Trabzon Restaurants: Fresh Catch & Black Sea Views That Steal the Show

Trabzon may sit on the Black Sea, but its food culture is a fusion of Mediterranean flair and centuries-old coastal traditions. Located between mountain and sea, this city is deliciously famed as the land of seafood and Turkish pide (more on those delicacies shortly). For now, just know that Trabzon’s dining scene offers something for every palate, especially those with a taste for the sea.

Its seaside location means every catch is fresh. At Trabzon restaurants, you can order succulent shrimp, sea bass, crispy fried mullet, and hamsi (anchovy) straight from the sea and right to your plate. There’s also a great variety of Turkish food, as well as tasty desserts like baklava.

Bottom line: the food in Trabzon doesn’t disappoint.

When making travel plans, book Mercure Trabzon as your home base. With its central location and proximity to top sites - including some of the best restaurants in Trabzon with view - it’s the perfect choice to make the most of your stay in this rustic Turkish town. Guests can expect stylish interiors and comfortable suites with sea views. There’s also an onsite restaurant that offers local delicacies and international fusion dishes. 

Speaking of food, we’ve compiled a list of the best Trabzon restaurants – real gems known for their fresh seafood, local dishes, and breathtaking views. Be sure to bookmark this culinary guide so you can enjoy all the authentic flavours Trabzon has to offer.

If you’re craving the freshest fish in town, these are the best seafood restaurants in Trabzon to try. Expect warm hospitality and time-honoured recipes that let local ingredients shine.

Bordomavi is widely hailed as the best fish restaurant in Trabzon. Its Instagram-famous head chef, Erşan Yılmaz, is known as the seafood king. With over 1.8 million followers on social media, this Trabzon native has a reputation that stretches far and wide, even all the way to Dubai, where he’s opened another restaurant that’s won over the city’s famously selective foodies. Don’t miss the rich seafood soup, crispy anchovies, or perfectly grilled seabass with potatoes. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.

This is one of those Trabzon restaurants you definitely don’t want to miss. The name means “museum” in Turkish, and fittingly, it’s full of edible treasures. With an extensive seafood menu alongside juicy steaks and lamb chops, Muzeyyen is perfect if you’re in the mood for surf and turf. Go for the steak and shrimp with grilled vegetables, or sample a spread of tapas – known locally as mezze – to get a taste of all the delicious small bites on the menu. The vibe is relaxed, with live music and entertainment on some evenings. Give them a call to book a table ahead of time, especially if you’re a big group. 

Known for its fresh mussels and charcoal-grilled sandwiches, Midyeci Onur is a local gem with a humble setting, but the food is anything but that. Everything here is seriously mouthwatering. Go for the smoky grilled shrimp, the famous anchovies fried to golden perfection, or the grilled palamut (bonito) – a beloved Black Sea staple. This is the kind of laid-back spot where you can roll up your sleeves and savour every bite.

While seafood is the star of the show here, Trabzon restaurants also offer hearty Turkish cuisine and surprising global fare. From sizzling kofte and kebabs, to contemporary cafés, here's where you can dine when you're not in the mood for fish.

Also known as Seyri Bahçe, this hilltop cafe has all the things. Kahvaltı boasts a panoramic backdrop of the Black Sea, making it one of the best restaurants in Trabzon with a view. It has a relaxed outdoor setting with picnic tables and, most importantly, plenty of cheese!

This fantastic breakfast spot is known for its traditional Trabzon omelettes and other local classics. You have to try the Kuymak, a Trabzon speciality made with cornmeal and various cheeses, including peynir, a local village-produced cheese. It’s melted and churned until smooth and stretches almost as high as the ceiling – well, not quite the ceiling but close. There’s also fresh village honey, jam, traditional bread, and pastries. Kahvaltı does not disappoint, and it’s just a 15-minute taxi ride from Mercure Trabzon.

You don’t want to miss the food or the views at Modatepe. The lush mountain setting up here is what dreams are made of, and it pairs perfectly with the rustic vibe. With its traditional cosy stone-and-brick interior, it feels like a medieval Trabzonian cottage. The food is excellent, with grilled options like lamb, steak, and kebab. Even the fries – a simple dish – are deliciously crispy. The bread is traditional and home-baked. In fall or winter, grab a seat by the fireplace and sip on a finjan (small cup) of cardamom-infused Turkish coffee. Honestly, it doesn’t get better than this.

Terminal Pide is a must-visit in Trabzon, famous for its long, boat-shaped pides – crispy on the outside, stuffed with gooey cheese, eggs, or ground beef on the inside. These local delicacies are pure comfort food, and Terminal does them to perfection. Whether you go classic or try one with spicy sausage, every bite is satisfying. What really sets Terminal apart, though, is the setting.

The restaurant is inside a retired Boeing airplane perched above the Black Sea, with tables set right in the cabin. Don’t worry, it’s totally safe. It’s been here for years and is a favourite amongst the locals and famous travel bloggers. With panoramic coastal views, you’ve got one of the most unique dining experiences in Trabzon.

Local tip: After some pide (or seafood) goodness, head to the famous Cambo Künefe for dessert and coffee. Their künefe – a warm Levantine dessert made with shredded pastry, melted cheese, sweet syrup, and a touch of cream or nuts – is one of the best in town. You can also grab a tea alongside flaky, golden baklavas.

The best time to visit Trabzon is from late spring to early autumn, when the landscapes are lush and green. The weather is ideal for hiking, exploring the Black Sea coast, or enjoying long, leisurely meals outdoors. That said, it’s perfectly fine to visit during other times of the year – it all just depends on the mood you’re going for.

Whether you’re chasing the best fish restaurant in Trabzon or soaking in the views at a hilltop café, dining here is a complete cultural experience on its own. Locals typically eat late, as dinner often starts after 8pm, and many dishes are meant to be shared, so bring a date (or friends) and come hungry.

For the best restaurants in Trabzon with a view, it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially on weekends. Last but definitely not least, be sure to try local drinks like Ayran to complete your meal. With these insider Trabzon dining tips, you’ll feast well and feel like a local!