Limon
Certainly one of the most beautiful restaurants in Bodrum, Limon stretches out over a green garden where vintage tables and chairs overlook the sunset in all its glory. Take a seat at the bar (under the trees with dangling lightbulbs) and have a pre-dinner drink before heading to your table. Choose from the simple menu of fresh meze, with the kabak çiçeği dolması (stuffed squash blossoms) as one of the favorites. A super romantic spot to dine.
Yalı Mevkii No:1 Gümüşlük, +90 252 394 40 44
Orfoz
The theme at Orfoz is eating everything that comes out of the sea. We recommend you go straight for the excellent tasting menu at this venue, adorned with wooden tables and chairs alongside nautical decorations. We’re talking about sardine sashimi, smoked eel, sea snails in wine sauce, fresh clams with lemon, and baked fresh mussels, just to give you an idea. Everything is fresh and absolutely delicious so make your reservations soon.
Kumbahçe Mah. Zeki Müren Cad. No:13/1 Bodrum, +90 252 316 4285
Memedof
Bodrum’s most popular restaurant for fresh fish and meze right by the sea, you’ll have to make reservations in advance, especially for the tables with a direct sea view on the terrace. As soon as you walk into Memedof you’ll see two displays: one for the day’s catch and the other for the day’s freshly prepared meze. Go for the classics, like şakşuka (fried aubergines with a yogurt and garlic sauce), fava (mashed fava beans), deniz börülcesi (samphire), lakerda (salted bonito), midye dolma (stuffed mussels), and kalamar tava (fried calamari), followed by a grilled fish. Our favorite is barbun (red mullet)!
Gerişaltı mevkii Çökertme cad. no 42, Yalıkavak, +90 252 385 46 46
Maçakızı
Bodrum’s most beautiful boutique hotel, Maçakızı, is hidden amongst the natural flora and fauna of Türkbükü and in the evening its restaurant is one of the most upscale options in terms of dining. Dishes include poached John Dorry with walnut herb skordalia and wilted purslane, roasted lack of lamb with sun dried feta pesto and smashed potato, or spaghettini aglio e olio with shaved bottarga and sun dried chili. Before or after dinner make sure to have a cocktail at the bar that is steps away from the water.
Bağarası, Narçiçeği Sokak, 48400 Göltürkbükü , +90 252 311 2400
Hoca’nın Yeri
If you’re looking for something other than seafood to eat then the mantı (small handmade dough pouches filled with ground meat and spices topped with a yogurt, garlic, and tomato sauce) and çiğ börek (puffy fried dough filled with meat or cheese) at Hoca’nin Yeri are the perfect alternative. Always perfectly prepared and delicious, as well as not being too heavy on the wallet, dining here is a treat as the restaurant tables are also right on the water, so even though you’re not eating fish you can still gaze into the waters.
Yalı Mevki Atatürk Cad. No:77, Göltürkbükü, +90 252 377 5907
Penguen Ice Cream
According to Turkish cuisine law, after every seafood meal one must consume something sweet. As such, the bal badem (candied almond) ice cream at Penguen is probably the best dessert for the occasion. The creamy mastic ice cream is filled with crunchy candied almonds and is beyond heavenly.
Cumhuriyet Cad. No:122, Bodrum, +90 252 316 6409