Olu Deniz is a small village resort found on the southwestern coast of Turkey, which also goes by the name of 'Dead Sea' and 'Blue Lagoon'. Because of its stunning turquoise waters and golden sand it has become one of the most photographed and popular beaches in the world.
Most of the restaurants in Olu Deniz serve Turkish food. But there are still plenty of places where you can tuck into cuisines from around the world or if you like just stick to some good old British pub grub, similar to what you would find back home.
Turkish
Turkish cuisine derives mainly from the Ottoman era which is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern recipes with elements from Central Asia.
A very popular dish in Turkish restaurants is the 'Testi Kebab', which originally comes from the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Vegetables and meat are sealed in a small clay pot, which are then cooked over a very high heat. The reason why this dish is so popular in restaurants across the country is because the waiter will bring the clay pot to your table and crack it open, pouring out the delicious contents right in front of you. 'Meze' is also a common dish found in Olu Deniz, which is traditionally eaten before your main meal. This mainly consists of vegetables, crusty bread and refreshing yogurt dips. For desert you may want to try some 'Baklava'. This is made up of layers of sweet filo pastry filled with chopped pistachio nuts.
One great restaurant to try is Belcehan Beach Deluxe Café Bistro, rated as the top restaurant in Olu Deniz on Trip Advisor. This little place is found just off the top of the Main Street and serves cuisine from all over the world. But some of the best dishes to try are the Turkish meatballs and exotic fresh fruit for desert. However, if you're staying at the Toniz Beach Hotel or are in the area you must go to Tonoz's Garden Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy some delicious Turkish food whilst taking in the great electric atmosphere.
If you're looking for some reasonably priced food look no further than Small House in Fethiye. Tuck into a traditional Doner Kebab and refreshing beer or why not try some of the delicious cocktails on offer. Or if you're staying at the Blue Star Hotel or in the area then why not head to The Blue Star Restaurant which serves a fabulous selection of dishes including fresh salmon in vine leaves and the sea bream. However, if you want somewhere lively you must go to the popular Sultan Ahmet Restaurant. Try some of the freshly made bread and dance along with the entertaining belly dancers on certain nights of the week.
Seafood
Olu Deniz is of course right by the sea, so you must try some of the local fresh seafood on offer including octopus and sea bass!
The Buzz Grill & Seafood is a great dining spot found directly on the seafront of Olu Deniz Beach. Enjoy some mouthwatering seafood skewers on the rooftop deck, and finish it off with a slice of chocolate cheesecake. This is also a great place to sit back and enjoy a cocktail whilst watching the sun set and this magical place also provides a fantastic view to watch the paragliders land on the nearby strip.
On the other hand Jade Terrace Restaurant offers a delicious combination of fresh seafood dishes including octopus, salmon, sea bass and succulent king prawns. Enjoy your meal outside on the sun terrace and lounge on one of the inviting sofas for the evening. However, if you want somewhere with a romantic ambience why not try some tuna steaks or garlic prawns at Captain Hook's Seafood Restaurant.
Italian
If you're a fan of Italian food you will be pleased to know there are a couple of high quality Italian restaurants located in Olu Deniz.
Bella Gusto serves traditional Italian cuisine whilst overlooking Fethiye and flourishing vineyards and carob trees. Tuck into some thin handmade pizzas and pasta or try one of the succulent steaks on offer. Another Italian restaurant to try is Toscana Restaurant, found on the Main Street of Olu Deniz. The prices are very reasonable here and it is highly recommended to try the some of the deserts served here including the tiramisu and pancakes!
British
If you would rather stick to some British pub grub or a full English breakfast there are many restaurants in Olu Deniz which offer dishes similar to what you would find back home.
The Olu Deniz Café can be a little tricky to find as it is tucked away behind the Belcehan Beach Hotel. But once you stumble upon this little place you will find the service is excellent and the prices aren't bad either. Enjoy a selection of cocktails at the bar and if you come here during the day you can enjoy some lunch. Also whenever there are any special sporting events they are usually showed by the bar!
If you're looking for somewhere that serves a belly busting full English breakfast you must go to the Gossip Bar & Restaurant. Whilst if you decide to come here in the evening try one of the cocktails on offer and enjoy some top class entertainment including dancers and music.
There's also the option of dining at the English Restaurant found in the Han Deluxe Boutique Hotel. This place quickly became a hot spot for tourists when it opened back in 1996. Now it serves food from all over the world including Indian and English dishes.
International
There are many restaurants in Olu Deniz which serve up food from all corners of the world.
Swallows Restaurant Café Bar offers a variety of dishes from across the globe including chicken wings, spring rolls, T-bone steaks and traditional Turkish dishes such as Moussaka and Meze. Or why not head over to Joseph's Restaurant for the evening and tuck into a whole range of different dishes including perfectly cooked fillet steak or an Indian curry.
If you want somewhere that serves generous portions look no further than Sea Horse, found along the Belcegiz Beach promenade. Tuck into some Beef Rogan Josh or try some of the mouthwatering cheesecake.
Cloud 9 is another popular restaurant found in Olu Deniz which serves a variety of visually stunning dishes including Turkish pizza and Moussaka. You will also notice the paragliders from Babadag Mountain land very close to this restaurant.