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NOMAD Bar & Bistro - Twenty visits The place you feel like you have visited many times before, the warmest welcome as you arrive from the lovely NOMAD team. We decided to spend our Friday lazy lunch in our local neighbourhood; as we were feeling the Fitzroy, Melbourne vibe and were very grateful, we chose Nomad. A newly opened Mediterranean Bar & Bistro eatery, family-owned of only two weeks, was already operating like a well-oiled machine. From the stunning design and fit-out to the most delightful owners, after spending the best of ten years in New York, have recently returned home to Serbia and a beautiful team. It truly felt like we were regulars and popping back in to say hello to old friends. A wonderful wine list and the food was absolutely mouthwatering, we started with our fave caesar salad, which was delicious, followed by ribs and gnocchi, each dish was tasty and full of flavour. A very comfortable terrace for outdoor dining, tucked away in a quiet tree-lined street, along with a very stylish indoor dining, we became fast fans of the big round table in the corner. After lunch, it was cocktail time, and Ivana was an expert, taking our requests and making fabulous creations to suit our style. We were very impressed, we stayed until late evening continuing our cocktail journey with Nomad. After such a wonderful experience, we returned a few days later to say hello to everyone and received the same warm welcome and were delighted with sampling even more dishes. The risotto was definitely one of the best we have had. It was fresh and clean, leaving you feeling light and satisfied. Definitely the next best new restaurant in this quaint neighbourhood, the place to try and will keep you coming back for more. Update - we continued our friendship and regular visits to NOMAD during our six-month stay in Belgrade and the beautiful NOMAD team has become family. The quality of the food continues to surprise us and we look forward to visiting our NOMAD family again on a future visit to Belgrade.

Karafaki Erhan Usta Gümüşlük Balık Restoranı - One visit Karafaki Erhan Usta is a seafood restaurant in Gümüşlük, Bodrum, Turkey and deserves its high google rating of 4.7. Now be warned, you'll need to walk past every other restaurant or take our advice and use the small laneway behind the restaurants to walk straight to this restaurant located right at the end of all the laneway. Extremely welcoming, warm, and friendly service is the standard in Turkey; you will be hard-pressed to find the opposite. The decor bursts with colours, fresh flowers, and beautifully clean and white wooden furniture. You sit by the seaside and are enveloped by ornamented trees with the 'Nazar Boncuğu’ Pearl of the look (The blue evil eye). It truly is a charming setting. We had a very long, slow lunch starting with warm bread and lovely local olives. I enjoyed a meal of the freshest fish, but even better Wayne was spoilt with succulent lamb chops cooked to perfection. You could easily stay all day here, and your lunch will become dinner. We were surprised with the most delicious homemade treat after our meal; it was incredible! The location is magical, and the sunsets will be sure to delight you too. This restaurant benefits from being at the end of the small walking street, so you get a better view being on the corner and a little less of the crowds. Pricing is very reasonable, and the wine list is limited, same as all the places along the strip. They all have similar wines; however, better pricing for the same wines at Karafaki Erhan Usta, so you could not fault them. Tip: Don't confuse Karafaki Erhan Usta with Karafaki Restaurant; they are a short distance from each other, both excellent restaurants, although we felt Karafaki Erhan Usta was a level above.

Agrilia Restaurant - One visit We were fortunate to have the chance to experience this fantastic restaurant on their last week of operating in the Alavya Hotel. After six years, they are now taking a break to embark on a new location. The hotel is the epitome of style and comfort with this current venture. From sitting upstairs with a log fire in beautiful lounge chairs to our table sitting right at the front of the restaurant overlooking the cobblestone street was perfect for people watching. We could only imagine watching the people in summer with all the radiant pink Bougainvillea flowers blossoming and surrounding you in the cobblestone streets. The hotel's interior oozes style, and you are greeted as you walk in with a selection of fine local delicacies in the boutique delicatessen. As you continue, you'll be greeted with the main restaurant and bar, then you move into the idyllic outdoors, and there is a magnificent full-length pool that in summer would be the place to be when you're in Alacati. Be prepared to take on a culinary journey of unique textures, from the impressive starters to desserts, including pasta flavoured with vodka (yes, you heard correctly) and lamb cutlets cooked to perfection. They hosted an impressive wine list of high-quality Turkish wines, including all our favourites from Chamlija and a small selection of champagnes to begin your culinary journey. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do cocktails this time; however, the bar was very inviting. The perfect pacing of the meals and the chef's passion for flavours and unique and delicious combinations provide you with a divine dining experience. Very professional and friendly team, all with excellent knowledge of the menu and wine list, and were very attentive during our slow dining. The team had plenty of time to engage in great conversation, and our waitress gave us an excellent overview of the area and its history and her personal journey in life. Wishing the team every success for their subsequent tenure, we have no doubt they will continue to sprinkle their cheerful energy and deliver on their promise of superior dining to all future guests. Click here to find out where to next.

