Van Breakfast Bak Hele Bak Yusuf Konak
7. Matbah-ı Van
Matbah-ı Van is one of the most famous breakfast cafés in Van, where local people can taste the Van breakfast. The café has a range of 12 items on the menu, including cheeses, butter, jams, tahini, tandoori bread, olives, honey, and tea, which are served in plenty. The portions are large, and the ingredients are fresh, most of them sourced from the neighbouring villages. It is cosy, the copper plates are handmade, and the furniture and other items are traditional, making the atmosphere suitable for dining. Whether you choose the Van or Anatolian breakfast, you can taste the best Turkish cuisine.
Location: Bahçıvan, Türkoğlu 1. Sk. No:18, 65100 İpekyolu/Van, Türkiye
Timings: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
Must Try Dish: Turkish or Kurdish breakfast
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8. Aşiyan Ev Yemekleri
Aşiyan Ev Yemekleri is a home-style restaurant where you can find delicious Turkish food in a quiet environment. It is well-lit, and the people are friendly and always willing to meet your needs as soon as you arrive. The menu includes a wide range of dishes from Turkish cuisine, and among them, the most popular one is called içli köfte – the minced meat and stuffed vegetables. Another dish I recommend is the Kurdish köfte, which is not on the menu but a secret. This restaurant offers an actual Van experience and is perfect for people who want to eat homemade food.
Location: Kale Yolu Eski Emniyet Binası Arkası 65100 Van Merkez/Van Turkey
Timings: Monday through Friday from 8 in the morning to 9 in the evening.
Must Try Dish: İçli Köfte, Stuffed aubergines, and Manti
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Van is not only a city with stunning views and ancient architecture; it is a city of delicious food that has yet to be discovered. You will find everything from the most popular Turkish dishes to the most exotic ones in Van’s restaurants. So why not prepare for your next trip to Turkey and taste the great tastes hidden in Van?
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Cover Image Credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants In Van
When is the most appropriate time to visit restaurants in Van?
The best time to visit restaurants in Van is the spring and autumn seasons because the climate is favourable for outdoor dining.
Are Van's restaurants Vegetarian friendly?
Yes, there are many restaurants in Van which serve vegetarian foods and Kuşhane is one of the restaurants which is famous for its vegetarian foods like Van Üsülü Keledoş.
Is it possible to taste the traditional Turkish breakfast in Van?
Absolutely! Breakfast is a big thing in Van and Urartu Han and Bak Hele Bak Yusuf Konak are some of the best places to try it.
Are there takeaway services available in any of Van’s restaurants?
Yes, most restaurants in Van do offer take away services thus making it easier for those who wish to eat while on the move.
Do customers need to book a table at Van’s best restaurants?
Although it is not compulsory, it is advisable to make a reservation at the restaurants that are usually busy especially during the peak hours for dining.
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