
Best Budget Eats in Balıkesir, Turkey
1. Balık Ekmek Karaköy
Famous sandwich shop serving fresh grilled fish on a crusty loaf. Enjoy the sea breeze while dining by the water.
- Affordable Price: One of the best-value meals in Balıkesir, costing around 5 TL.
- Quick Service: Perfect for a quick bite or snack when you're on the go.
- Authentic Experience: A traditional Balıkesir specialty that's popular among locals and visitors alike.
2. Simitci Zeki Usta
Legendary simit baker serving these iconic Turkish bagels since the 1960s. Fresh and delicious, a must-try for breakfast.
- Inexpensive Snack: An affordable treat costing less than 2 TL.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Handmade simits with a secret family recipe.
- Quick and Convenient: Pick up your simit on-the-go from one of the many street carts.
3. Karabağlar Lokantası
Cozy restaurant known for its generous portions of delicious Turkish dishes. A great option for a hearty and affordable meal.
- Reasonable Prices: Meal costs between 15-20 TL, providing excellent value.
- Homemade Taste: Made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection.
- Wide Variety: Offers a range of dishes, catering to all tastes.
4. Çiğ Köfte Salonu
Unique experience making your own raw meatballs, mixed with bulgur and seasonings. A tasty and budget-friendly lunch option.
- Interactive Experience: You get to shape the köfte yourself before they're cooked.
- Healthy Option: A lighter meal choice, perfect for those watching their diet.
- Popular Local Spot: A favorite among both locals and visitors.
5. Şarköy Dönerci
Famous döner kebab house in Şarköy serving huge portions at an unbeatable price. A must-try when visiting Balıkesir.
- Huge Portions: Enough to share or have for multiple meals.
- Authentic Turkish Cuisine: The döner is cooked on a vertical spit, just like in Istanbul.
- Budget-Friendly: A full meal costing less than 10 TL.
6. Balıkesir Pide Salonu
Traditional pide bakery serving delicious, fluffy, and crispy pides with various toppings. A filling and affordable meal option.
- Wide Selection: A variety of toppings catering to all tastes.
- Reasonable Prices: Pide costs around 10 TL, serving two people easily.
- Authentic Experience: Tasting a Balıkesir-style pide is a must when in the region.
7. Gezelik Meyhanesi
Cozy meyhane serving traditional Turkish dishes and drinks. A great spot for an affordable and enjoyable meal.
- Reasonable Prices: A meal costing between 20-30 TL.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Traditional decor and warm, welcoming service.
- Tasty Rakı Selection: A great place to sample various rakı options.
8. Balıkesir Lokantası
Family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of affordable Turkish dishes. Ideal for those traveling with children.
- Kid-Friendly Environment: Children's menu and high chairs available.
- Affordable Prices: Meals costing around 15 TL per person.
- Wide Variety: A menu catering to all ages and dietary preferences.
9. Şarköy Kadayıf Salonu
Famous kadayıf bakery in Şarköy serving delicious and fluffy sweet pastry. A must-try dessert when visiting Balıkesir.
- Affordable Dessert: A small portion costing less than 5 TL.
- Authentic Turkish Pastry: Traditional kadayıf made with thin vermicelli noodles and syrup.
- Perfect for a Sweet Treat: Ideal as a dessert or afternoon snack.
10. Balıkesir Hamuri Salonu
Seafood restaurant serving fresh and delicious fish dishes. A great option for those looking to sample local seafood.
- Fresh Seafood: Daily catches ensure the freshest seafood available.
- Reasonable Prices: Meals costing between 20-30 TL per person.
- Authentic Turkish Cuisine: Traditional recipes using local Balıkesir ingredients.
11. Balıkesir Tarhana Sofrası
Restaurant specializing in tarhana soup, a traditional Turkish dish made from fermented rice and vegetables. A hearty and affordable meal option.
- Authentic Turkish Dish: A favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Reasonable Prices: A meal costing around 10 TL per person.
- Nutritious and Warming: Perfect for cooler weather or when you're feeling under the weather.
12. Balıkesir Kebap Salonu
Popular kebab house serving various types of doner and shish kebabs. A budget-friendly meal option for meat lovers.
- Budget-Friendly: Meals costing around 10 TL.
- Wide Selection: Various kebab options to choose from.
- Quick Service: Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal on-the-go.
13. Balıkesir Piyaz Salonu
Restaurant specializing in piyaz, a cold bean and yogurt dish. A refreshing and budget-friendly meal option.
- Cool and Refreshing: Perfect for hot summer days.
- Affordable Price: A meal costing around 5 TL per person.
- Traditional Turkish Dish: A unique and tasty dish to try when in Balıkesir.
14. Balıkesir Tatlı Salonu
Sweet shop offering a variety of traditional Turkish desserts. A great option for those with a sweet tooth.
- Affordable Desserts: Desserts costing around 5 TL.
- Wide Selection: A variety of desserts to choose from.
- Traditional Turkish Sweets: Experience the taste of traditional Balıkesir sweets.
15. Balıkesir Köfte Salonu
Restaurant specializing in köfte, a type of meatball. A filling and budget-friendly meal option.
- Affordable Price: Meals costing around 10 TL.
- Traditional Turkish Dish: A classic Turkish dish that's popular throughout the country.
- Wide Variety: Different types of köfte to choose from, including bulgur and meat options.