Great way to start the New Year

It was a cold winter’s New Years Day when we drove through Yalıkavak on our way home from another shopping trip in Bodrum, and although it was mid-afternoon we headed to the Yalıkavak Fish House Restaurant for a late-lunch/early-dinner.

When we arrived we were the only customers, but during the meal other Turkish diners strolled in.

At first sight, you may have the tendency to pass-by this fish restaurant without giving it a second glance. After all, there’s plenty of fish restaurants lining the water-front which offer views of the marina or fishing boat harbour – but don’t judge this book by it’s cover

It’s outside patio is wrapped up to protect diners from the Yalıkavak winter, and there are gas heaters to keep this area warm – but we opted for an inside table (and there were heaters in there too – a must at this time of year.)

Other local residents had recommended this location for lunch and dinner, and it had taken us a few weeks to get around to eating here…. but it was well worth the wait.

On the Menu

We ordered a couple of meze (hydari: a creamy yogurt and mint meze) and hummus (we usually opt for the more readily available Fava, but chose hummus as a change). The portion sizes were generous – and I think we ate a whole loaf of bread polishing these off.

All meals are served with the Chef’s version of a Çoban Salata (Shepherd Salad) that had bulgar in it and a tangy and tasty dressing. We also ordered a plate of Hamsi (European Anchovy) each.

(Unfortunately we were so busy enjoying and devouring the salad and hamsi that I didn’t photograph them…. that’s how good they both were!)

The chef had also just made a fresh batch of fish soup, and insisted we try a couple of bowls on the house. (I found it a little to fishy-tasting for my liking, but that’s more to do with my taste-buds that the recipe.)

We also had bottled water, and a Turkish tea to finish off the meal.

At the current rate of exchange, our Yalıkavak Fish House meal cost us less than £4.50 each, and we left the table stuffed and satisfied with taste buds tingling and a smile on our face.

Location of the Yalıkavak Fish House

The easiest way to find the Yalıkavak Fish House is to:

• head to the dolmüs station, and face the station (with your back to Migros)
• walk right, along the main road (Şeyhül İslam Ömer Lütfi Caddesi) and the restaurant is about 50 meters on your left (just before 67 Sokak)

 

We’ve been back numerous times since the New Year, and each time the food has been delicious. We discovered a new favourite meze .. not sure of the name, but it’s grated carrot that’s sautéed in garlic and oil, then mixed with yogurt…. delicous! The fried calamari rings were also melt-in-your-mouth delicious.