Nevreste Bozcaada — Restaurant in Bozcaada

Throughout the night, we had 5 cold appetizers, 1 hot appetizer, and 1 sea bass. I can confidently say the food was tasty.

However, the overall experience was a mixed bag. We had reserved our spot weeks in advance, with our reservation set for the evening, but we decided to arrive early and start both our drinks and food earlier to make the experience longer and more enjoyable.

After settling in, we headed to the showcase area to pick our mezes. The staff welcomed us warmly and encouraged us to place our full order, including hot appetizers. We hesitated, explaining that it was too early to commit to hot dishes since we didn’t yet know how much we’d eat or when we’d feel full.

When we questioned why the hot appetizers needed to be ordered immediately, the staff said it was due to crowding later in the evening, which might affect service speed. This explanation felt a bit forced. However, when we insisted on ordering them later, the lady who appeared to be the manager assured us with a smile: “That’s fine, we’ll make it work. You can order whenever you want.”

Reassured by this, we placed the rest of our order, including a 70cl bottle of Sarı Zeybek 3 Meşe Raki.

Despite that agreement, about 15 minutes later, a hot appetizer arrived at our table. We reminded the waiter that we’d asked for it to be held for later. He acknowledged this and took it back without issue.

To clarify, we spoke to the same manager who had earlier promised flexibility. Her response? “I took your order, and you never said that.” This was frustrating. She was present during our initial conversation and had clearly said we could order later. Her denial not only felt dishonest—it subtly implied we were making it up. Instead of a simple apology, we were left with a sour note in an otherwise promising evening.

Around two hours later, when we finally requested the hot appetizer for real, we timed it—it arrived in exactly 3 minutes. That kind of speed leaves little room for doubt: it was either already prepared or simply reheated. In a busy kitchen, a freshly made dish would realistically take longer. Combined with the earlier miscommunication and the denial from the manager, this quick turnaround seriously undermined our trust. Even though the flavor was good, the experience made us question how much care actually goes into the service and preparation.

Other small things added up too. Tea, for example, was served very late—even though it’s a common accompaniment to Raki, especially between rounds.

That said, the waiters themselves were genuinely kind, and service overall was reasonably quick. And yes, you can order food as you go. In fact, I’d recommend it. Given the experience, ordering in real-time seems safer, as it gives you more confidence that the food is being freshly prepared and not kept warm in the back.

Atmosphere-wise, this is a true street tavern. It’s not polished or high-end; it’s casual, cozy, and a bit shabby, in a good way. Tables are lined up close together, and the place has that no-frills neighborhood charm.

When we sat down, the sun was hitting our table directly. We asked to move, but the staff said we were sitting at the besy table and the sun would set in about 15 minutes. It actually took closer to an hour and a half. Still, the table turned out to be one of the best available, with only one couple seated nearby, whereas other sections were more tightly packed.

Order Summary:

70cl Raki (Sarı Zeybek 3 Meşe) 5 cold appetizers 1 hot appetizer 1 large sea bass 2 large turnip juices

Total: ~8,500 TRY (as...

In my 46 years, I’ve savored many delights, but nothing beats the deliciousness and charm of Nevreste. Wow, what an experience! This warm and welcoming spot, which I’ve heard so much about, has now become my favorite memory of Bozcaada. The wonderful people, professional service, spotless cleanliness, groovy Turkish music, and incredible flavors made it truly special.

The appetizers were amazing: sour cherry wrapped vine leaves, stuffed zucchini flowers, Selanik meze, herbed cheese, fava, island tzatziki, date artichokes, smoked mussels; and the hot starters like island delight, levrek roasted, saganaki cheese were just perfect. The main course of grilled sea bass and the volcanic dessert left me in awe.

When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I said to my spouse was, “Those appetizers were incredible….Good morning by the way!” We left our hearts and taste buds at Nevreste. Thank you for everything, Nevreste! We’ll definitely be back again and again. Plus, the music was lovely, the place was super clean, and the prices...

Nevreste is the gem of Bozcaada where you can have the best food on the island. We have been visiting this place every single year since it is open.

In addition to its usual quality of service and kind staff, this year the social distancing and cleanliness of the place made us feel very comfortable under the pandemic conditions.

The food.. where to start? The owners and the chef are local people from the island. Nevreste’s special recipes are really unique and so delicious with reasonable prices. Ada lokumu (a special hot starter made of shrimps and cheese) and vişneli yaprak sarma (grape leaves hand-stuffed with rice, sour cherry, and spices) are my favorite starters out of 30+ yummy alternatives.

They serve very fresh sea food so feel comfortable to have a conversation with the chef for your choice(s) of fish while ordering mezes (cold & hot starters). You will be absolutely satisfied.

Simply the best food on the island from...