This is a city restaurant we have chosen to visit periodically for over ten years, either for breakfast during the day or for lunch/evening meals. We have visited Yalı Restaurant in larger groups with friends, family, and relatives, as well as in smaller groups of two to four. Over the years, there have been frequent changes in the staff and offerings, so we haven’t always left completely satisfied.

The restaurant has a large, tree-filled garden, giving it a feeling of its own lush, green world. This location and view are probably its most unique features. It’s a spacious restaurant with open and closed, smoking and non-smoking seating areas. Due to the large garden, there’s also a spacious parking area. Tables are set among the trees, making summer dining here very peaceful. The area is so large that it can also host outdoor weddings separately from the main restaurant area.

Yalı Restaurant serves a main menu focused on meat/seafood, primarily meat. Cold appetizers are served on a tray from which you can choose what you’d like. These trays typically include common yogurt-based and olive oil-based mezes found in restaurant menus. Hot appetizers include liver, mushrooms, shrimp, calamari, and pastries. For mains, there is a variety of grilled red meat options, so there’s something for everyone. There’s a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Classic desserts like fig dessert, Hayrabolu dessert, and künefe are available. They also offer a spread breakfast service on weekends.

Due to its location in an industrial area, you may find large business groups here for work lunches at certain times, though it also attracts families. Since the restaurant has plenty of seating and is in an area where dining out is less common, we’ve never had trouble finding a table. Prices have varied over the years, so affordability is relative to individual budgets.

Considering the quality of food, service, and the restaurant’s lush green setting, it falls on the pricier side within its category.