₺₺₺₺Turkish, Modern Cuisine
Head to GAIA BY THE SEA hotel, follow the path to the rear and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of this outdoor restaurant. The view of the water is utterly captivating! You even make this a regular treat: Chef Tolga Kamiloğlu brings his experience to bear in a contemporary take on Turkish cuisine, which is detailed and elevated with the occasional Asian influence. Highlights include the charcoal-grilled baby calamari with cherry tomatoes in a jus of tomato, vinegar and mirin, and the orange-themed dessert with lime sorbet, yuzu sorbet and yuzu jelly – each plate delivers an experie
₺₺Creative
Alaçati is a picturesque town with a lot to offer, but Amavi is the place to be for foodies. Walk through the cocktail bar, where DJs play in the evening, and take a seat in the trendy restaurant, which exudes its own unique elegance. Seafood takes pride of place here – there's even a fish aging cabinet visible in the open kitchen. Each dish is creative, vibrant and bears the chef's signature. A compelling dining experience defined by playful textures and intense, layered flavours.
₺₺Turkish, Modern Cuisine
Rustic yet refined, warm and welcoming – Terakki is a gem. Nab a table on the terrace by the well and observe how the chefs skilfully balance authenticity and modern influences in their own take on generous Aegean cuisine. Think crispy fried veal liver seasoned with thyme, garlic and parsley, or succulent wild sea bass fillet with cherries for a hint of fruity vivacity and accompanied by a velvety cauliflower purée. The exceptional ingredients speak for themselves, requiring no embellishment. The hospitality of the service team comes as a delightful bonus.
₺₺Turkish
The narrow, stone-paved streets of Alacati are always buzzing with activity. Tucked away in one such lane is this alfresco restaurant, whose lively atmosphere instantly draws you in. Gökhan Safkan allows Turkish flavours to seamlessly merge with Bosnian influences, creating a heady mix in dishes such as artichokes cooked with onion and garlic in an orange-infused broth, or succulent pljeskavica (Balkan meat patties) and delicately grilled, ultra-fresh sea bass. This laid-back place puts the emphasis on fun, and the steady stream of dishes emerging from the kitchen is testament to this. You hav
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Roka Bahçe in Alacati specializes in Aegean cuisine, with high praise for its seafood, mezze, and grilled octopus. Guests frequently commend the cozy atmosphere and attentive service, noting the appealing fusion of Greek and Turkish flavors. However, recent reviews highlight issues with cramped seating arrangements due to table reconfiguration, which detracts from the dining experience. Negative feedback also cites unexpected service charges, inconsistent child-friendly policies, and occasional service lapses. While generally well-regarded, opinions on value vary, with some finding the prices high relative to the experience.
Suitable for adults seeking refined Aegean cuisine and a cozy ambiance; verify seating space and fee details in advance.
₺₺Meats and Grills, Grills
The moment meat lovers walk into this cosy establishment with its delightful terrace at the back, their spirits are lifted. An array of cuts, expertly prepared by the butcher, awaits in the refrigerated display counter, and in the background, you can see the barbecue where the magic happens. Options include marinated ribeye, perfectly rare and with a crispy fat cap, as well as succulent burgers in house-made buns. What you see is what you get, and it's absolutely delicious!
₺₺₺Seafood
This family-run Turkish osteria is tucked away in one of Çeşme's charming side streets, making it the perfect stop after a day of shopping or relaxing on the beach. Super-fresh fish and seafood is served straight off the boat at lunchtime, in simple dishes that showcase the natural flavours of the produce in all their glory. Start with mezze such as artichoke hearts with spring onions and crushed raspberries, then move on to prawns grilled to that perfect point of translucency, with an exquisite jus just begging to be mopped up with every last piece of bread – no unnecessary frills, just the b
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Çiftlikköy, ÇARK balık Çeşme holds a 4.5/5 average rating. Guests frequently praise the high-quality seafood, attentive service, and pleasant atmosphere, highlighting dishes like grilled calamari, avocado shrimp, and unique mezze. However, negative feedback often cites poor value, citing small portions and high prices, with some reports of incorrect orders. Indoor smoking is a significant issue for non-smokers. While isolated complaints mention closure or access difficulties, the restaurant remains popular for its distinctive menu and hospitality, appealing to those seeking authentic local seafood experiences.
Suitable for diners seeking unique seafood who can tolerate potential high costs; request a non-smoking area.
₺₺₺Mediterranean Cuisine, Modern Cuisine
The terrace of this inviting restaurant is the best place to experience the charm of the Hus wine estate to the full. The sight of the vines and olive trees immediately has a calming effect. Be sure to sample the wines produced on site – your charming service team is on hand to offer expert guidance. These wines pair perfectly with the food, which is a contemporary take on Mediterranean cuisine prepared to order. Having started with the addictive house-made focaccia, for example, you could move on to the perfectly cooked medium-rare lamb saddle seasoned with rosemary, accompanied by a robust l
₺₺Turkish
Dining with a view of the vineyards, or on the terrace surrounded by the grapevines, is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. Levan offers a convivial atmosphere in a charming and intimate setting. On the chalkboard, you will find a dozen dishes, from mezze to share to main courses to savour on your own. The traditional cuisine of the Aegean coast is given a contemporary twist: Examples include sea bass marinated in lemon before cooking and served with a crisp salad, or house-made ravioli stuffed with various cheeses and accompanied by a Parmesan and cream sauce. Get ready for a
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 66 reviews
Levan in Kuscalar serves Turkish cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.2/5. Food highlights include delicious pizzas, mezze, shrimp pasta, and traditional dishes like vişneli sarma, though portions for mains are sometimes deemed small, and occasional texture issues arise. Service is generally warm, with the owner often greeting guests, but there are complaints regarding child access policies and slow response during peak times. The ambiance blends traditional Turkish elements with modern bohemian decor, featuring a pleasant garden, although some seating hygiene was questioned. The wine list is concise, focusing on regional producers. Value perceptions vary, with some finding it reasonable while others consider it overpriced.
