Avanos is a highlight of Cappadocia, famous not only for its stunning rock formations and ancient sites but also for its vibrant culinary scene. Unlike many tourist towns, Avanos offers a variety of lunch experiences that blend authentic Turkish flavors with culture. Whether you’re after a guided tour with a delicious meal or a hands-on pottery workshop paired with local dishes, Avanos has something for every appetite. We particularly love tours that combine sightseeing with tasting local wines or visiting pottery ateliers where you can try your hand at making your own piece. These experiences give you a deeper connection to the region’s traditions while satisfying your hunger for both good food and memorable stories.
Some of our top picks include guided full-day tours that feature multiple stops with included meals and cultural activities, as well as specialized experiences like private camel rides combined with homemade pottery. If you’re a history lover, a small-group exploration with a local guide might be perfect, while more adventurous travelers could enjoy ATV rides paired with hearty local lunches. Keep reading to find out which of these lunch experiences best fit your style and plans in Avanos.
1. Cappadocia: Red Tour and Lunch
At number one, we have the Cappadocia: Red Tour and Lunch, a full-day guided adventure that highlights the iconic fairy chimneys, Uchisar Castle, and the town of Avanos itself. This tour stands out because it combines visiting the pottery workshops—where you can make your own bowl on the spinning wheel—with tasting unique handmade wines that are exclusive to the region. The included lunch is a tasty offering that complements the sightseeing, making this a well-rounded experience for those interested in culture, history, and food. The guide’s friendly approach and the flexible pickup/drop-off options make it easy to join from multiple locations.
Guests consistently praise the tour’s engaging commentary and the chance to create their own pottery, which adds a personal touch to the day. Priced at $62 per person for seven hours of exploration, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing with authentic local flavor. The only potential downside might be the limited wine tasting due to seasonal factors, but the underground city visit replaces it seamlessly.
Bottom Line: A fantastic all-around choice for first-time visitors wanting a guided, culturally immersive day with hands-on activities and a delicious lunch.
2. CAPPADOCIA RED TOUR WITH LUNCH
This Red Tour with Lunch offers a slightly shorter but equally rich experience over six hours, focusing on key highlights like Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, and Uchisar Castle. It’s ideal if you prefer a more streamlined day but still want to see the main sights of Cappadocia. The tour includes multiple photo stops, guided visits, and the opportunity to explore Avanos’ pottery scene, with a stop dedicated to shopping and local crafts.
The guide’s knowledgeable narration and scenic viewpoints make this an engaging option. With a strong emphasis on cultural insights and picturesque panoramas, this tour suits travelers who want to pack a lot into a shorter time frame without sacrificing depth. The price is reasonable, and with pickup from five locations, it’s accessible for many.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet manageable day that combines sightseeing with a delicious local meal.
3. Cappadocia Red Tour: Scenic Tour with Small Group Guide & Lunch
At number three, this small-group Red Tour offers a more intimate experience, limited to just 8 participants. It delivers the same essential highlights—Zelve, Pasabag, and Devrent Valley—plus a special pottery-making activity in Avanos. The tour’s focus on local craftsmanship and picturesque viewpoints makes it stand out.
The guide’s expertise shines as they share stories behind the formations and cultural sites, enhancing the sightseeing with personal anecdotes. The inclusion of a traditional lunch adds to the value, and the smaller group size means more personalized attention. At $19 per person for an eight-hour day, this tour is very budget-friendly and ideal for travelers who appreciate a more relaxed, social atmosphere.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a smaller, more personal tour combined with authentic culinary experiences.
4. Red (North) Tour Cappadocia with Lunch and Tickets
The Red (North) Tour covers many of Cappadocia’s top sights, including Love Valley, Pasabagi Fairy Chimneys, Zelve Open Air Museum, and Uçhisar Castle, all in a well-organized seven-hour day. This tour is notable for including entrance tickets, saving you time and hassle. The itinerary also features a pottery workshop stop, adding both cultural insight and a chance to try pottery-making.
It’s a good pick for travelers who want to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed, and the inclusion of a tasty lunch at a local restaurant enhances the value. Reviewers note the tour’s punctuality and the friendly guides, making it a reliable choice. The price of $58 offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially when you factor in entrance fees and lunch.
Bottom Line: A practical, all-in-one tour for those who want a detailed exploration of Cappadocia’s highlights with minimal hassle.
5. Cappadocia: All-Inclusive Lunch with Table Reservation
If you’re after a relaxed, no-fuss meal, this All-Inclusive Lunch at Avanos restaurant is a fantastic option. For just $17, you can indulge in an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring local and healthy dishes, perfect for a mid-day break during sightseeing. This experience is less about structured touring and more about enjoying the vibrant local restaurant scene at your own pace.
The focus here is on satisfying your appetite with generous portions and a variety of options, making it especially suitable for travelers who prefer flexibility and comfort over a guided tour. It’s best paired with a day of exploration and perhaps a visit to the pottery shops or nearby sites.
Bottom Line: An affordable, no-stress lunch that’s great for those wanting to sample Turkish cuisine in a friendly environment.
