Expect to find a vast array of yogurt-based mezes, stuffed vine leaves, freshly prepared salads, seafood, grilled meat and of course fresh fish. All dishes are accompanied by freshly baked bread. Much of the food cooking and preparation involves using the finest olive oil and when complemented with a sprinkling of herbs and spices it is easy to understand why Turkish food is so highly regarded amongst international cuisine.
Bozcaada is famous for it's fish restaurants and fresh fish is available everywhere. Fish is priced by weight so be sure to find out the cost before ordering. Octopus salads are an island speciality and you will also find grilled chicken and lamb dishes available in most of the restaurants.
The harbour restaurants are always busy but for a more intimate setting we have a few favourites of our own. Top of our list must be Sandal which is a two minute walk from ALIKI Konukevi. Located in the Greek quarter this attractive restaurant with tables beneath over-hanging vines has a very special ambience. Choose from a generous selection of homemade mezes followed by grilled fish or meat, washed down by a glass or two of the local tipple and you have the ideal setting for a perfect evening. The owner Ahmet Boluk has successfully turned it into one of the most popular restaurants on the island so be sure to book a table in advance.
Stroll slightly further down the street and on the corner you will find the ever busy and well-known Lodos serving up an appetizing choice of beautifully prepared local dishes. A few paces along from here, on the other corner, you will find Salkim which also offers a nice selection of homemade specialities.
The cafes too are good places to eat offering simple, freshly-prepared foods such as borek (hot pastries filled with cheese, meat or vegetables), gozleme (layers of filo pastry with a savoury filling that is then cooked over a griddle), manti (small pieces of pasta filled with minced meat and served with a yogurt sauce) and various homemade soups (corba).
Wherever you choose to eat you will not be disappointed but do bear in mind that over the summer months all of the restaurants get full so making a reservation is strongly advised.
Afiyet olsun!
