The dining scene in Bodrum has become more exciting because of the new faces appearing on the peninsula. Form waterfront restaurants to chic cocktail bars, be the first to try these new flavors in town!
İxir
After sharing his mixology knowledge with pretty much every Istanbul bar that matters, Cevat Yıldırım took the anticipated step towards opening his own place, teaming up with Mehmet Şahin, formerly of Istanbul’s legendary Lucca. İxir’s cocktails reflect Yıldırım’s signature style: a blend of something local (Satsuma), something smoky (St. Germain Smoke), something fresh (Garden Tonic), and something festive (Berry Blush). For traditionalists, there is also a wine menu, as well as a choice of bubbles in case you feel particularly merry. To see the real face of the place, visit as soon as it gets dark, when the festive crowd and upbeat music take over part of the street until the late night hours.
Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi No.136, Bodrum; I: @ixirbodrum
Dramalı
The brainchild of Mustafa Ataman, Dramalı is a family-operated business aspiring to become a favorite address for Ortakent locals. High-quality meat cuts are the highlight of the menu, including entrecôte Café de Paris which is made according to the original recipe. Make a dinner reservation since many dishes are prepared only for the evening. A stage in the heart of the spacious garden hosts live jazz performances almost every night during the summer (check @dramali for details), and the ‘no kids’ policy ensures that your comfort stays intact the entire time. Oyder Caddesi, Bahçe Sokak No.11, Ortakent; T: 0252 348 35 34
After its success in Ortakent, Dramalı restaurant opened its second location near Bodrum Marina with a different concept in 2019. Focusing on wine, meat, and jazz music, Dramalı Wine House offers an excellent dining experience and classy ambience. Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi Danacı Sokak No.8/A, Bodrum; T: 0252 348 35 34; I: @dramalimarina
Bodrum Babe
The white, spacious, minimalist décor of Bodrum Babe will make you fall in love at first sight with this restaurant and beach. With stunning views of the Aegean Islands in the distance, take a seat in the waterfront outdoor area to enjoy a cup of coffee and be a part of the photogenic scene.
Cumhuriyet Caddesi No.94/1, Bodrum; I: @bodrumbabe
Ginza Ginza
Serving Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and a great sushi selection, Ginza Ginza gives you the chance to taste various authentic Asian cuisines at once. Bringing some of the most popular flavors of the Far East, the restaurant offers lunch specials for 45 TL on Tuesday and Sunday.
Adliye Caddesi No.3, Bitez; T: 0546 478 7946; I: @ginzaginzarestaurant
Roka Fesleğen
You don’t need a passport to enjoy a taste of Italy right here in Turkey. Approved by local gourmets since opening in 2018, Roka Fesleğen offers “a real Neapolitan pizza experience in Bodrum.” It also does something that most pizzerias don’t do—holding DJ performances in the evening from time to time.
Eskidere Sokak No.12/A, Bodrum; T: 0252 313 03 11; I: @rokafeslegen
Suzika
With a lovely, homey atmosphere and pastel, woody décor, Suzika offers specialty coffee and good food. Featuring a garden and outdoor seats surrounded by lavish greenery, the place is also a shop selling lifestyle items. Every corner of Suzika is designed for you to relax and enjoy its homemade healthy meals.
164 Sokak No.6, Bodrum; T: 0532 592 65 46; I: @suzika__
Pizzeria Luca
An Italian chef Luca Chessa and his Turkish partner Şule Aslantürk have opened up a place in the heart of Umurça neighborhood that might be exactly what Bodrum was waiting for. The menu offers classic starters, such as bruschetta, and an almost infinite range of pizza varieties from all-cheese and all-veggie options to those topped with imported delicacies like prosciutto. Dinnertime reservations are highly recommended.
Umurça Mahallesi, Mandalin Sokak No.1, Bodrum; T: 0531 910 82 36
Midye7
If you’re used to having your mussels served the Turkish way, as midye tava and midye dolma, you won’t be disappointed. Comfort-food lovers will be pleased to see a selection of pasta-based mussel plates. If you’re up for something different, a selection of moules frites in fragrant broths (vegetable, mushroom, or curry, to name a few) is what you should go for. Add crispy fries on the side and a cold beer into the mix and you have a recipe for delicious light summer meal.
Özkan Sokak, Ekrem Önal İş Merkezi, Yalıkavak; T: 0533 221 05 20
