Mezgit Restaurant — Restaurant in Kuşadası

During our visit to Kusadasi, Turkey, we stumbled upon Mezgit Restaurant after our first choice was fully booked. Located on the main promenade, the restaurant offered outdoor seating, although limited, and a chance to sample Turkish cuisine. While our experience had its ups and downs, there were certain aspects of the meal that left us wanting more.

Mezgit Restaurant features an open-air dining area, which can be pleasant for those who enjoy alfresco dining. However, despite being non-smokers, we were slightly disappointed by the limited number of non-smoking tables available. The seating arrangements were cozy, albeit a bit cramped, with only a few tables to accommodate guests.

The mezes at Mezgit Restaurant were decent, but they didn't leave a lasting impression. One standout was the sea borulce, which had a good flavor profile. However, we couldn't help but notice the absence of garlic in the dish. After requesting some garlic, it arrived, but it seemed to be from a bottle or pre-prepared, lacking the freshness and vibrancy of freshly pressed garlic. This small detail took away from the overall enjoyment of the mezes. Unfortunately, our experience with the shakshuka was less than satisfactory. The dish was excessively oily, leaving an unpleasant greasiness in every bite. While the flavors were there, the overwhelming oiliness overshadowed the potential of the dish. It was a missed opportunity for Mezgit Restaurant to showcase a well-executed shakshuka.

Being a fan of octopus, we decided to try it at Mezgit Restaurant. However, the preparation style was a disappointment. The octopus was first boiled and then grilled, resulting in a lack of tenderness and a slightly rubbery texture. The portion we received was small, more like an arm than a leg, which further added to the underwhelming experience. If you're seeking a delightful octopus dish, it's best to skip it at...

Ordering here was seriously a hot mess. Although we were in a group, somehow anything that could’ve went wrong, went wrong. First we were asked if we wanted to split it, so we said yes, then our server said he wouldn’t want to because he would have to ring it up separate. They were out of certain items in the menu and had extreme difficulty organizing the order. Although three separate people ordered skewers. They served them to a single person as their meal, THEN proceeded to confiscate the extra skewer off of my friends plate 😟. When these issues happened, we were blamed for not catching THEIR mistakes. Three plates came late with much struggle and we did not feel super comfortable with the allergies at the table. After 70% of plates came out the remaining 30% were asked if we were gunna order (we did they just didn’t make the food yet). We got charged for water (we did not order but they served anyways. But don’t worry! Service charge was absolutely included so our poor service resulted...

If you’re curious about the restaurant in Kuşadası where locals who truly appreciate good food go, this is the place. If you’re looking for a proper meyhane-style spot with drinks, again—this is the place.

The owner is from Antakya, which is widely considered Turkey’s culinary capital. That alone sets the tone. In a town where most things are geared toward sunburnt tourists and watered-down tastes, this place is a rare gem.

Prices are fair, but don’t expect fast food level. This isn’t McDonald’s. Also, keep in mind: this is a seafood restaurant—not a place for grilled meats.

The experience follows a classic Turkish fish restaurant ritual: you start with a few small plates called meze (think Turkish tapas), then move on to a couple of warm starters like octopus or calamari, and finish with a freshly grilled fish.

Fish are sold by weight and clearly labeled, so there are no surprises when the bill comes. All in all, it’s excellent value for...