Liman Hotel Gümüslük - Three nights What a location, a small boutique hotel right in the heart of Gumusluk on the Bodrum Peninsula with stunning views of the Aegean Sea with small fishing village vibes; make sure you stay for more than one night! The team and Yasemin & Özcan, your hosts are very warm and welcoming; they helped us organise a taxi from our previous Airbnb and helped with getting our washing done. The rooms are spotlessly clean too. Liman Hotel has recently been renovated and is very modern, stylish and clean. The stand out is its location, right in the heart of Gumusluk with simply beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and port. We stayed three days and fell into the fishing village vibe—early morning coffees from the excellent coffee shop Fonda Gümüşlük directly underneath Liman Hotel. Make sure you book a sea view room; you'll be blessed with a lovely balcony that is large enough for two people to sit, enjoy a wine or coffee and enjoy the crystal clear blue sea, sunset, and all the street life as the owners of each restaurant tempt guests with the latest catch of the day. Unfortunately, we skipped breakfast each day simply because of the filling dinners during our stay. We do recommend Karafaki and Karafaki Erhan Usta, both exceptional seafood restaurants. We noticed most people only stay one night; however, visiting longer gives you those unique experiences of exploring this little gem without the crowds; a simple smile and a wave, and you're one of the locals by the end of your stay. While the room may be small, the location, style, view and quality of linen make up for any concerns about room size, and we were very comfortable during our stay. Liman Hotel is very affordable, especially during shoulder season, the best time to visit before the crowds arrive.

Karafaki Restaurant - One visit Stay strong and resist the other restaurant owners trying to lure you into their establishment. Karafaki Restaurant Gümüşlük, the one with the lighted boned fish sign above the entrance, is worth visiting. They have excellent service owned by brothers, and their passion and high level of customer service shine through. They are very understanding; you could see the disappointment when my hubby ordered the sizzling beef (which didn't disappoint) instead of a freshly caught fish dish. With so much competition, all the restaurants need to serve the freshest fish, and Karafaki Restaurant delivers a range of beautiful, tasty fresh fish cooked to perfection. For Wayne, the sizzling beef was a welcome relief from all the fish meals he has been exposed to in our recent travels! I'm trying to convert my hubby, but it is a slow process (nearly 20 years)! We started with a starter of the most delicious cheese-filled mushrooms and fried calamari. I enjoyed the fresh fish; it was filleted, deboned and served with a beautiful fresh salad, which was complimentary, which was very thoughtful. All the restaurants have a similar look and feel; they are beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and white decor, a real greek vibe; however, an insider's tip, walk upstairs. You'll be rewarded with fewer people and a more impressive view of the bay. Typical pricing for ordering fresh fish caught directly in front of you. There is a small wine list, and slightly more expensive than others along this small restaurant strip.

Kepler Marin - One visit Wow, seriously, this place in Cesme Marina makes the best cocktails we've experienced in a long time while travelling through Turkey. Come for the food, but be sure to stay for the cocktails! Again that warm, fun and friendly Turkish service shine through, and you will enjoy the banter with the team and the attentive service. We enjoyed perfectly cooked mouth-watering juicy steaks, simply divine. The menu is well rounded, including various meat and seafood dishes, and the hot spicy chicken wings were a treat. We loved the style of this restaurant/bar, the great vibe, views of the calming marina and tunes in the background. We noticed several digital nomads working away while having a coffee and enjoying the view, which was very laptop-friendly. You are blessed with a very creative mixologist who is prepared to go outside the box and make some unique tasting cocktails; you will stay for two or three (each)! They also have a very dependable wine list with a variety of options. You will be impressed by the pricing for the quality of food and meals and exquisite cocktails using high-quality spirits. Kepler Marin is located in the heart of the charming Cesme Marina, a wonderful place to wander around and enjoy the surroundings and nearby shops.

