By Muhtar Bodrum

With its red-and-white check tablecloths, photographs and paintings from Italy, vintage decor and a terrace overlooking the pebble beach, this trattoria is the embodiment of Mediterranean charm. The menu features an extensive range of tempting traditional dishes. The Neapolitan-style pizzas and creamy risotto with super-fresh seafood are especially popular. There are also 12 different dishes with house-made pasta to choose from. This generosity is just one example of why Arka has been a Bodrum favourite for so long – and rightfully so!

The castle and rooftops of Bodrum, the azure sea, even some Greek islands – the view from the top floor of The Marmara hotel is truly breathtaking! The restaurant has a Mediterranean feel, and that spirit carries through to the menu. The chef takes pride in skilfully elevating local ingredients and traditional recipes, for example, house-made pasta cooked al dente, tossed in a robust herb cream and topped with grated goat's cheese from the region, basil leaves and dried fruit. Be sure to treat yourself to the legendary baklava, too!

"Authentic" and "welcoming" are two words that sum up what Bağarası is all about. This is the place to come to enjoy delicious food in a relaxed setting. At the display counter, you can order some of the fragrant mezze from a selection that changes regularly. Their take on traditional manti is not to be missed: crispy deep-fried filo pastry, a yoghurt cream and ragout generously seasoned with oregano and mint. Do leave room for dessert, because you absolutely must try the sweet artichoke confit with milk ice cream – a house speciality. It is a nice touch that you can choose your portion sizes,

Take a seat on the terrace of this open-air restaurant, among the mandarin and lemon trees, and prepare yourself for some Anatolian generosity. The mezze- and kebab-style dishes are perfect for sharing with friends or for a romantic dinner for two. Tempting options on the menu include roasted aubergine stuffed with meat seasoned with paprika and a yoghurt dressing, and flatbread with a lamb brochette, lamb pastrami, Golot cheese and an onion salad with sumac and fresh herbs. Discover a world of rich flavours that won't break the bank!

If you're on the hunt for a lively place in which to have lunch among the locals, look no further. Kismet Lokantasi serves delicious food at great value for money in a laid-back atmosphere. Peruse the counter for traditional delicacies prepared by the chef, then choose your favourites. Think succulent meatballs with grilled aubergine and tomato sauce, and, for dessert, a rich patisserie with walnuts and just the right amount of sweet syrup – foodies will be in seventh heaven! This indulgent dining experience will leave a lasting impression.

The luxurious Caresse resort's Mediterranean restaurant offers a delightfully laid-back dining experience. Watch the chefs at work in the outdoor kitchen while cocktails are shaken in the bar and chill-out music fills the air. The view of the sea and the moored yachts never gets old! Seafood takes centre stage here, cooked up in traditional Greek and Italian ways. Wonderfully crispy deep-fried squid with a fresh tartar sauce, barbecued sea bass with perfectly seasoned vegetables: the best of Mediterranean cuisine served up without any fuss. Reserve a poolside spot ahead of time and enjoy a ref

Terracotta and sandy hues perfectly complement Kornél's cosy ambiance, and the terrace to the rear has that appealing Ibiza feel. The bar serves up incredible cocktails that change with the seasons, while in the kitchen, the charcoal oven works overtime baking delicious pizzettas and more. The extensive menu includes a beautiful zesty sea bass ceviche, hearty pasta dishes and a vegetarian creation featuring beetroot and dukkah. Kornél offers a relaxed dining experience with great food all year round.