When we were driving on the coastal road north of Bafra last week, we took the opportunity to visit the countryside village Kumyali. From the entrance to the small village, at the top of a hill, your find a postcard panoramic view over the houses and the Mediterranean sea. After admiring the calm sea reflecting the sky’s purple skimmer from today’s last hours, we drove down into the village. We have heard of a small local restaurant, Bekayı Restaurant, which we went to visit. It is not quite easy to find, and it took us a few rounds in Kumyali before we found it, but it turns out to be well worth it!
The amazing owner Zelish welcomes us at the door and brings us to the simple but very genuine and casual restaurant. She puts plates with meze on the table and then goes to the built-in scented furnace where the parmesan with lamb is getting grilled. She serves us homemade halloumi, homemade sausage called Pastirma, handmade golden potatoes and freshly chopped salad from the garden. There is also olive picking times now, and the olive oil we got served for the food is something very special! The meat that the restaurant serves comes from lamb bred in the village farms. On sundays you have a “Sunday special” with Kleftico Kebab added on the flames in a clay oven.
It has become dark when we have finished, so more sightseeing of Kumyali will be done next time. We will definitely revisit, at least for the good food and friendly atmosphere of Zelish at Bekayı Restaurant!
The restaurant is open everyday between 11 am and 10 pm except Thursdays where they close at 6 pm.
Telephone: +90 392 375 58 28 or +90 533 863 10 17