$17 per person
6. Cappadocia: Full-Day Small Group Red Tour w/Lunch & Tickets
This Full-Day Small-Group Red Tour is by far the most popular in Cappadocia, drawing thousands annually. In around seven hours, you’ll visit the major sites—Devrent Valley, Zelve, Pasabag, and Avanos—while enjoying the comfort of a smaller group. The inclusion of lunch and entrance tickets adds convenience and value.
The guide’s detailed explanations bring the sites to life, especially for those interested in the region’s archaeological significance and unique geology. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a versatile choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
Bottom Line: A reliable, immersive experience suited for travelers who prefer a guided approach but with a more intimate setting.
$59 per person
7. Cappadocia: Full-Day Tour with Pottery Workshop & Lunch
This full-day tour is perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing and hands-on activity. It includes visits to Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley, and the Open Air Museum, plus a pottery workshop where you get to craft your own piece. The tour’s highlight is the chance to combine cultural learning with scenic views and a delicious lunch.
The guide makes the experience engaging, sharing stories behind the sites while allowing plenty of time for the pottery activity. It’s especially suited for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those who enjoy making things and learning practical skills as they go. The balance of outdoor exploration and creative activity makes this a memorable choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for creative types or families, offering a full day of culture, scenery, and hands-on pottery.
8. Cappadocia: Guided Red Tour with Lunch and Entrance Tickets
For about $114, this Guided Red Tour provides a comprehensive, all-in-one experience. Led by a professional guide, you’ll explore Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Goreme Open-Air Museum, and enjoy a traditional lunch. Entrance tickets are included, simplifying the logistics.
What sets this tour apart is the depth of storytelling and the visits to UNESCO-listed sites, making it ideal for history enthusiasts. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the smooth organization. The full-day format and inclusive pricing make it a good value, especially for those serious about seeing Cappadocia’s highlights thoroughly.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting an in-depth, guided cultural experience with all logistics managed.
$114 per person
9. Cappadocia Highlights Tour with Lunch & ATV Ride
This Highlights Tour combines sightseeing, pottery, and an exciting ATV ride—scheduled separately via email. The tour includes stops at Devrent and Pasabag Valleys, with a focus on landscape photography and hands-on activities like pottery making in Avanos.
The highlight is the ATV ride, giving you a different perspective on the valleys and rock formations. The tour’s open buffet lunch and options for vegetarian dishes ensure everyone leaves satisfied. Designed for adventure lovers, it’s perfect if you want to combine cultural sightseeing with active fun.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a lively day with a mix of exploration, creative activities, and a little adrenaline.
$60 per person
10. Cappadocia Red Tour (Guide + Lunch + Transfer)
This Red Tour with guide, lunch, and transfer offers a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience. The guide shares stories about the fairy chimneys, monasteries, and the region’s past. You’ll also make your own pottery and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch.
The convenience of included transportation and personal guiding makes this perfect for travelers who prefer a structured, fully supported day. The tour’s focus on storytelling and craftsmanship makes it engaging for those interested in local traditions and history.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, stress-free option for travelers wanting expert insights and convenience.
$74 per person
11. Full Day Green Tour with Lunch
Finally, the Green Tour takes you underground into Derinkuyu, through Ihlara Valley, and to Pigeon Valley, with a hearty lunch in Belisırma village. Though more focused on adventure and nature, it includes visits to key historical sites and stone-carving factories.
It’s best suited for travelers interested in geology and underground architecture rather than just sightseeing. The tour offers a full-day itinerary packed with walking, exploring, and scenic views, making it a good pick if you have a full day to spare.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want an immersive experience of Cappadocia’s underground and natural wonders.
$121 per person
How to Choose Your Best Lunch Experience in Avanos
Choosing among these options depends on your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you want an all-in-one guided tour with cultural stops and included meals, the Full-Day Small Group Red Tour is hard to beat. For those seeking hands-on activities and creative fun, the Full-Day Tour with Pottery Workshop offers a memorable blend of scenery and craft.
If you prefer flexibility and local dining, the All-Inclusive Lunch at Avanos restaurant provides a relaxed, generous buffet. Budget travelers or those on a tight schedule might enjoy the Small-Group Red Tour with Lunch, which packs the main sites into a manageable day.
When in doubt, consider your interests: history and archaeology? The guided tours with entrance tickets are ideal. Looking for adventure? The ATV and horseback tours add a thrill. For creative souls, pottery workshops turn sightseeing into a personal craft project.
Final Thoughts
Avanos offers a wide range of lunch experiences, from guided tours with culture and delicious meals to flexible dining options perfect for leisurely exploration. The best choice depends on your schedule, budget, and interests. For a comprehensive day with storytelling and hands-on crafts, tours like the Red Tour with Lunch and Full-Day Small Group Tour make excellent options.
Travelers seeking adventure or scenic beauty may prefer the ATV-inclusive Highlights Tour, while those who enjoy relaxing meals can opt for the All-Inclusive Buffet Lunch. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. With so many options, your lunch break in Avanos can be both a culinary delight and a cultural highlight.