The Olive Garden - Table 9, 9pm, Saturday 29th August

[antler]

As we walked into town, The Tailor waved and shouted "Hello, how are you!" and we made our way into the restaurant beneath The Olive Garden, running a bit late. The Turkish waiter in the restaurant below said "Good Evening, would you like to have dinner?". When we pointed out we had a reservation upstairs, he replied "Shame that innit!" in such a Welsh accent you'd have thought he was born and raised in Swansea. It was such a shock and so funny.

The Olive Garden waiter greeted us and I said we had a reservation for Table 9 at 9pm. This took him by suprise, as he was not the one who welcomed us earlier in the week when we booked, and stayed a while for a drink. He quickly looked at his watch and said, "I am sorry, we have had to let your table go".

For a nano second you feel the bristles rise on your neck but he could conceal it no longer than that and we made our way up the spiral staircase to the roof terrace.

It was full, apart from Table 9, in the corner, looking out to sea. It looked so different at night and the view of many other roof top restaurants was something I had not seen before - at least, not to be able to see so many.

Now its not what you order that fills you up here, although the portions are large enough, it's what you don't order that takes you over the top.

The olive bread was unique and to die for, and with a dish of olives, I could have just enjoyed more of that with a glass of water and fed myself on the atmosphere. But the Rose came and then OJ's Crispy Prawn starter and my Sauteed Chicken Livers - cooked to perfection. Mrs A did not want a starter so the starter they gave her was a little Meze!

It was noticably cooler last night and the temperature at 0930pm must have been in the 20's and not the 30's. The service was impeccable and the waiter still smiled from his little wheeze.

The main courses were fillet steak, pink and juicy, a Fish & Seafood Casserole for OJ (the deal was that I would have it if he didn't like it and I was praying he wouldn't - but no way!) and I had Saturday's Special, which is two fillets of Megrit fish, sandwiched around a layer of spinach, tomatoes and garlic - and then just to keep the calories down, smothered with cheese and baked in the oven with potatoes.

Of course there was no room for dessert, but the complimentary plate of piping hot baby doughnuts and hot chocolate sauce was a treat in iteslf.

The bill for the three of us, including all of the above, a bottle of wine, beer and water, was 144TL. That's around £20 each, for a meal of that quality, I think, is outstanding.

It's a lovely restaurant and it was a lovely evening and I can clearly see why so many find this their restaurant of choice.

Just ask for Table 9 and watch their face!!

cheers

Antler

Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=4267.0

[tonik]

I was so hoping you would go to the Olive Garden, made my day and I am going to book table 9 when I go back in October 

[MartynE]

The Olive Garden is one of our favourites too... should be there in about a week's time!! Can't wait!!

[sally]

How are your 35" shorts, Antler??

[Denners]

Olive Garden is one of the best restaurants in Kalkan and one of our favourites !
Arriving on Wednesday for more great good there !!!!!

[misty]

Last time we went there we had to sit on plastic patio chairs food took hours to arrive and they wanted people out as soon as their meal were finished.......sounds like it may have improved 

[Derya]

Misty, why would they bring you complimentary dessert if they wanted you out asap?

[kalkanfan]

I've never felt rushed in all the times I've eaten at the Olive Garden and as Derya says, bringing you a complimentary dessert is hardly pushing you out!  I've also never found that the plastic patio chairs have a detrimental effect on the quality of the food.

[Chrissie]

 ::)I know I should know but I have forgotten,could somebody please tell me where Olive Garden is taking Gironda as starting point,thanks,Chris.

[itstime]

Olive Garden is above The Merkez so a great central location.
Can only echo the thoughts of those who have loved dining there. Never ever felt rushed, infact probably stay there longer than any other restaurant due to time taken to savour the delicious food, make space for the complimentary stuff and chat to the workers who all without exception take time to chat and explain the range of dishes on the menu.

[baklavabuddy]

They are totally lovely in there, I agree
No need to advertise themselves, they are a tucked away little gem

BB

[Chrissie]

A "tucked away little gem" that I still can't find in my mind !! Above Merkez is helpful...but I cant think where that it either !!!
Starting point Gironda ,help please.

[baklavabuddy]

Walk up from Gironda with Gironda on the right, keep walking and there are some steps on the left. Just past the steps on the right is Merkez, its the cafe with all the chairs outside. To get to the Olive Garden walk through the cafe as it is above Merkez but entrance is through the cafe

BB

[RosiB]

What complimentary stuff? We didn't get anything complimentary when we were there last month!

[Chrissie]

  Thanks a lot,I know now.