Cin Bal 1975 — Local services in Fethiye

I recently visited this restaurant and had a mixed experience overall, though there were definitely some things that stood out.

The setting is beautiful and unique. The building itself has a lot of character, and the layout feels different from a typical restaurant. When you walk in, you choose your meat and side dishes from a counter, which gives the experience a relaxed, informal vibe. There is no menu or price tags that I could see anywhere. The garden area is especially memorable, grapevines cover the seating area like a canopy, so even on a warm day you’re shaded and comfortable. Architecturally, it’s a very special place.

The food was decent but not memorable. The kebabs were tasty, but the way they serve meals is very minimal. When you order a kebab, you only get the meat. No sides, no grilled vegetables, no pita, no rice. In fact, there’s no rice or bread available at all. Not even as an option to order separately. For me, that made the meal feel incomplete. I’m used to kebab places offering more balanced plates with side items, and that was missing here.

They do offer a fun option where you can grill your own kebab at your table. If you’re out with friends and looking to have a relaxed Raki night, this could be a nice way to enjoy your time and make the meal more social.

One downside was the environment. There were dogs and cats walking freely around the restaurant. While they didn’t cause any trouble, we noticed a tick on someone sitting nearby, which made us uncomfortable. After that, we were on edge and couldn’t fully enjoy the rest of the evening.

Overall, the place has a unique setting and atmosphere, especially if you’re going with friends for a casual night out. But the food experience didn’t quite match the beautiful surroundings, and some aspects of the environment made it hard to fully relax. I don’t think...

A Disappointing Experience After Two Years – Only the Lamb Chops Shine

Mediocre Garden Setup, No Concept, Poor Comfort After two years, we revisited this place only to find that almost nothing had improved. The venue is a simple garden space with no defined concept. The environment feels neglected — metal and wooden chairs and tables that are mismatched, uncomfortable, and visually unappealing.

Unimpressive Presentation and Hygiene Concerns Upon ordering, the service included white bread served in a basket — the type that shouldn't be served in any respectable establishment. The plates and utensils appeared mismatched, as if sourced from different sets. This gives off a disorganized and unprofessional impression right from the start.

Food Quality – Hit and Miss We ordered meat dishes, and while the meatballs were dry, overcooked on the outside, and lacked flavor despite slow grilling, the lamb chops were a pleasant surprise. Juicy, tender, and flavorful — clearly the highlight of the menu. However, the side dishes were disappointing:

Strained yogurt, salad, and fries were below average — avoid them.

Dessert (milk-based kadayıf) tasted old and lacked the freshness and richness expected.

Staff and Service To their credit, the waitstaff were polite, cheerful, and offered quick service. This was the only consistently positive aspect of the experience.

Pricing – Questionable Value Pricing is open to debate. The quality does not match the cost. I’ve attached a photo of the bill for reference — you may find it revealing.

Final Thoughts With so many better dining options in Fethiye, this place feels like it relies more on passing tourists and discreet social meetups than on culinary excellence. If I happen to be in the area again, I might return only for the lamb chops. I strongly recommend being highly selective when...

Cin Bal remains one of Kayaköy’s most iconic dining spots, and our recent visit was a mix of nostalgia and fresh impressions. The newly refreshed and younger service team was a pleasant surprise — friendly, attentive, and eager to please, which added positive energy to the experience.

That said, there’s still room for improvement when it comes to handling unexpected situations like sudden rain. A bit more preparedness and flexibility would go a long way in ensuring a smoother dining experience during such weather shifts.

Another notable point is the pricing — while the quality remains good, prices have increased significantly compared to previous years. It’s something to keep in mind, especially for returning guests familiar with Cin Bal’s more modest past.

All in all, still a great place for a traditional grill experience in a charming setting, but expectations should be adjusted...