GITNUXREPORT 2026

Turkey Restaurant Industry Statistics

Turkey's restaurant industry is rapidly growing despite facing persistent labor challenges.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

65% of consumers visit restaurants weekly in Turkey's urban centers.

Statistic 2

Turkish cuisine preferred by 78% of diners in 2023 surveys.

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Average spend per restaurant visit: 250 TRY in 2023.

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42% of millennials opt for healthy menu options in restaurants.

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Delivery orders surged to 55% of total sales in major cities.

Statistic 6

Vegetarian dishes ordered by 25% of customers in 2023.

Statistic 7

Loyalty programs used by 60% of frequent restaurant goers.

Statistic 8

Online reviews influence 70% of dining decisions in Turkey.

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Family dining accounts for 38% of restaurant visits annually.

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Alcohol-free dining preferred by 82% due to cultural factors.

Statistic 11

Peak dining time: 19:00-21:00, 45% of daily visits.

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Sustainable sourcing influences 35% of high-income diners.

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52% of diners prioritize hygiene post-COVID.

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Kebab remains top dish, 40% of orders.

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Weekend brunch popularity up 28% in 2023.

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Cashless payments: 75% of transactions in chains.

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Group sizes average 4.2 persons per visit.

Statistic 18

Seasonal fruit desserts favored by 55% in summer.

Statistic 19

App-based reservations: 40% uptake in metros.

Statistic 20

Low-carb options demanded by 18% of customers.

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Electric vehicle charging at 15% of restaurants.

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Online delivery platforms control 60% market share.

Statistic 23

The Turkish restaurant industry contributed 1.2% to the national GDP in 2022, amounting to roughly 250 billion TRY.

Statistic 24

Total revenue in the Turkish foodservice sector reached 284 billion TRY in 2023, up 25% from the previous year.

Statistic 25

Fast food segment accounted for 35% of total restaurant revenues in Turkey in 2022.

Statistic 26

The overall restaurant market size in Turkey was valued at USD 25.6 billion in 2023.

Statistic 27

Inflation-adjusted growth in restaurant sales was 18.4% YoY in Q4 2023.

Statistic 28

HORECA sector's share in consumer spending rose to 12.5% in urban areas in 2023.

Statistic 29

Average annual revenue per restaurant in Istanbul was 2.5 million TRY in 2022.

Statistic 30

Export-oriented restaurants contributed 5% to total industry revenue in 2023.

Statistic 31

Digital ordering boosted restaurant revenues by 22% in 2023 across Turkey.

Statistic 32

Casual dining segment grew by 30% in revenue terms from 2021 to 2023.

Statistic 33

Istanbul restaurant market to hit 100 billion TRY by 2028.

Statistic 34

QSR segment revenues projected at 120 billion TRY in 2025.

Statistic 35

Fine dining recovery to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

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Average check size up 20% to 320 TRY in tourist areas.

Statistic 37

Sector tax contributions: 45 billion TRY in 2023.

Statistic 38

Import dependency for ingredients down to 22% in 2023.

Statistic 39

Profit margins averaged 12% for chains in 2023.

Statistic 40

Restaurant employment in Turkey stood at 1.2 million jobs in 2023.

Statistic 41

Average monthly wage in restaurants was 18,500 TRY in 2023.

Statistic 42

45% of restaurant workforce is under 30 years old in Turkey.

Statistic 43

Female employment in the sector reached 28% in urban areas in 2022.

Statistic 44

Turnover rate in restaurants averaged 35% annually in 2023.

Statistic 45

Chefs and cooks numbered 250,000 in the industry in 2023.

Statistic 46

Part-time workers constitute 22% of restaurant staff nationwide.

Statistic 47

Training programs reached 50,000 restaurant workers in 2023.

Statistic 48

Migrant workers make up 8% of the restaurant labor force.

Statistic 49

Service staff employment grew 12% YoY to 450,000 in 2023.

Statistic 50

Kitchen staff shortages affected 40% of restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 51

Hourly wage for waitstaff: 120 TRY average in 2023.

