Forbes described the quaint fishing town of Alacati near Cesme as “the best-kept luxury travel secret on the Mediterranean”. Conde Nast said, “a smart new crowd is heading to the tiny Turkish village of Alacati, where the galleries, beach clubs and food scene make it summertime’s coolest spot” – so it’s safe to say Alacati is worth popping on the itinerary!

Alavya, Alacati

The town of Alacati lies on the Izmir Cesme peninsula. It has been popular with artists and surfers for many years but has miraculously escaped mainstream tourism, only recently becoming popular with the yacht crowd and Turkish elite. Some, Including Conde Nast, suggest Alacati is becoming the hip new Bodrum, with its growing selection of arty cafes, fine boutique hotels and chic modern restaurants. We are inclined to agree, as superyacht guests and crew have praised the town many times over recent years.

Alacati is a charming place. It boasts an enticing mix of Greek and Turkish influences, as Greeks lived in the area until a forced population exchange in the 1920s. Think laid-back Aegean lifestyle, as Alacati is a place where all but the windsurfers slow down. Visitors enjoy the beach, café culture and galleries during the day, then don their smart casuals at night to head to some of the best restaurants along the coast.

The food scene in Alacati and nearby Cesme is undoubtedly a highlight. The pretty bougainvillaea-clad buildings home some excellent boutique hotels, little gourmet restaurants hide behind the shutters of renovated old stone buildings, and fancy bistros and eateries lie in the shade of olive trees. There are many excellent haunts in Alacati and a little further out in Cesme. Here’s a look at a few worth visiting.

THE FABULOUS FOOD SCENE IN ALACATI AND CESME

Biblos Resort, Alacati

OLEA AND GARDENIAS RESTAURANTS, BIBLOS RESORT, ALACATI.

If fine, fresh and flavour some food is called for, a visit to one of the exceptional restaurants at Biblos Resort in Alacati should satisfy. Olea Restaurant is less formal, serving excellent breakfasts, lunches and a range of Mediterranean and Aegean dishes expertly cooked and presented in a pretty garden setting.

Then there’s Gardenias Restaurant that gains rave reviews for its fine seafood cuisine and pop-up sushi. The restaurants are part of the high-end Biblos Resort, which also has a range of stylish accommodation and a decent spa for those that wish to relax and unwind. https://biblosresorts.com/ 

Alavya, Alacati

ALAVYA HOTEL, ALACATI.

Almost all who visit Alavya Hotel come back impressed. Its restaurant, Agrilia is one of the best along the coast, serving phenomenal food and seasonal fare plus some excellent local wines. Another lure is the location, as the hotel oozes romance, charm, and character.

The hotel comprises of six beautifully restored historic stone houses that face a central courtyard. The mix of olde-worlde charm, rustic stone, and surprising arty additions make for many Instagram-worthy shots, so it’s an excellent option for a romantic escape. If you fancy paying a visit, let us know. https://alavya.com.tr/

YEK, Alacati

YEK, ALACATI.

Another of the best restaurants in Alacati is Yek, where they serve more than food and aim to “take you on a journey through the rich food history of the Aegean.”

The restaurant is located right in the centre of Alacati, on a hill offering spectacular views over the area. The place is still under the radar for many, but we think that may all change this summer as it’s certainly making waves on the food scene. As goes for all good restaurants we recommend, booking is suggested. https://yekalacati.com/

Ferdi Baba (Port), Alacati

FERDI BABA, ALACATI & CESME

Ferdi Baba opened their first restaurant in Cesme back in 1981 and gradually expanded to three more locations, including a popular and convenient one in Alacati port.

Ferdi Baba serves up delicious seafood and local and Mediterranean dishes alongside imaginative meze and appetizers. Mustard anchovies, shrimp casserole, and exquisite grilled octopus are favourites, and the seafood soup also hits the spot. Ferdi Baba gets good reviews for a good reason, so worth a visit if you’re on the hunt for a fine fish dinner in town. http://www.ferdibaba.com.tr/

Arven, Alacati

ARVEN RESTAURANT, ALACATI

Arven Restaurant serves a range of beautifully cooked and presented Turkish and international cuisine in a pretty garden setting, under the shade of lemon and pomegranate trees.

Besides the great food, they are also known for their wine and have a wine boutique stocking over 200 kinds of local wines – so it’s one if you have wine lovers interested in sampling some local bottles onboard. http://www.arvenalacati.com/

LET US KNOW IF YOU WANT TO RESERVE A TABLE AT ANY OF THESE RESTAURANTS IN ALACATI AND CESME

We have mentioned just a few of the great places to dine in Alacati, but good haunts do get busy, so please CONTACT US or follow the links given for reservations.