What is the food like at all-inclusive hotels in Antalya — what to try at the buffet?

At Barut in August, food was considered solid, though many meat dishes were spicy. A chicken-broth soup sometimes appeared at the children’s buffet. During the stay, the buffet included crayfish, large shrimp on several occasions, fried red-fish steaks, and red-fish salad.

A more recent guest (staying next to room 475) reports decent coffee is available at the Terrace bar, which has a lever/portafilter espresso machine. At the pool bar, only filter coffee was seen (no espresso machine) — it may have been relocated. Cocktail quality also varies noticeably between bars.

Food at one Antalya hotel was rated highly, though flies in the dining area were a notable nuisance in mid-June. Soups stood out as unusually good for Turkey. Alcohol was local-brand only — no separate tequila shots, no Baileys, but cocktails were available.

The à la carte restaurant at one hotel was a disappointment: $40 for two got a watery fish soup, 4 calamari rings, shrimp with cheese, and two small meat patties with skewers — no side dishes. Wine was not left on the table, and there was only one waiter for the whole room. The couple ended up leaving to eat at the main buffet.

The buffet offered a solid fish selection: whole grilled dorado, fish in sour cream sauce, boiled fish, and anchovies. Meat options included turkey, quail, chicken, patties, and sausages. Also available: pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, fresh and pickled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and a wide fruit spread including melon and watermelon.

From 5 PM on the outdoor terrace, cookies were served daily and ice cream every other day — multiple scoops per person. From 2 PM at the beach bar: pizza, burgers, gözleme, vegetables, and fruit. Coffee machines were available 24 hours.

Good coffee at one hotel was only available at the far poolside bar, which had a proper espresso machine and filter coffee. You need to specifically ask for the espresso machine — otherwise staff may use the automatic button, resulting in noticeably worse coffee.

Arriving early for dinner is recommended — there's often a welcome drink zone or live music near the buffet stations. Baklava was singled out as particularly good, especially paired with coffee.