Bodrum has no shortage of places to eat, from glamorous hotel restaurants and beach clubs to laid-back local spots where the food does most of the talking.
Having spent another summer eating my way around Bodrum, I thought it was time for a sequel: seven more tried and trusted addresses that genuinely deliver where the food, vibe and beautiful Bodrum views make them well worth coming back to.
Some are polished, others wonderfully relaxed; some are made for sunset dinners, others for cold beers and a table full of things to share. Different in style, but all places I’d happily return to.
As ever, be sure to book ahead!
WAM by Karma, MESA, Demirbükü 📸
Vibe: Restaurant meets art gallery: a beautiful, creative space that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
What to eat: Hummus with slow-cooked beef, sea bream rillettes with cheese and fresh herbs, and the Ibiza-style village chicken. For dessert, the bougatsa is the star!
Who to take: Friends who appreciate good food, art and somewhere a little different.
When to go: Dinner, with time to take in the surroundings.
Ateşte Alma, Gümüşlük 📸
Vibe: Intimate and atmospheric; beautiful lighting, distinctive cocktails and a wonderful sunset.
What to eat: Tapas-style plates from the fire; the spiced beetroot and skewered sardines are personal favourites.
Who to take: A date, or anyone happy to graze and linger over cocktails.
When to go: Sunset. No question.
Leña, Maxx Royal Bodrum, Göltürkbükü 📸
Vibe: Glamorous Spanish steakhouse, fire-led cooking, great music and an incredible view.
What to eat: Steak tartare, smoked burrata with sun-dried tomato tartare and the baby bull slider. Then the rib-eye!
Who to take: A date or friends when you want to dress up and make a night of it.
When to go: Before sunset; the view is too good to miss.
Tuz Duman, Gümüşlük 📸
Vibe: Warm, relaxed and completely unfussy: cold beers, good food and an easy evening with friends.
What to eat: Literally too many to choose from, but the standouts for me are soy-glazed grilled oyster mushrooms and focaccia with salted sardines and tomato purée.
Who to take: Friends you want to spend a long, laid-back evening with.
When to go: Whenever you fancy something casual; they don’t take reservations.
Yaka, Türkbükü 📸
Vibe: Bohemian décor with a touch of Türkbükü polish: stylish, relaxed, with a beautiful view.
What to eat: Atom kokoreç (WYKYK), cauliflower tempura, mastic artichoke and içli köfte.
Who to take: Friends or family for a stylish, relaxed evening.
When to go: Just before sunset, when the view is at its best.
KITCHEN by Osman Sezener, The Bodrum EDITION, Yalıkavak 📸
Vibe: Refined Aegean cooking in The Bodrum EDITION’s effortlessly stylish surroundings.
Cuisine: Fresh seafood and seasonal local produce take centre stage; let the menu be your guide!
Who to take: Your most food-obsessed friend, or someone you want to impress.
When to go: Dinner, and make an evening of it.
Orkide, Gölköy 📸
Vibe: A relaxed fish restaurant right on the water: choose between the jetty and a table on the beach.
What to eat: Octopus with keşkek, crispy okra and the honey-almond soufflé, alongside plenty of fresh fish.
Who to take: Friends or family who enjoy a seaside fish supper.
When to go: Evening, as the heat starts to drop.