ÇARK balık Çeşme — Restaurant in Çeşme

A Seafood Gem in Çeşme

If you find yourself in Çeşme and are on the hunt for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Çark Balık. This charming seafood restaurant is a true culinary haven that captures the essence of coastal Turkish cuisine, and it has quickly become my go-to spot for seafood indulgence.

From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the warm smiles of the owners, who embody the spirit of Turkish hospitality. Their genuine friendliness and welcoming demeanor set the tone for an incredible dining experience. You feel like part of the family, and that personal touch makes all the difference.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the food. The grilled branzino here is nothing short of perfection. Cooked to juicy, flaky perfection, every bite bursts with flavor, enhanced by a hint of smoky char from the grill. It’s simply the best branzino I’ve ever tasted! Paired with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon, it’s a dish that embodies the freshness of the Aegean Sea.

The mezze appetizers are an absolute must-try. Each dish is a delightful explosion of flavors, showcasing the best of local ingredients. From the creamy hummus to the zesty stuffed grape leaves and the vibrant eggplant salad, every mezze is crafted with care and creativity. They are perfect for sharing and pair beautifully with a glass of Rakı, the pride of Turkish tradition. The anise-flavored spirit complements the seafood perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Don’t miss out on the homemade hot dishes, either. The selection is a testament to the chef’s dedication to traditional recipes, and each dish is a labor of love. The seafood casserole, bubbling with fresh catch and aromatic spices, is a standout that will leave you craving more. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the flavors transport you straight to the heart of Turkey.

In conclusion, Çark Balık is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that delights all the senses. With its juicy grilled branzino, exquisite mezze, and delectable homemade dishes, paired with the warm hospitality of its owners, this is a place you simply cannot miss. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine, Çark Balık will leave you enchanted and eager to return....

I went there with my wife and 2 little kids.

Food: tastes great, however, we ordered multiple appetizers and main dishes because the portions were very disappointing.

Service: staff attitude is great, however, none of them speaks English or Arabic so I had to keep using google translate and sign language.

Atmosphere: You have to pass through the kitchen to enter the shared bathroom (for both males and females). Stray cats will be all over/under your table and your lap without invitation: restaurant management solution was providing a water-spraying bottle and telling us to spray the cats away. Tables are literally laid out on the street: expect walkers/bikers to ask you to move your chair. Nearest parking was a paid-parking area a few hundred...

Visited from NY and we were amazed by the quality and service. Best quality food in town. Everything we ordered was amazing, fresh, prepared well and tasted great.

We got a few appetizers, some we tried for the first time which were great: sea pipes (tastes between asparagus and green beans- very yummy), zicchini walnut, artichoke, olives, greek salad, grilled local jumbo shrimps.

Main dishes: we got grilled kofte (meat balls) which was amazing & grilled wild caught sea bass (they call it fish from the sea and it was worth every bite, they have not scaled the skin, if you like to eat the fish skin you need to ask them to scale it- use google translate since they might not know all english words but the owners were amazing people with...