Sota Alaçatı
Alaçatı, one of İzmir’s favorite destinations, is renowned for its windsurf-friendly bays, iconic windmills, mastic flavored desserts, stone houses, and the authentic reflection of Aegean cuisine. Alaçatı was once a charming little fishing village, but it has now evolved into a hub of outstanding restaurants. Despite the changes, one thing remains the same: you can always find fresh and delicious seafood here. Among them, Sota Alaçatı is genuinely unique, particularly focused on shellfish dishes. The restaurant keeps its delicious shellfish in its own tanks, ensuring they are served to guests at their absolute freshest. This is also true for oysters, crabs, lobsters, and clams. The famous blue-tailed shrimp of the Aegean is also present here alongside a diverse selection of octopus, squid, and local fish. Hence, this is the ideal spot to savor the region’s seafood.
Sota Alaçatı also presents a harmonious image with the surroundings: simplicity defines the plates and tranquility shapes the atmosphere. Imagine, strolling along a bougainvillea-lined street, stepping through a stone doorway into a garden, and taking your place at a courtyard where white tablecloths flutter and leaves stir in the breeze. Sota Alaçatı also has a truly Mediterranean character. Here, time slows, life feels simpler yet richer, and the city’s hectic pace feels far away. You can easily lose yourself in the flavors on your plate, accompanied by a cocktail or a fine glass of wine.
At Sota Alaçatı, Figen Erbaş and Chef Fırat Siriş, who oversees the restaurant’s kitchen, place great importance on fully reflecting the Mediterranean spirit. Chef Siriş’s menu features Aegean meze, which pairs well with seafood and also pays tribute to the culinary traditions of Mediterranean countries. Ultimately, the Mediterranean cuisine shares a comparable climate and geography. Seafood linguine or vongole with white wine sauce can be served alongside seafood pastries or sea bass with artichokes at the same table, for example. Just as the locally sourced seafood, the flour and semolina must also be sourced from local varieties.
The kitchen’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients is reflected in the other products used in the restaurant. The region’s produce is also used in different ways: the Aegean’s squash blossoms, artichokes, and broad beans are combined with geographically labeled olive oil from Ayvalık, while seasonal fruits are transformed into jams and homemade ice creams. The restaurant serves local cheeses and its own bread, which makes it an excellent choice for long, leisurely breakfasts. After all, in Türkiye, it is often said that ‘breakfast has something to do with happiness.’
Gula Urla
Our journey continues to another popular destination in İzmir: Urla. In recent years, Urla has become a meeting point, especially for those who value local cuisine, and it is home to some of the most important chefs. Many exciting local ingredients are produced in the region, and dishes featuring high-quality tuna from the waters of Karaburun are considered to be as noteworthy as the artichokes. Urla also delights wine enthusiasts with its nearby Wine Route, offering the opportunity to taste the local cuisine paired with the region’s wines. It thoroughly deserves to be one of the new favorites among gastronomy enthusiasts, just like Gula Urla.
Located in a spacious garden, Gula Urla serves Chef Batuhan Düğenci’s creative dishes and offers delicious, innovative seafood options. A strong cocktail menu is another standout feature. You may want to start your evening here with a cocktail and watch the sunset. If you’re going to enjoy a glass of chilled white wine beneath the olive trees while listening to the cicadas, the regional wines from the Urla Wine Route are an excellent choice. But no matter what you’d like to drink, don’t miss the starters on the menu: The chef’s creative touch may make it challenging to decide what to try first!
The garden is the perfect spot for a group to chat and sample different flavors. But what if you’re just a couple or even dining solo? Don't worry—wherever the Mediterranean spirit exists, you’re never truly alone. This place is perfect for enjoying an evening meal because it combines style with comfort. The warm and welcoming team at Gula Urla will make you feel right at home with their thoughtful recommendations and genuine hospitality. Chef Düğenci’s seasonal tasting menu will help you experience the restaurant’s signature dishes even if you’re alone. For couples who love seafood, the two-person ‘From the Sea’ selection offers a variety of options, including both cured and fresh seafood. Naturally, the table would be incomplete without the bounty of the land: the rich vegetarian cuisine of the Aegean, from red okra to stuffed squash blossoms. After all, seafood finds its fullest expression when paired with vegetables and herbs. This is already known by those who have tasted stuffed squid with Aegean herbs!
For those dreaming of leisurely meals, long summer dinners, and simply unwinding, Gula Urla is definitely the right choice.
Main image: Sota Alaçatı, Main Dish © Sota Alaçatı
