il Giardino — Restaurant in Fethiye

Do not be deceived by their high rating.

Our experience at IL Giardino was extremely disappointing in every aspect, making it hard to understand how this restaurant has a 5-star rating on Google.

We visited on a Sunday during lunch, drawn by the high rating on Google Maps. With the temperature at 40°C, we chose to sit inside for the AC. However, no staff offered to assist us with seating. The limited indoor seating was cluttered, seemingly used as an office for managers. We had to rearrange the tables ourselves multiple times. Even after we asked to keep one plate, the staff took our cutlery without replacing it, and we had to ask again to finish our meal. The waiter did not clean the table after we finished, giving us unwelcoming looks as if we were a nuisance.

Service was disappointing throughout. There was no welcome or smile, and the staff’s attitude made us feel unwanted, almost as if we were intruding on their workspace.

As for the food, we ordered shrimp risotto, lasagna, and shrimp Alfredo, with truffle tapas and roast beef salad as appetizers. The portions were ridiculously small, especially for Italian cuisine, where hearty portions are expected. The $13 roast beef salad had one layer of lettuce with roast beef on top—stingy given the cost. While the appetizers tasted good, the main dishes were bland and lacked flavor.

The entire experience was frustrating. We skipped dessert despite initially looking forward to trying their tiramisu based on reviews.

In conclusion, I do not recommend this restaurant. The only positives were the taste of the appetizers and the garden ambiance, though it was too hot to sit outside. The poor service and small, flavorless portions overshadowed these...

It's an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, you're greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly blends elegance and comfort. The outdoor seating area, surrounded by lush greenery and twinkling lights, creates a magical dining experience, especially in the evenings.

The menu is a delightful mix of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, with each dish crafted to perfection. The fresh seafood options are a standout, and the pasta dishes are rich, flavorful, and clearly made with love. The pizzas, with their thin, crispy crusts, are some of the best I've ever tasted.

During my visit, I decided to try the lasagna, and it was absolutely incredible! The layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel were perfectly balanced, and every bite was a delight. It’s clear that the chefs at Il Giardino put their heart into every dish.

I can’t wait to come back and try more from their menu. Il Giardino has won me over, and I’ll definitely be returning for another unforgettable meal. A must-visit...

The place is beautiful - tables are surrounded by green leafy plants. There are fans and multiple “water mists” around. Service was prompt. I was there with my partener and we ordered dorado fillet, baked potatoes, a bowl of green salad, an orange juice and a cocktail. The food was tasty but the sauce and the potatoes were very oily (I am sure I accumulated more kcals from the oil in the food than the whole meal). Another this that came as a bit of a shock for me was that the fish was pan fried (for some reason I was expecting that the fish would be grilled) but this wasn’t greasy. The orange juice was in a glass full of ice which I guess loads of people would appreciate but I do not as that means I am having diluted orange juice (this is my fault as I should have mentioned that I don’t want ice). Portions are decent but you certainly need some sides or starters, otherwise the fish alone would not satisfy...