Bodrum is one of the most popular summer vacation spots in Turkey, unsurprisingly so, due to its crystal clear waters, lively atmosphere, and countless options of wining and dining. Before you plan out your lunches and dinners in Bodrum, take a look at our list of best Bodrum dining. (Click here for more on Bodrum.)

1. Splurge on a memorable meal of sophisticated Asian flavors at the Saigon Club restaurant in the five-star Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay. Kızılağaç Koyu Gerenkuyu Mevkii, Yalıçiftlik; P: (0252) 311 03 03

2. For a different kind of Mediterranean cuisine, dine at La Pasion’s lovely courtyard for some of the best Spanish food you’ll find in Turkey. Atatürk Caddesi, Uslu Sokak No. 8, Bodrum; P: (0252) 313 45 94

3. Enjoy the legendary lunch buffet at Maçakızı, courtesy of chef Aret Şahakyan, and remember that their famous mantı (Turkish-style dumplings) is only available on Sundays! Kesirebuğlu Mevkii, Göltürkbükü; P: (0252) 377 62 72

4. Try a selection of tasty mezes at Limon in Gümüşlük, and be sure to get there in time to see the gorgeous sunset. Yalı Mevkii No. 1, Gümüşlük; P: (0252) 394 40 44

5. Eat incredibly fresh shellfish, such as mussels, clams, and sea urchins at Orfoz. Cumhuriyet Caddesi No. 177/B, Bodrum; P: (0252) 316 42 85

6. Enjoy the traditional Turkish savory pastries puf börek and gözleme at Hoca’nın Yeri, especially tasty after a few drinks. Yalı Mevkii No. 78, Göltürkbükü; P: (0252) 377 59 07

7. Enjoy a meal of fresh seafood at Mimoza while the waves lap at your feet and the squash lanterns sway in the breeze above. Yalı Mevkii No. 44/1, Gümüşlük; P: (0252) 384 31 39

8. Try Çökertme Kebab: a regional Bodrum specialty. Thin strips of meat are served on a bed of thinly sliced potatoes fried to a crisp and topped with a yoghurt sauce.

9. Enjoy traditional home-cooked Turkish cuisine at Sakız Ana in Ortakent. Cumhuriyet Mahallesi No. 252, Ortakent; P: (0252) 348 37 03

10. For good fish while in Bodrum, dine at Körfez, a family-run restaurant that has been open since 1927. Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi No. 2, Bodrum; P: (0252) 313 82 48

11. In the mood for Italian? Visit La Luce at Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay where you can dine on excellent Italian cuisine in a romantic setting. Kızılağaç Koyu Gerenkuyu Mevkii, Yalıçiftlik; P: (0252) 311 03 03

12. Enjoy a quiet evening meal in the tranquil setting of the newly-opened Amanrüya hotel, where you can dine on Indonesian fare at lunch or choose from the exquisite Thai menu for dinner. Bülent Ecevit Caddesi, Demir Mevkii, Torba; P: (0252) 311 12 12

13. Make a stop on your way from the airport to Bodrum at Kayserili Yeşim Hanım’ın Mutfağı, located right next to the Opet gas station, for some of the best stuffed grape leaves you will ever taste. P: 0532 207 19 41

14. Eat a nice quiet meal in a calm setting with good mezes at Orkide in Gölköy. Yalı Mevkii, Göltürkbükü; P: (0252) 357 76 28

15. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view along with a meal of traditional Turkish food at Teldolap. Eski Karakaya Köyü Yolu, Sarıcayer Mevkii 2 Küme Evleri 85/2, Gümüşlük; P: (0252) 394 37 29

16. For delicious stuffed mussels delivered right to your door, call Halim Sarı (0532 471 55 51), who will deliver these little gems all over the peninsula.