Statistic 52

15% increase in skilled chef salaries to 35,000 TRY/month.

Statistic 53

Unionized workforce: 12% in urban restaurants.

Statistic 54

Overtime hours averaged 10/week in peak seasons.

Statistic 55

Digital skills training for 30% of managers in 2023.

Statistic 56

Youth unemployment in sector down to 18% in 2023.

Statistic 57

Remote management roles emerged, 5% of total jobs.

Statistic 58

Health & safety compliance: 85% of establishments.

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Number of restaurants in Turkey exceeded 85,000 in 2023.

Statistic 60

Istanbul hosts 28% of all Turkish restaurants, totaling over 24,000 outlets.

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Fast food chains numbered 12,500 across Turkey in 2022.

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Independent restaurants make up 65% of total establishments in Turkey.

Statistic 63

New restaurant openings increased by 15% YoY to 8,200 in 2023.

Statistic 64

Coffee shops and cafes reached 35,000 units nationwide in 2023.

Statistic 65

Anatolian regions saw a 10% rise in restaurant numbers to 22,000 in 2022.

Statistic 66

Fine dining establishments totaled 1,200 in major cities in 2023.

Statistic 67

Street food vendors registered as establishments: 15,000 in 2023.

Statistic 68

Chain restaurants operate 18% of total outlets, around 15,300 in 2023.

Statistic 69

Ankara's restaurant density: 1 per 1,200 residents in 2023.

Statistic 70

Izmir restaurant count: 9,500 in 2023.

Statistic 71

Bursa emerged with 4,200 new eateries post-2020.

Statistic 72

Antalya tourist restaurants: 7,800 seasonal outlets.

Statistic 73

Closure rate dropped to 8% in 2023 from 15% in 2021.

Statistic 74

Vegan-only restaurants: 450 nationwide in 2023.

Statistic 75

Hotel-integrated restaurants: 5,200 in 2023.

Statistic 76

SME restaurants: 70,000, dominating the market.

Statistic 77

CAGR for restaurant industry projected at 9.2% through 2028.

Statistic 78

Market volume expected to reach USD 38 billion by 2028.

Statistic 79

Delivery segment to grow at 15% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 80

Plant-based menu items to triple by 2027 in restaurants.

Statistic 81

AI integration in 40% of chains by 2025.

Statistic 82

Tourism-driven growth: 12% annual increase to 2028.

Statistic 83

Ghost kitchens to comprise 20% of outlets by 2026.

Statistic 84

Sustainability compliance to boost revenues by 18% by 2030.

Statistic 85

Employment to rise 25% to 1.5 million by 2028.

Statistic 86

Revenue per outlet forecasted at 3.2 million TRY by 2027.

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Cloud kitchen revenues to double by 2026.

Statistic 88

Halal certification mandatory for 90% exports by 2025.

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Robot servers in 10% of high-end spots by 2027.

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Organic menu growth at 20% CAGR to 2030.

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VR dining experiences in 5% of venues by 2028.

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Labor costs to rise 15% annually to 2027.

Statistic 93

E-commerce integration for 70% by 2025.

Statistic 94

Zero-waste policies in 50% of chains by 2030.

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Beyond just serving beloved kebabs, Turkey's restaurant industry is a formidable economic engine, serving up a staggering 284 billion TRY in revenue last year and proving that the nation's appetite for dining out is reshaping its business landscape.

Key Takeaways

The Turkish restaurant industry contributed 1.2% to the national GDP in 2022, amounting to roughly 250 billion TRY.
Total revenue in the Turkish foodservice sector reached 284 billion TRY in 2023, up 25% from the previous year.
Fast food segment accounted for 35% of total restaurant revenues in Turkey in 2022.
Number of restaurants in Turkey exceeded 85,000 in 2023.
Istanbul hosts 28% of all Turkish restaurants, totaling over 24,000 outlets.
Fast food chains numbered 12,500 across Turkey in 2022.
Restaurant employment in Turkey stood at 1.2 million jobs in 2023.
Average monthly wage in restaurants was 18,500 TRY in 2023.
45% of restaurant workforce is under 30 years old in Turkey.
65% of consumers visit restaurants weekly in Turkey's urban centers.
Turkish cuisine preferred by 78% of diners in 2023 surveys.
Average spend per restaurant visit: 250 TRY in 2023.
CAGR for restaurant industry projected at 9.2% through 2028.
Market volume expected to reach USD 38 billion by 2028.
Delivery segment to grow at 15% CAGR to 2030.

