Not only a good fish restaurant but also a very unique place: Bottarga Restaurant
First of all, even the term “fish restaurant” would be an understatement, because Bottarga offers a wide selection of the season’s freshest seafood. In this restaurant, which functions like an orchestra directed by Mr. Cengiz, whatever seafood is fresh in season and whatever is good in the supplier network that day is cooked in the kitchen. Seriously, how many such businesses are left? And in a holiday center like Kusadasi, which, even if it was popular for a while, was never seen as a gastronomic route?
When it comes to seafood, what you buy and where you buy it from is one of the most important steps. Mr. Cengiz’s experience in this field comes from the private yachts he supplied for a long time before he retired. With many years of experience, he knows where to find fresh and quality products.
One of the details that makes Bottarga so special is that it doesn’t have a menu. Like a family, whatever is cooking in the kitchen. This reminds us of Cal Pep, which we visited in Barcelona. We were impressed by Cal Pep, who would sit at the bar, find out if you had any allergies and what you liked, then replenish the plates in front of you with delicious tapas until you said ‘we’re full’. Bottarga is the same way, with each plate you keep on eating with excitement, wondering about the next one. Mr. Cengiz helps you with suggestions and guidance. He will make the right choices for you even if you have no idea. The dialog is also quite successful, we can say that it is a family business where you really feel at home.
On our last visit, the prawns cooked with marrow and mushrooms, cuttlefish ravioli, grilled kalamakr and shark were our favorites. But you should still stick to Mr. Cengiz’s recommendations. Try as much as you can, little by little, because there is always a chance that you will not find the same product on your next visit.
The place is right on the beach, which we can call the promenade of Kuşadası, but since it is between the banks, you are likely to pass by without seeing it. The place is also quite modest, with 4-5 tables in the interior. When the weather is nice, the tables are moved to the open area in front.