17. A favorite with locals for seafood, and always full, is Gemibaşı, an excellent place to sample seafood güveç, similar to a casserole, but baked in a terracotta pot. Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi No. 132, Bodrum; P: (0252) 316 12 20

18. Open 24 hours a day, any time is the right time to pop into Yunuslar Karadeniz Fırını for an assortment of freshly baked goodies. Cumhuriyet Caddesi No. 13, Bodrum; P: (0252) 316 17 48

19. Refresh and refuel with some tasty coffee and ice cream at Kahve Dünyası in the Bodrum Marina. Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi No:5, Bodrum

20. Dine on John Dory and the best lobster on the peninsula at Miam. Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi, Cizar Sokak No. 6/A, Bodrum; P: (0252) 316 20 21

21. Have a meal of Aegean mezes and more at Meyhane Evgenia. The seafood and samphire are house specialties. Cevat Şakir Caddesi, Manavlar Arkası No. 2/1H, Bodrum; P: (0252) 313 01 28

22. Try some Turkish lokma (Turkish-style donuts dipped in syrup) flavored with bergamot at Lokmacı Ana. Gümüşlük Otopark İçi; Gümüşlük; P: (0531) 898 91 84

23. Have a romantic meal in the atmospheric garden of an old stone building at Kocadon. The meze selection changes nightly, but always features regional specialties and unusual items. Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi, Saray Sokak No. 1, Bodrum; P: (0252) 316 37 05

24. For a good selection of mezes, visit Berk Balıkçı, a local favorite. Cumhuriyet Caddesi No. 167, Bodrum; P: (0252) 313 02 39

25. Enjoy some gooey, sweet baklava at Yalçın Usta in Göltürkbükü. Hürriyet Caddesi No. 88/A, Göltürkbükü; P: (0252) 357 72 57

26. Have a lunch of simple, traditional Turkish dishes such as köfte (Turkish-style meatballs), salad, and the catch of the day on the Aktur D Plaj in Bitez – the kids will love it. P: (0252) 343 10 11

27. Try Sebzeli Döner (roasted lamb cooked with vegetables), a Bodrum specialty, at Şirin Döner. Çarşı Mah. 7 Sokak No. 39, Bodrum; P: (0252) 313 60 72

28. Enjoy some Bodrum Mandarin-flavored ice cream from Bitez Dondurmacısı while strolling along the Yalıkavak Marina. Bitez Caddesi No. 48, Bitez; P: (0252) 363 93 45

29. For unusual mezes, try Komodor, where the fried zucchini flowers, marinated fish, and yellow lentil mash come highly recommended. Doktor Mümtaz Ataman Caddesi, Rassattepe Sokak, No. 11/A, Bodrum; P: (0252) 313 75 55

30. Enjoy köfte, classic Turkish meatballs that are a favorite with kids. Kavaklı Köfteci and Liman Köftecisi in Bodrum offer the best in the peninsula. Kavaklı: Yalıkavak Center, Yalıkavak; P: (0252) 385 47 48. Liman: Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi No. 172, Bodrum; P: (0252) 316 50 60

31. Try the karadut (blackberry) or bal badem (honey and almond) ice cream at Penguen in Bodrum, where you can sit with waves lapping your feet and take in the view of the castle. Cumhuriyet Caddesi No. 122, Bodrum; P: (0252) 316 64 09

32. Craving a burger? Drop by the recently-opened Dr. No, and try their Tough Guy burger with double cheese and double caramelized onions, as well as their special hot sauce. Cumhuriyet Caddesi No. 145, Bodrum; P: (0252) 313 17 48

33. For a cheap and cheerful meal, head to the fish restaurants behind the row of manavs (green grocers) in central Bodrum. Pick your fish and have it prepared with a side salad for a meal that is both tasty and easy on your wallet.

34. For a refreshing nonalcoholic drink, enjoy the delicious strawberry lemonade at Maçakızı. Kesirebuğlu Mevkii, Göltürkbükü; P: (0252) 377 62 72