Sometimes, it's the little touches that make a real difference you know? This is one reason I like…read moreAntalya. I must confess that Turkish / Greek food isn't my favourite type, but I do like it for a change now and again.
Once you are seated at Antalya and your drinks order has been taken, warm strips of a flat bread will be brought to your table, alone with dishes of olives and pickled peppers (the ones that look like large chillies, but are not spicy as such). These are free, and you can nibble on them as you decide on your order.
There are a wide range of hot and cold starters, with my favourite being a 'mezze' selection...a small plate with around 8 or 10 items on it, e.g. hummous, taramasalata, some kind of bean salad, a meatball, stuffed vine leaf, a 'burek' (sort of a cheese samosa) and some other bits. Want some more free bread to mop things up with? Just ask.
Main courses consist of a lot of lamb and chicken dishes, with some fish and vegetarian options too. My recommendation is the Iskendar kebab, a dish containing a mixture of meats in a tomatoey sauce, served over pitta bread. If you have room for dessert, the trolley appears to be well stocked with cakes and traditional Turkish baklava...very sweet pastry affairs, sometimes nutty, and dripping with syrup or honey. Too sweet for my tooth, but each to their own.
If you decide not to have a dessert, your meal will still be rounded off by a free shot of a fruit liqueur, usually on offer is banana, cherry, strawberry, and possibly one other. Also, a plate of free fruit is served which is great to cleanse the palate, but also great as a free alternative to dessert, if you didn't fancy one of the heavy offerings from the trolley.
The staff are attentive without being overbearing, and they are very friendly. One waiter overheard my brother saying how much he liked the apple tea they served there, and he went into the kitchen and came out with a pack of the stuff for him to take home. I don't know if this is a family run restaurant, but it certainly has that feel.
When the bill comes, if you've had a couple of drinks then don't expect any change from a 20 if you had a starter and a main course. I never feel cheated when paying the bill here, as I do feel that the little 'extras' add a lot of value to the dining experience.
The ambience is relaxed and friendly, great for couples, families or group bookings...a good all-rounder in this respect.
