We stayed in Goreme for 3 nights and decided to visit orient restaurant. This restaurant is steps outside the city center just past a questionable Turkish bathhouse on the main road going up to uchisar castle.
My husband and I tend to eat early and upon entering the restaurant we noted that it looked quite empty. Fortunately, things picked up and it was packed by 8:30pm. The mood was pretty good and the crowd became very lively and excited as the evening went on.
The food was pretty dang good! We particularly enjoyed the cold mezes - especially the cold red pepper dip. The samosas are great, though they don't come with sauces, which would have been a nice accompaniment. The mezes included yogurt dip with dill and dried mint, a nice spicy red pepper dip, some tomato relish, stewed aubergines, a classic tomato & cucumber salad and spicy couscous.
For our main courses we had a mixed kebab plate. Favorites included a perfectly succulent chicken as well as very nice meatballs. The lamb was so-so, I got a huge chunk of tendon and don't think it was trimmed properly.
For the area, I definitely recommend visiting this restaurant and pumpkin restaurant. read more