Maçakızı

Maçakızı does not give away its secrets easily. The drive that snakes along the narrow roads raises your expectations with each turn, until you arrive at this luxury hotel (the rooms are gorgeous!) nestled on a hillside of stunning natural beauty. The mesmerising views of the bay and the elegant decor will captivate you the moment you enter. This is a truly special place, make no mistake. The new take on Aegean cuisine that chef Aret Sahakyan and his team bring to the table only reinforces that feeling. The classic roots of their dishes are evident in the hearty sauces, such as fish fumet with added butter, which gives the barbecued sea bream a delightful richness. The chefs enthusiastically build on that foundation, with a focus on freshness, thoughtfully prepared accompaniments and subtle bursts of creativity for added zest. For example, slow-cooked octopus with a crispy crust is served alongside briny herbs, fried onion and a tarhana sauce enriched with an aromatic vegetable broth. Champagne lovers will be delighted by the impressive assortment. The wine list is also wide-ranging and includes the best of Turkish and well-known European wine regions. The mysteries of Maçakızı are absolutely worth discovering!