Eating out in Kalkan
Once the heat of the day starts to cool, it is an ideal time to set off into the centre of Kalkan to browse the small boutiques which are dotted throughout the heart of the village … and then choose where to eat your evening meal. All of the restaurants are also open during the day serving lunch and drinks.
Despite only being a small village, Kalkan has nearly 150 restaurants - offering traditional Turkish fare and international cuisine … there literally is something for everyone.
Ibo Restaurant is situated at the very end of the main street through the centre, with seating in the main of the building and also on the roof terrace, where you can enjoy views across the mountains and of the bay. On certain evenings you will also be serenaded by a classical guitarist.
Ibo, as with so many restaurants, offers both Turkish and international cuisine, all made with the freshest of ingredients and beautifully presented.
They offer a wide selection of hot and cold starters including their signature starter of deep fried carrots served with a fresh dip … the carrots are slightly al dente and have a wonderfully sweet taste - definitely recommended.
Main courses of fish, chicken, lamb and beef are available as well as a selection of vegetarian dishes.
If you've still room for dessert, you could try the traditional baklava or helva … or for a lighter alternative, ice cream or yoghurt and honey. As well as Turkish Efes beer, there is a wide choice of wines and spirits available to enjoy with your meal.
Lykia restaurant is new for 2007, and is owned by Arif Ernez from Vesta Real Estates whose office is situated right next door. This modern, stylish restaurant serves both Turkish and International cuisine … with a large choice of starters, main courses and desserts.
You could start with a traditional Turkish "meze" which is a selection of starters - the type of meze varies from restaurant to restaurant. It's a good way of trying small amounts of the local fare. Followed by another traditional dish "The Priest Fainted" - this unusually named dish consists of stuffed aubergine, and is often served with rice and a fresh salad. If you've room for a dessert there is a good choice of ice creams, Turkish sweets or fresh fruit.
Seating is available inside, but if the weather is fine then it is definitely worth sitting on the roof top terrace to watch the sunset over the bay of Kalkan.
The attentive staff will make you feel at home, and will do their utmost to ensure that your dining experience is a pleasurable one. Both Turkish and international wines, spirits and beers are available to have with your meal.
If you just want to sit back, and watch the world go by or relax after your meal, you could choose to sit at one of the pavement tables and enjoy a refreshing drink, and take in the sights and sounds that are Kalkan.
The Doy Doy restaurant has a prime location over looking the harbour, and is a beautiful place to catch a breeze blown in from the Mediterranean. As with all the eateries in Kalkan, you will receive a very warm welcome at the Doy Doy. The friendly staff will get you your drinks so you can relax and take your time when choosing from their extensive menu.
A delicious starter to try is the mushrooms in a creamy sauce served on a cheese pastry base … a lovely combination of flavours. Here is also one of the few restaurants in Kalkan that serve pork; but be warned, the pork chops are large! Doy Doy serve some wonderful "world cuisine" dishes including Moroccan lamb with apricots and delicious curries served in with creamy sauces which aren't too fierce on the taste buds. Maybe you'll have room left for dessert after your dinner - or why not try a cup of Turkish coffee, "kahve".
At the end of your meal they will bring you a dish of Turkish delight to try … and everyone receives a small gift when they leave! The lunch time menu is of lighter dishes such as kebabs, pizza, pasta … and even a full English breakfast, with bacon … topped off with HP sauce, and served with a side order toast and jam!
Jasmine Garden restaurant is right by the harbour side and is a wonderful spot to stop and enjoy your evening meal. They open all day for lunches too, or maybe just pop in for a cup of coffee or a tall refreshing drink.
As with so many restaurants in Kalkan, you will find both Turkish and international cuisine on the menu served here. There is also a good choice of drinks, both alcoholic and non alcoholic. Turkish wine is very palatable and just as good as some of the new world wines. Angora is a very popular wine in this part of Turkey, which comes in red, white and rose varieties.
Zeki's Restaurant & Coffee Shop is run by Metin and his wife Paula. Metin trained to be a chef in Cumbria, and this is reflected in the non Turkish dishes on the menu. Their restaurant is located right opposite the mosque just a stones throw from the harbour, in a pretty white stone house with wooden shutters at the windows. You can either eat inside the restaurant or outside - either way you will be assured of both excellent food and service.
You can enjoy a wide selection of Turkish and international dishes here - and the sweet menu offers some wonderful desserts … including sticky toffee pudding. Delicious!
As the name suggests, Zeki's, is also the perfect place to go to during the day for a coffee or lunch. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome here.