Located within a row of charming Aegean-style whitewashed buildings along the Bodrum seaside, Arsipel is a local dining institution rivaled by none. By day the location offers a meticulous seaside sun deck popular with show-off sunbathers and occasional celebrity vacationing in the area who seek-out the refined atmosphere and infamous seafood kitchen well-known throughout Turkey. Warmer weather also brings a tougher reservation policy with coveted slots between 1pm and 3pm as well as 9pm and 11pm daily. By night the action transitions between the outdoor terrace awash in ocean views and wood-beam dining room with fireplace and small bar that attracts a cross-section of local society, in-the-know visitors and Turkish glitterati.
The Food
For most of summer the restaurant is all about its beach scene, as guests frolic under oversize sun hats and crisp white linen while lunching on platters of fresh seafood drizzled in homegrown olive oil. More formal lunches are taken indoors or on the all-white dining terrace where seafood salads, grilled meat platters and pasta dishes satiate well-heeled tourists and European plutocrats. By night the restaurant gets a fancier theme with white tablecloths and market menu that begins with raw fish platters, oyster shooters or grilled octopus and calamari dishes. Main course is an assortment of lobster, grilled meats and seafood cooked in a salt bake with health and flavor in mind.
Last Word
Beach club eatery offers all-day dining destination with seaside views and beach club scene on the shores of Bodrum.
