In Zonguldak, we want to have an evening meal with a meze-focused vibe with our group of friends and then spend some time at the seafront; should we look for restaurants in Zonguldak Çarşı (the bazaar area) or on the Kozlu side instead, and is public transport/easy to get around?

If you’re planning a walk both with your group of friends—first around the meze and then after the meal—your location choice in Zonguldak really changes everything. The central area and around Çarşı are more practical for “let’s take a look first, then decide” style outings, because this strip has a denser mix of different cuisines and meyhane/tavern options as well as alcohol-friendly choices. The Kozlu side, on the other hand, fits better for groups that want a more relaxed evening atmosphere with the seaside vibe.

In terms of getting there, it’s usually possible to go from the center to Kozlu with dolmuş/minibus or similar options, but it’s still a good idea to plan the return for late-night hours from the start. If you choose the Zonguldak Çarşı line, it’s more comfortable to pull the dinner earlier (especially on weekends) and then go for a stroll along the seafront afterwards; sharing meze platters—especially ones prepared “according to the day’s fish”—and warm starters generally works better for groups. If you choose Kozlu, the evening progresses more calmly by the sea, so it’s more enjoyable to sample the mezes slowly and then finish with the main meal; prices also usually vary depending on the menu contents, and places with heavier fish offerings can be about a notch higher than options with more meaty choices. No matter which one you pick, it’s a practical move to call in busy hours to reserve a table and ask about the menu according to your expectations for drinks/service.