What to Eat in Trabzon: A Guide to Local Flavors and the Best Places to Eat

Trabzon, the pearl of the Black Sea, wins visitors over not only with its lush highland plateaus and historic character but also with its food. From corn to anchovies, from butter to collard greens, this rich cuisine reflects the city's geography and history. In this guide, we've gathered everything you need to know, from how to get to Trabzon and which local dishes to try to the best photo spots and practical tips.

Taste Trabzon's Flavors on Our Tour

The best way to enjoy the dishes in this guide is to taste them right where they come from during your trip to Trabzon. On our tours, our guide takes you to well-known restaurants and local food stops across the region.

• Guided stops for local specialties
• Transportation and itinerary taken care of, so there's nothing to plan
• Choose a group tour or a private tour with a vehicle just for your family

You can check dates, prices and the itinerary and book online on the Trabzon City Tour page. If you'd like a plan tailored to you or your group, message us on WhatsApp and we'll put together your route together.

The Best Time to Visit Trabzon

The most enjoyable time to visit Trabzon is from May to September, when the highland plateaus turn green and sea fog is less frequent. The summer months are ideal for both city tours and day trips to the surrounding plateaus, with fresh air and long days. Early autumn (September–October) is less crowded and coincides with harvest season, making it the perfect time to enjoy local specialties at their freshest. Although central Trabzon stays mild in winter, snow and heavy fog are common on the higher plateaus. City sightseeing and culinary experiences are still very much possible during this season, but highland itineraries may change depending on the weather. And since anchovy season falls in the winter months, a winter visit is especially appealing for food lovers.

Places to Visit in Trabzon and Its Historic Character

Trabzon takes its name from the ancient word "trapeza," meaning "table," a reference to the flat, plateau-like terrain on which the city was founded. One of the oldest settlements on the Black Sea, the city was an important port and trading hub during the Roman and Byzantine eras. After Istanbul was captured in the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Komnenos dynasty founded the Empire of Trebizond here, and the city remained the capital of an independent empire until 1461. This deep-rooted past can still be seen today in the Byzantine frescoes of the Hagia Sophia Museum, the walls of Trabzon Castle and the elegant architecture of the Atatürk Pavilion. The city's bazaar district, with its narrow streets and historic inns, bears witness to Trabzon's trading heritage, while the harbor area still buzzes with the daily activity of fishing boats. Kunduracılar Bazaar and Uzun Sokak are must-visit spots for both shopping and getting a feel for everyday life in the city. After exploring central Trabzon, most visitors also head to Sümela Monastery, just 46 km from the city. If you like, you can experience this historic route with our Trabzon City Tour, guided and in comfort.

What to Eat in Trabzon: Essentials of the Local Cuisine

Trabzon's cuisine masterfully combines corn, collard greens and hazelnuts, which thrive in the humid Black Sea climate, with anchovies, the bounty of the sea. Here are some of the dishes you simply must try when you visit:

• Kuymak (Mıhlama): Made by melting butter, cornmeal and fresh Black Sea cheese together in a sizzling pan, this hearty dish is a staple of highland breakfasts. It's best enjoyed piping hot, scooped up with bread.
• Akçaabat Köfte: Named after Trabzon's Akçaabat district, these meatballs are made with finely chopped onion and a special blend of spices, and are usually served with buttery rice pilaf and roasted tomatoes and peppers.
• Hamsili Pilav: In this recipe, anchovies, the signature fish of the Black Sea, are baked together with rice pilaf, creating a dish that is both filling and uniquely regional. You'll also find fried anchovies and anchovy sandwiches all along the coast.
• Collard Green Soup: Cooked with dried beans, cornmeal and plenty of collard greens, this soup takes pride of place on Trabzon tables during the winter months.
• Vakfıkebir Bread: Baked in wood-fired ovens in Trabzon's Vakfıkebir district, this thick-crusted, long-lasting bread is one of the region's best-known products and a popular gift to take home.
• Laz Böreği: Despite its name, this is a sweet rather than savory pastry: a pudding-like cream is layered between thin sheets of phyllo, baked and dusted with powdered sugar.

You can also taste many of these dishes on excursions to the plateaus around Trabzon. For example, if you'd like to have breakfast on a Black Sea highland plateau, the Uzungöl Tour is a great option. Beyond the food itself, tea is the indispensable companion to every meal in Trabzon. Strong Black Sea tea, served in slim tulip-shaped glasses, is a hospitality ritual enjoyed after meals and throughout the day. Locals love to drink glass after glass over conversation, and this warm hospitality extends to visitors as well.

Where to Eat in Trabzon

Trabzon offers a wide variety of dining options. The fish restaurants around the harbor serve fresh seafood, especially during anchovy season (the winter months), and many stand out for their sea-view seating. The traditional eateries in the bazaar district, particularly around Uzun Sokak and Kunduracılar Bazaar, are ideal for enjoying home-style dishes such as Akçaabat köfte and collard green soup at affordable prices in an authentic atmosphere. The cafés on Boztepe are popular both for breakfast or a tea break while taking in panoramic views of the city and for watching the city lights in the evening. For those joining highland tours, village breakfast spots along the route are perfect for starting the day with fresh clotted cream, honey and kuymak. Vegetarians will also find stuffed collard greens, cornbread and various wild greens dishes on most menus.

The Most Beautiful Photo Spots

The first stop for any photography enthusiast in Trabzon is Boztepe, which offers a bird's-eye view of the city. Especially at sunset, when the city and the Black Sea are bathed in shades of orange and purple, the scenery makes a perfect backdrop for postcard-worthy shots. Trabzon Port and the fishing boats around it are ideal early in the morning for capturing an authentic, lively atmosphere. The seaside setting and historic architecture of the Hagia Sophia Museum make for striking photos in both daylight and evening light. Head a little farther from the city center up to the surrounding plateaus, and you'll find views above the clouds of fog that make up some of the most shared photos of the Black Sea. The colorful fruit and vegetable stalls and street vendors in the bazaar also offer candid shots for anyone hoping to capture the city's everyday life.

Practical Tips

• Because of Trabzon's humid and changeable climate, it's a good idea to bring a light raincoat or waterproof jacket no matter the season.
• If you're joining highland excursions, wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles; it can get chilly on the plateaus in the mornings and evenings.
• Taxis and dolmuş minibuses are common and affordable for getting around the city, while exploring the bazaar district on foot is more enjoyable and lets you see its historic character up close.
• If you'd like to buy Vakfıkebir bread, hazelnuts or local honey as gifts, the local producers' shops in the bazaar district are a reliable choice.
• Since anchovy season falls in the winter months, seafood lovers who want to taste it at its freshest may prefer a winter visit.
• When asking for the bill at restaurants and eateries, simply saying "hesap lütfen" is enough; tips are usually around 5–10% of the bill.

With its historic character and the richness of its cuisine, Trabzon is a must-see destination for anyone looking to discover the Black Sea. You can explore the city on your own, or enjoy a guided and comfortable experience with the tours organized by Sümela Turizm.