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Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade is preparing a new system to make restaurant and cafe prices visible online.
The proposed change would allow consumers to check and compare prices before visiting or placing an order. The goal is to reduce complaints and prevent confusion about hidden charges.
The ministry’s draft regulation will apply to businesses that offer food and drink services.
“A system will be established to allow the prices of services offered at restaurants, cafes, and similar businesses to be published online,” the ministry said in its official statement.
This online access will allow tourists, residents, and locals to compare prices between restaurants, especially in busy cities or popular destinations.
Since Jan. 1, 2024, restaurants in Türkiye have been required to show printed price lists both outside their doors and on tables.
However, not all businesses have followed the rule. In some places, prices are missing, outdated, or only shared after customers sit down.
Under the new plan, businesses will still be required to make prices visible in person, but they can now offer a QR code option on tables. This will make it easier for customers to view the full menu using their phones, and allow restaurants to keep menus up to date without printing new copies.
This change is also expected to reduce paper waste and save costs for business owners.
Turkish restaurants must subtract packaging weight when selling by weight
The draft regulation also introduces another change to protect consumers.
When a business sells a food item by weight, it must subtract the packaging weight before charging. This means customers will only pay for the net weight of the product.
The ministry said this rule follows the principle of fair measurement in trade and supports the tradition of honest weighing practices.
The plan to publish restaurant prices online is expected to help consumers avoid unexpected charges.
Customers will be able to check how much a dish costs before booking a table. This is especially useful for tourists or for people hosting guests.
Columnist Sefer Levent gave an example: “You order fries for $5 (₺200) and receive 12 slices. At another place, you pay $3.7 and get a full plate.” He argued that price alone is not enough, as portion size matters too. The ministry has not confirmed whether portion size or weight will be included in the listings.
Still, the ability to compare prices online is expected to create better competition between restaurants. Some businesses may lower their prices or offer better value to attract customers once the system is active.
In addition to restaurants, businesses that sell books, newspapers, and magazines will also see changes.
They will be allowed to use electronic devices such as price screens or scanners that help customers check prices. This will improve speed and accuracy, especially in busy locations.
The regulation is still in draft form. Officials said it will be shared with industry groups before final approval. After that, the system will be launched and businesses will be expected to comply.
Until the online platform is live, consumers are encouraged to keep checking physical menus displayed outside venues and to ask about prices in advance. Once in effect, the new system may make dining in Türkiye more transparent and reliable for everyone.
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