A guide to the best restaurants in Bodrum City

Bodrum City and its restaurants are abundant with fish. Sea bream, red mullet, and more-exotic octopus can be eaten as main courses in many of the top-class Turkish and international restaurants that you will discover in Bodrum City. You can pick from fine dining to more casual venues, whether by the marina or in the centre of the city.

Some fine-dining at Orfoz

Named after one of Turkey’s most famous singers, this is a fine-dining fish restaurant. Some of the delicacies on offer, which can be enjoyed as part of a tasting menu, include oysters with parmesan, calamari with garlic and onions, blue crab and – if you’re feeling adventurous on your Bodrum holiday – sea urchins and smoked eel.

Authentic cuisine at rustic Nazik Ana

It could be easy to miss this venue, as it’s hidden away in a back alley. Here’s where you’ll experience a fusion of food that represent the melting pot of cultures and religions that have prevailed in Turkey. This includes Central Asian, Persian, Greek, Egyptian and Jewish food. Gather around shared wooden tables for some sample dishes, or simply try their kebab and kofte.

Lovely courtyard restaurant Avlu

Avlu – which means ‘courtyard’ – is a bistro in an old stone house, with a small courtyard and about three tables, and an intimate but modern dining room over two floors. Located on a cobbled lane off the main shopping bazaar area, this bistro serves updated Turkish dishes and international cuisine with a selection of wines to choose from.

Divine Spanish cuisine at La Pasion

This romantic venue is set in a traditional old Greek stone house with a courtyard set among a natural canopy of fig trees, elegant potted plants, and gorgeous flowers. They serve Spanish food including tapas, paellas and other styles of main courses including steaks, all created by Chef Neco. Plus a fine wine selection.

International dishes at El Vino Restaurant

On the elegant terrace you can enjoy wonderful views across the bay, especially beautiful when the sun begins to set. As the name suggests they offer a selection of wines, including their own. The cuisine is international from beef stroganoff, to grilled octopus and lamb shanks.

A friendly welcome at Demeter Bar and Restaurant

A little off the beaten track, this is a nice and relaxed restaurant – which also has an outdoor swimming pool – serving Turkish and English dishes, and popular seafood platters, which can be enjoyed inside or outside. Owners Curly and Eric are renowned for making their customers feel welcome on their Turkey holiday.

More of Spain at La Tapa

This is another popular Spanish restaurant with a cosy interior. The tapas gives you the opportunity to try a lot of different foods and flavours, while you can choose from standard-sized main courses that include duck and seafood paella. Drink it down with a traditional glass of sangria.

Delightful French cuisine at Evimiz

This is a small restaurant that’s popular with locals. It’s hidden away in one of the city’s old side streets, but it’s worth the effort to find. Stephane is the chef and owner and he whips up some French culinary delights – such as grilled octopus Provencal – from an a-la-carte menu in the evenings.

Fill yourself up at Ox Wine and Burger Bar

This is the go-to burger venue of the area – with seriously good options such as ox burger, blue-cheese burger, and bacon burger. Have them with delicious truffle chips. From here you’ll also get a good view of St Peter’s Castle – as well as plenty of people-watching opportunities.

Dine under fig trees at Sugar and Salt

This is a lovely venue where the owner – who’s also the chef – will probably be the one to welcome you in. Take a seat in the lovely courtyard with its fig trees and vines, or indoors where the decor is rustic and the lighting helps to create a cosy feel. The food is international and includes burgers, lasagna and a curry night. And if you like dogs, there’ll be one milling around.