Ilban at Saffron

[Cuddles]

Anyone who has enjoyed a meal at the Ilban restaurants should try the Saffron above the Utopia bar and next to the Post Office.
Arif and his cousin, Pasha (chef), have joined forces and recreated the ambiance of the original Ilban restaurant. (Which still lies empty just across the road, what a waste!)
Apart from the fabulous views and attentive but discrete service, the food is delicious and well presented. Prices are average and the menu quite extensive and varied, with a good selection of fish dishes.

Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=5605.0

[Alfaman]

Is Arif the friendly english speaking guy who ran the old Ilban? If so I assume he went into parnership up from Kaya with the couple who have now moved into the old Daphne's. His fish casseroles in the cast iron dishes were excellent, and the old Ilban had far more atmosphere than the second one.

[Cuddles]

Yes, that's him.
Nothing, in my view, will ever be quite as good as the original but the Saffron goes a good way towards it and there are some of the old favourites as well as new dishes on the menu.

[Cuddles]

Had another superb meal at the Saffron last Wednesday. This time we took friends who also enjoyed it there.
I take back what I said in my last post because the ambiance is every bit as good as the original Ilban restaurant. Also, if you can get a seat at the front of the terrace, not only do you have the view over the islands but, you can people-watch along the main street and the hill up to (and including) the Moonlight bar.