Turkey's restaurant industry is rapidly growing despite facing persistent labor challenges.

Consumer Preferences

65% of consumers visit restaurants weekly in Turkey's urban centers.
Turkish cuisine preferred by 78% of diners in 2023 surveys.
Average spend per restaurant visit: 250 TRY in 2023.
42% of millennials opt for healthy menu options in restaurants.
Delivery orders surged to 55% of total sales in major cities.
Vegetarian dishes ordered by 25% of customers in 2023.
Loyalty programs used by 60% of frequent restaurant goers.
Online reviews influence 70% of dining decisions in Turkey.
Family dining accounts for 38% of restaurant visits annually.
Alcohol-free dining preferred by 82% due to cultural factors.
Peak dining time: 19:00-21:00, 45% of daily visits.
Sustainable sourcing influences 35% of high-income diners.
52% of diners prioritize hygiene post-COVID.
Kebab remains top dish, 40% of orders.
Weekend brunch popularity up 28% in 2023.
Cashless payments: 75% of transactions in chains.
Group sizes average 4.2 persons per visit.
Seasonal fruit desserts favored by 55% in summer.
App-based reservations: 40% uptake in metros.
Low-carb options demanded by 18% of customers.
Electric vehicle charging at 15% of restaurants.
Online delivery platforms control 60% market share.

Consumer Preferences Interpretation

Despite the sacred cultural dominance of kebab, modern Turkish dining is a lively tug-of-war where tradition insists on cashless family dinners at 8 PM while a delivery moped waits outside with a healthy, vegetarian, and sustainably sourced meal ordered by a millennial who was convinced by an online review.

Economic Performance

The Turkish restaurant industry contributed 1.2% to the national GDP in 2022, amounting to roughly 250 billion TRY.
Total revenue in the Turkish foodservice sector reached 284 billion TRY in 2023, up 25% from the previous year.
Fast food segment accounted for 35% of total restaurant revenues in Turkey in 2022.
The overall restaurant market size in Turkey was valued at USD 25.6 billion in 2023.
Inflation-adjusted growth in restaurant sales was 18.4% YoY in Q4 2023.
HORECA sector's share in consumer spending rose to 12.5% in urban areas in 2023.
Average annual revenue per restaurant in Istanbul was 2.5 million TRY in 2022.
Export-oriented restaurants contributed 5% to total industry revenue in 2023.
Digital ordering boosted restaurant revenues by 22% in 2023 across Turkey.
Casual dining segment grew by 30% in revenue terms from 2021 to 2023.
Istanbul restaurant market to hit 100 billion TRY by 2028.
QSR segment revenues projected at 120 billion TRY in 2025.
Fine dining recovery to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by 2024.
Average check size up 20% to 320 TRY in tourist areas.
Sector tax contributions: 45 billion TRY in 2023.
Import dependency for ingredients down to 22% in 2023.
Profit margins averaged 12% for chains in 2023.

Economic Performance Interpretation

Turkey's restaurant industry is now a 250-billion-lira breadwinner for the economy, proving that whether it's a quick döner or a fine dining feast, the nation's appetite for growth is consistently out-eating even the highest inflation.

