Yengeç Restaurant

We received recommendation to try Yengeç restaurant from the Swiss hotel concierge. The concierge said that as part of their job they actually try different restaurants so his recommendation was based on experience.
We were very pleased with Yengeç. For starters you need to be prepared to receive it as an experience. The idea, which is common at Turkish restaurants, is not to order from a menu but allow your waitress who acts like a diner assistant help you through it. I did t even see a menu anywhere. In my experience, the waitress took me to the section where they keep their appetizers (called mezze) and takes his time explaining how each one is prepared, what’s in them, and guides you by asking you questions as to what you want to taste. I went with a complex yogurt based mezze with grilled vegetables and some cold dolma. Then I was asked what type of cooking method I preferred for the fish. As not all fish taste good with all cooking kinds. Once I said I wanted grilled fish, then they recommended some fish that would taste good grilled.
I got ‘levrek’ for me and my mom, and grilled salmon for my son. All fish were expertly prepared and served. I also got some Turkish beer which worked really good with the meal. However if this was a night out with friends instead of my mom & son, I would have opted for rakı, which works incredibly well with any fish dish. It is a stronger drink and I didn’t want to get buzzed with my son around.
The overall experience was great. I have been living away from Turkey for about 20 years now, and this diner really brought back memories. The best part, all this was less than $ 50.

This restaurant has been our #1 favorite in Turkey! It was suggested in a travel book for great seafood and friendly service and they delivered. We had a great experience with people helping us order. The owner Karim took extra time talking to us about everything from the menu to life in general. It was a relief to speak to a Turkish person who gave great insight about travel, Turkish lifestyle, and good conversation in general. We loved our meal and the staff/​atmosphere. It’s a must if visiting Izmir.

Our hotel sent several business travelers that evening, and we were warmly welcomed. We don’t speak Turkish, so a lady helped us select fish from the cooler and recommended items. Calamari and shrimp starters were excellent, as were our fish dinners. A man offered us a special dessert, and the caramel soufflé was delicious.

Amazing restaurant, with great service. The owner Kerim was present when we were at the restaurant. Him and his staff were trying to help us to choose right menu, in order for us to go out satisfied. We had an amazing time with girls. The food was delicious and the fish was super fresh. Overall outstanding service.

Our fourth day in Turkey and the food just keeps getting better. They owner helped us put together a fabulous meal of seaweed with tomato purée, shrimp and mushrooms sautéed in chile olive oil, grilled calamari, and grilled seabass. We ended up spending more than we wanted– the owner didn’t make it clear that the seabass was market price (50 lira for a main course sized entrée of half a fish). But this was still a good value, we just didn’t want that much food.
The recipes were unique: we had never had seaweed like this (kinda like sea asparagus but not salty), and the calamari was also a special recipe. The fish was so delicious. Even despite the 95 degree weather and humidity, we loved our meal!

Grilled artichokes, pilaf, aubergine salad, greens with pomegranate, smoked mackerel, and shrimp sizzling in butter? OK SURE. To start. Must note they serve a flaming rock salt covered fish, removing the salt with tiny mallets. The manager here is also a true mensch. Bonus it’s on a BBboardwalk*~!~*