Ortahisar isn’t just a pretty face with its ancient stone houses and towering fortress—it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine and lively cultural shows. While the town’s panoramic vistas and unique fairy chimneys are well known, its rich dining scene offers memorable experiences you won’t find elsewhere. We particularly like the Traditional Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Non-limit Drinks for its immersive cave setting and authentic entertainment, and the Cappadocia: Evening Tour with Dinner and Hotel Pickup for combining sightseeing with a relaxed dinner. These outings give you a taste of both local flavors and cultural traditions, making your trip more meaningful and flavorful.
If you’re after a more casual, lively night, the Turkish Night Show in a cave restaurant is hard to beat. For those seeking an easy, all-in-one evening that covers sights and food, the Cappadocia evening tour offers great value. And for travelers wanting to indulge in regional wines or raki paired with a traditional meal, the Cappadocia: Traditional Dinner with Wine or Raki provides a more intimate, gastronomic experience. Below, we break down each of these options, so you can choose the one that fits your style and interests.
1. Traditional Turkish Night Show with Dinner&Non limit Drinks
At number 1 on our list is the Traditional Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Non-limit Drinks. This experience stands out for its underground cave setting, which brings a real sense of adventure and history. The tour includes dinner featuring traditional lamb kebab, accompanied by unlimited drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The highlight is the live dance performances, with seven different styles that showcase the diversity of Turkish culture. This is not just a meal but an immersive cultural show that runs from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, making it perfect for an evening out.
The tour begins with convenient pickup options from nearby towns like Ürgüp, Uçhisar, Göreme, and others, ensuring easy access. After a 30-minute transfer to an ancient underground city, you’ll enjoy a multi-course dinner in a genuine cave environment, which adds an authentic touch to the experience. The show features traditional dances, including fire acts, and the drinks are non-stop, allowing you to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Many guests praise the size and beauty of the venue, as well as the quality of the lamb kebab and the lively entertainment. The value is excellent, especially given the 3-hour duration and included transfers.
Bottom Line: This is a fantastic choice if you want a full culture with hearty food and lively entertainment in a unique underground setting. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy authentic experiences and don’t mind a late-night event.
2. Cappadocia: Evening Tour with Dinner and Hotel Pickup
At number 2, the Cappadocia: Evening Tour with Dinner and Hotel Pickup offers a more relaxed and scenic way to explore the region. This 5-hour guided tour covers the most iconic sights, including the Uçhisar Castle, Ortahisar, Goreme, and the fairy chimneys in Avanos. It’s perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Cappadocia’s landscape and history without feeling rushed.
The tour kicks off with pickup from seven different locations, including Goremë and Uçhisar, so it’s easy to join from your hotel or nearby. As you travel, you’ll enjoy scenic views at sunset, including the famous panoramic spots like the Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys. The highlight is a delicious local dinner, often accompanied by stories of the region’s legends. Guests appreciate the smooth logistics and the opportunity to see Cappadocia’s highlights in the evening light, which adds a magical touch to the experience.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and dining without the commitment of a full-day trek. It offers good value for the included sights and meals, especially considering the hotel pickup and drop-off.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who prefer a guided overview of Cappadocia’s main sights combined with a relaxed dinner. It’s a flexible option that works well for first-time visitors.
3. Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner in Cave Restaurant
Number 3 features the Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner in a Cave Restaurant. This experience is a shorter, 3-hour culture focusing on local food and ethnographic culture, with a lively Turkish night show. The tour includes a dinner with traditional lamb kebab, accompanied by a Turkish dance and music performance, all hosted in a cave setting.
Participants are picked up from several locations like Goremë, Uçhisar, and Avanos, making it accessible. The itinerary involves a 20-minute transfer to the venue, where you’ll enjoy dinner, Turkish wine, and a dance show that celebrates the region’s traditions. The show offers authentic performances and a glimpse into Turkish nightlife, making it an engaging cultural experience.
Despite a slightly lower rating (3.7/5), many reviewers find this tour entertaining and worth the price for its focus on local culture. It’s a good option for those wanting a more intimate, less commercialized night with quality food and a lively atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic cultural show combined with regional cuisine in a cozy cave setting. It’s shorter but still rich in local flavor.
4. Cappadocia: Traditional Dinner with Wine or Raki
The last on our list, the Cappadocia: Traditional Dinner with Wine or Raki, is perfect for gastronomy enthusiasts. For around $880 per person, you get an authentic regional dinner served with either local wine or raki, paired with music from local musicians. The experience is hosted in an authentic setting, creating an immersive atmosphere.
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours and includes a regional food tasting that highlights local ingredients and recipes. The focus here is on deepening your understanding of Cappadocian culinary traditions while enjoying live music, songs, and the stories behind each dish. This is best suited for travelers who want a luxurious, intimate dining experience that combines culinary arts with local culture.
Guests appreciate the authenticity of the food and the atmosphere of the setting, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or food lovers. The high price reflects the exclusive nature and the personalized service, making it less suitable for casual travelers but perfect for those seeking a memorable, high-end dining experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting an elevated, culturally rich dinner with wine or raki and a focus on regional flavors in a memorable setting.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. For an authentic underground cave experience with lively entertainment, go for the Traditional Turkish Night Show with Dinner. If you prefer a guided sightseeing tour combined with a relaxed dinner, the Evening Tour with Dinner offers excellent value. For a shorter cultural experience with traditional music and dance, the Turkish Night Show in Cave Restaurant fits the bill. And for those wanting a luxury, intimate meal paired with local wines, the Dinner with Raki or Wine is the top pick.
Book early during peak seasons, especially for tours with limited availability, and consider your interests—whether it’s culture, scenic exploration, or gourmet dining.
To sum it up, Ortahisar offers a variety of dining experiences that combine delicious regional food with vibrant entertainment and stunning settings. Whether you choose a lively cave show, a scenic evening tour, or an exclusive wine dinner, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable taste of Cappadocia’s hospitality. For the best experience, plan ahead and reserve your spot early—these popular tours fill quickly!
