G&D

G and I visited this area very briefly and just want to say how amazing.

Kamil the owner of the company has envisaged and controlled every step of the way and I challenge anyone not to be impressed with the initial concept and then to continue to fruition! I will upload some photos to this post as soon as I have 5 mins.

It is a 12 minute drive but well worth it for that totally different setting. And the views at dusk I can only imagine will validate that drive.

Carolyn & Jim, Paula & Steve, I will be expecting some superb calibre shots from you guys in your little haven!

Kamil cok zeki ! as Yusuf taught me.

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JEANNIE

Hi , Ian and myself had the pleasure of eating there last september when we were invited up to that amazing setting. I can see us eating there quite a lot when we go to our Lakeside villa. The food was delicious, the setting was fantastic, the waterfalls, the huge birds nests like things where you can sit and have a drink and listen to the water cascading down the rocks, it is stunning. The only problem i can foresee is that ther are a hell of a lot of steps to conquer, but don't let that put you off it's worth the visit.
Jeannie

G&D

yes a lot of steps and I had heels on!

Akasya

Where is this please.
Regards, Steve.

G&D

Hi Steve,

Airport road instead of left to Ortaca, go straight over at the traffic lights. I am guessing about 3 minutes until you get to what was described to me as a bus shelter looking thing. To the right of this is a little sign pointing Akkaya. Follow this road for 12 minutes (quite windy and upwards, then a decline when you will take a left turn towars the buildings. Follow this for 2/3 minutes. For the time being when you see a very little paved bit to your left go on 20 metres and park up on the right. Behind the little hexagonal security shed.

On foot go to the wooden railings by the paved driveway and follow the steps down and to your right. Because it is so well enconsed within the scenery you will be forgiven for not realising it is there. I am certain they will sign post it and there are people out and about to assist too.

Some reviews on the food options available would be good so if you go, inform us all afterwards.

Debbie

JEANNIE

They did say that they were thinking of putting on a horse and carraige and or some kind of transport to take you to the bottom of the restaurant to save you walking down all those steps, but it is worth the walk.
Jeannie

Dalaman Deli

This weekend we decided it was time for us to go up and take a look at the Akkaya Gardens and sample its food. Having seen it during the winter I knew it would be an amazing place and we were not disappointed.

It is now sign-posted and not too difficult to find although, as Debbie said, you could be forgiven for not realising it is there. We parked at the top and the nice security man said 'If you don't fancy the walk back up, after your meal, just give your car keys to one of the staff and they will bring the car to the bottom'. We didn't avail ourselves of this service, but it is useful to know for the future, that is unless they put on the horse and carriage that Jeannie mentioned. Lots of steps? Yes, but well worth the effort and as all have said, the setting is beautiful, unfortunately the few snaps I took fail to do it justice.

So, we all agree it’s gorgeous, but what about the most important bit, the food? Well, as we have only sampled the food once, I don’t feel qualified yet to give an absolute judgement, but I will say it looks very promising. We have lots of friends and family out over the next couple of months, so it looks like we will definitely become regulars.

We sat in one of the ‘bird’s nests’ up in the trees, which are usually used for relaxing with drinks and nargile, but the waiters were quite happy to serve our food there and a low table was quickly produced. We ordered cola which came with ice and a slice, a large bottle of water and the menus in their wooden jackets and metal hinges – very pretty. Next to appear were the place mats and cutlery and some delicious garlic bread and then our order was taken. We decided on a green salad and a chicken salad to start followed by köfte. The green salad came on big white plate, garnished with finely shredded red cabbage and a rather nice dressing. The chicken salad was bathed in a delicate mayonnaise and though the portion was quite small, it was perfectly adequate as a starter, along with the second supply of garlic bread. We chose the köfte as we tend to use it as a benchmark when trying new restaurant. It is a simple and inexpensive dish (8YTL here) and if it is done well, we find it’s often a good indicator that everything else will be good too. I am pleased to say that Akkaya Gardens excelled itself with this dish. The köfte were obviously home-made and had a hint of spice that wasn’t overpowering. They were succulent and juicy and cooked to perfection, as was everything else. The meal was served rice and chips and the accompanying broccoli, carrots and green beans were al-dente, which made a delightful change to some of the overcooked veg you sometimes get here. Grilled tomatoes and peppers rounded the dish off and they were just right too.

What about the service? Well, there are no happy-clappy-smiley waiters here. The service is professional and attentive, but unobtrusive and is delivered by a brigade of smart young men in their pale slacks and light-blue shirts. Now, will they try to sell you a villa? No, they certainly won’t try, but if you want one just ask, as the owners main business is property development on the mountain.

The bill? At 31YTL, excellent value methinks.

So, next time you are passing through Dalaman, take time to stop and visit this place and I am sure you won’t be disappointed (and no, I am not on commission!).

Finally ladies, if you do visit, make sure you go to the loos. With a little indoor garden and waterfall you can sit and look at the outside garden through the one-way glass window. A delightfully moving experience!

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scotgus

Hi Ruth,

You have made me so jealous! I am home sick for Dalaman! Kamil has done a fantastic job with the restaurant, it truly is a stunning setting. We had a wonderful meal their at Easter when Kamil very kindly opened the restaurant for 6 people and the food was excellent. Counting down the days until we return and hopefuly maybe see you & Sezay at the restaurant.

Dalaman Deli

Hi Gus,

Sorry for making you jealous but I couldn't resist posting. Like you say, Kamil has done an amazing job and the winter restaurant is looking good too, however I am not sure I would attempt the drive in winter, if there is too much rain.

We were sat in a 'nest' at the bottom end, closest to the new stone building where the stone-man was busy working away. The waiter asked if we wanted him to stop working but we said 'no' as it wasn't spoiling our enjoyment. In fact, I was fascinated watching him work.

Kamil knows his target customer well and has got the food and service levels bang on. This, I am happy to say, is not just another tourist restaurant aimed at the masses. Call me a snob if you want, but it's the kind of place I am happy to hang out in!

Look forward to catching up with you and your lovely family again and don't forget to post when you are coming out.

Ruth