Employment Data

Restaurant employment in Turkey stood at 1.2 million jobs in 2023.
Average monthly wage in restaurants was 18,500 TRY in 2023.
45% of restaurant workforce is under 30 years old in Turkey.
Female employment in the sector reached 28% in urban areas in 2022.
Turnover rate in restaurants averaged 35% annually in 2023.
Chefs and cooks numbered 250,000 in the industry in 2023.
Part-time workers constitute 22% of restaurant staff nationwide.
Training programs reached 50,000 restaurant workers in 2023.
Migrant workers make up 8% of the restaurant labor force.
Service staff employment grew 12% YoY to 450,000 in 2023.
Kitchen staff shortages affected 40% of restaurants in 2023.
Hourly wage for waitstaff: 120 TRY average in 2023.
15% increase in skilled chef salaries to 35,000 TRY/month.
Unionized workforce: 12% in urban restaurants.
Overtime hours averaged 10/week in peak seasons.
Digital skills training for 30% of managers in 2023.
Youth unemployment in sector down to 18% in 2023.
Remote management roles emerged, 5% of total jobs.
Health & safety compliance: 85% of establishments.

Employment Data Interpretation

Turkey's restaurant industry thrives on the energy of its predominantly young, often fleeting workforce, where a chef's rising paycheque is a beacon of hope in a sea of high turnover, yet still glares across a stark divide from the hourly wage of the waitstaff who, alongside a growing but still minority female presence, keep the nation's tables turning.

Establishment Numbers

Number of restaurants in Turkey exceeded 85,000 in 2023.
Istanbul hosts 28% of all Turkish restaurants, totaling over 24,000 outlets.
Fast food chains numbered 12,500 across Turkey in 2022.
Independent restaurants make up 65% of total establishments in Turkey.
New restaurant openings increased by 15% YoY to 8,200 in 2023.
Coffee shops and cafes reached 35,000 units nationwide in 2023.
Anatolian regions saw a 10% rise in restaurant numbers to 22,000 in 2022.
Fine dining establishments totaled 1,200 in major cities in 2023.
Street food vendors registered as establishments: 15,000 in 2023.
Chain restaurants operate 18% of total outlets, around 15,300 in 2023.
Ankara's restaurant density: 1 per 1,200 residents in 2023.
Izmir restaurant count: 9,500 in 2023.
Bursa emerged with 4,200 new eateries post-2020.
Antalya tourist restaurants: 7,800 seasonal outlets.
Closure rate dropped to 8% in 2023 from 15% in 2021.
Vegan-only restaurants: 450 nationwide in 2023.
Hotel-integrated restaurants: 5,200 in 2023.
SME restaurants: 70,000, dominating the market.

Establishment Numbers Interpretation

Turkey's culinary scene is a hearty stew of relentless ambition and regional pride, where for every fast-food chain muscling in, there's a battalion of independent cooks holding their ground, and despite the ever-rising count, we're all still just trying to figure out where to eat tonight.

Future Projections

CAGR for restaurant industry projected at 9.2% through 2028.
Market volume expected to reach USD 38 billion by 2028.
Delivery segment to grow at 15% CAGR to 2030.
Plant-based menu items to triple by 2027 in restaurants.
AI integration in 40% of chains by 2025.
Tourism-driven growth: 12% annual increase to 2028.
Ghost kitchens to comprise 20% of outlets by 2026.
Sustainability compliance to boost revenues by 18% by 2030.
Employment to rise 25% to 1.5 million by 2028.
Revenue per outlet forecasted at 3.2 million TRY by 2027.
Cloud kitchen revenues to double by 2026.
Halal certification mandatory for 90% exports by 2025.
Robot servers in 10% of high-end spots by 2027.
Organic menu growth at 20% CAGR to 2030.
VR dining experiences in 5% of venues by 2028.
Labor costs to rise 15% annually to 2027.
E-commerce integration for 70% by 2025.
Zero-waste policies in 50% of chains by 2030.

Future Projections Interpretation

While Turkey’s dining scene is rapidly becoming a high-tech, plant-based, and tourism-fueled economic engine—growing at a heady 9.2% clip—the industry’s real secret sauce is its simultaneous embrace of robot servers, ghost kitchens, and mandatory halal exports, proving that the future of food here is both wildly innovative and deeply traditional.

Sources & References

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