Suitable for adults seeking a modern Turkish dining experience with friends or partners; reservations are recommended, and child policies should be confirmed in advance.
₺₺Seafood
Whether you're soaking up the sun on the verdant terrace or cosying up by the fireplace, Gula Urla is inviting all year round. The fresh fish on display makes it clear that the sea is the restaurant's main supplier; vegetables and cheese are also sourced locally. After a delicious cocktail or glass of local wine, tuck into shrimp salad with mango and avocado, or perhaps a tandoori-style squid dish, before finishing off with a creamy katmer with red berries. The extensive menu is a seafood lover's dream come true (plus, there is a separate set menu featuring meat from the wood-fire oven).
₺₺₺Regional Cuisine, Seasonal Cuisine
Housed in a former Greek theatre in the picturesque old town of Urla, this trendy establishment combines an industrial aesthetic with an inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's freshly pressed olive oil is a highlight of its modern cuisine, which is full of personality. Acidity and spice bring the dishes to life. Start, for example, with pickled sea bream with green apple and a splash of lime juice, then follow that up with melt-in-your-mouth charcoal-roasted lamb cutlets with parsley, olive oil and onion – straightforward and delicious. The ingredients speak for themselves.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Hiç Lokanta in Urla specializes in regional and seasonal cuisine, holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and zero-waste certification. Guests frequently praise the fresh ingredients, unique fermented vegetables, and excellent fish dishes, noting a warm atmosphere and attentive service. However, some reviews highlight issues with slow service, inconsistent meal pacing, and occasional hygiene concerns. Negative feedback includes complaints about dish temperatures, flavor imbalances, and small portions. While the stylish setting is appreciated, the value proposition is debated, resulting in polarized experiences ranging from exceptional to disappointing.
Suitable for diners seeking innovative regional flavors and sustainability, with advance booking recommended and expectations managed regarding traditional fine dining service.
₺₺₺Meats and Grills, Traditional Cuisine
Once a butcher's shop, this establishment has evolved into a restaurant for meat lovers, and you can also purchase cuts to take home. The range is outstanding, in terms of both variety and quality. But come and see for yourself! Why not start with a few mezze, before moving on to the succulent lamb cutlets, or try the rump steak, marinated for a week in milk and herbs and cooked to perfection. There are small pots of spices on the tables, including cumin and oregano, so you can season your meat to your liking. Having said that, it is so exquisitely grilled that any sauce would really be entire
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Seyhan Et is a traditional grill house in Kusadasi, renowned for its high-quality meat selection and authentic Turkish cuisine. Reviewers frequently praise the freshness and taste of the meats, the expertise of Chef Özkan, and the helpful, friendly staff. Signature dishes like the pepper mezze and lamb stew receive positive mentions. However, opinions on value are mixed; some guests find the pricing opaque due to additional cover charges and feel the cost is unjustified for the portion size. Others note issues with meal pacing or overcooked meat. While the ambiance is generally pleasant, reservations are essential, especially on weekends. It suits those seeking genuine grilled meats but advises checking menu details carefully.
Ideal for diners seeking authentic Turkish grilled meats who prioritize quality over cost, with advance reservations strongly recommended.
₺₺₺Contemporary, International
Located at one of the entrances to the glamorous Istinye Park shopping centre, Esca has a contemporary yet cosy feel – perfect for an intimate dinner for two! The lovely terrace beckons in fine weather. Osman Sezener expresses his passion for Mediterranean cuisine and local produce through an international menu. With options ranging from sushi and gyoza to house-made pasta and succulent lamb chops with a pistachio sauce, every palate is catered for. The tiramisu, with its beautiful balance between the bitterness of the coffee and the creaminess of the mascarpone, has already become a house fav
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 80 reviews
Located in the Esca underground mall near Nagoya Station, this popular local chain café often requires queuing. Food highlights include generous portions of red bean bread and thick egg sandwiches, though some find the coffee bland. Service is generally friendly with English menus and power outlets, making it suitable for short stops. However, seating is tight with questionable social distancing, and smoke from the designated area permeates non-smoking sections, affecting ambiance. While valued for its consistent taste and convenience, the crowded environment and occasional pacing issues may deter those seeking a relaxed experience.
Suitable for travelers needing a quick, popular local breakfast near Nagoya Station, but be prepared for queues and a noisy, smoky environment.
₺₺₺Seafood, Mediterranean Cuisine
Bar
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Sota Alaçatı, located in central Alaçatı, specializes in Mediterranean seafood and modern cuisine. Many reviews praise its elegant, tranquil courtyard atmosphere, professional service, and fresh, high-quality seafood, with some appreciating unique flavors and presentation. Conversely, negative feedback highlights value concerns, citing high prices relative to portion sizes and quality. Some critics report inconsistent food standards, including overcooked sea bass or dry lobster, alongside slow meal pacing. While the ambiance is widely admired, several customers expressed disappointment regarding taste and service efficiency, feeling the experience does not fully justify its reputation.
Suitable for diners seeking an elegant atmosphere and refined seafood, but those sensitive to value for money should proceed with caution.