Medellin Lounge - One visit We were strolling home via the marina and came across Medellin Lounge. We were loaded up with our weekly groceries, and being tempted by live music, we just had to drop in and have a drink and listen to the band. We were warmly greeted by the band and the staff as we entered, and they happily made us cocktails not on the menu, and they tasted amazing. The live music duo was upbeat and created an atmosphere. I must say, wow, the best bloody mary I've had in ages; think freshly squeezed tomatoes with the perfect spice level; we came in for one and just had to stay for more. The gin fizz was generous too and well balanced. We only popped by for a drink and the local Turkish music, so unable to comment on the food this time. Pricing is very reasonable, and unfortunately, we didn't check the wines available as it was more of a pub vibe. We truly loved the vibe and energy from the band and staff. A fabulous place and a perfect live music venue with ample seating to view and enjoy the live music.

Studio apartment with an amazing view in Cesme - Four nights An Airbnb with uninterrupted 180-degree views in Cesme, Izmir. Most fabulous views and sunsets over the Aegean Sea with Chios, a Greek island, as the backdrop. You are moments from the private beach from your front door, it's a beautiful haven to soak up the views, and during summer, it would be perfect for chilling down in the sea. The apartment is perfect for a couple, clean and tidy and fully equipped for a short or long stay. You have everything you need to cook and stay at home to enjoy the magical sunsets and views whilst relaxing on the wrap-around balcony. Uğur, the host, is an absolute delight and is always full of positivity every time you meet him, and he is always available for any questions or requests. We had the most lovely week staying on the coast, enjoying the culinary delights, and spending time in Cesme Marina. You are only a 7-minute walk to all essential shops and a 20-minute walk to the marina and the castle. You will love the Turkish energy of the people in the area, and you can also enjoy live music at Medellin during the evenings after experiencing excellent seafood at nearby restaurants. We recommend Ferdi Baba and Kepler Marin. If you are looking for a getaway to bring you calmness and joy, this is your destination. It always blows my mind that Greece is just in the background, about 1 hour by ferry if you are looking for an adventure or your next destination.

Ferdi Baba Restaurant - Çeşme Marina - One visit Ferdi Baba Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Çeşme Marina, Turkey. Perfect for a slow lunch whilst enjoying the view of the charming marina and fortress. With comfortable chairs and tables by the calming marina with a distant view of the old fortress, you can also cosy up by the warm fire if you visit at the beginning of the season. Friendly service that was not pushy and allowed us the time to sit and relax and enjoy the views of our new destination. The focus in the restaurant is the catch of the day, and they have a large selection of freshly caught fish, all served with a minimum of fuss. What is it about the prawns in Turkey, again big and juicy! They have an extensive range of hot and cold starters, and the grilled cheese was delicious. The fresh fish was divine, and they were very accommodating and were able to do one serve filleted from a delicious fish. Wayne even managed to find a tasty main course with prawns that made him (the non-fish eater) happy. After devouring your meal, you are presented with a complimentary fruit platter, a perfect end to a lovely lunch. As Ferdi Baba was only just opening for the season, the wine selection was just getting started, but there was enough choice of local wines to keep us satisfied; you pop inside to view the selection and find the perfect match for your meal. The pricing was very reasonable, and you will be delighted with your choice and will thoroughly enjoy your meal. Ferdi Baba Restaurant has continued to branch out over the region and now has four restaurants to enjoy. Ferdi Baba is located in the heart of the charming Cesme Marina. It is quaint and tucked away in a cove and a wonderful place to wander around and enjoy the surroundings.

MITU Alavya Hotel - Two visits MITU is an exquisite restaurant located in the stunning boutique Alavya Hotel, Alacati. The hotel's interior oozes style, and you are greeted as you walk in with a selection of fine local delicacies in the boutique delicatessen. As you continue, you'll be greeted with the main restaurant and bar, tables scattered throughout the restaurant, a cosy lounge nook by the log fire, or you can move into the idyllic outdoors on the private terrace overlooking the magnificent pool. The menu will be sure to satisfy you. The food was prepared expertly and was delicious; you will be pleased with the dining experience and your choices. You are welcomed with freshly baked bread and olives accompanied with olive oil from their garden. The homemade meatballs (kofta) were heavenly, followed by and local selection of desserts. They host an impressive wine list of high-quality Turkish wines, including all our favourites from Chamlija and a small selection of champagnes to begin your culinary journey. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do cocktails this time; however, the bar was very inviting. They were a very professional and friendly team, all with excellent knowledge of the menu and wine list, and attentive during our slow dining. MITU previously shared their home with the fabulous Agrilia Restaurant, which after six years, has now moved to a new location in Alacati.