Culinarium

A German-Turkish couple, Faruk and Ulrike, opened Culinarium in 2003 in Eski Datça, the old village above the town. It later moved down to the harbour and then to its present side street. After about 20 years they retired, and since September 2022 it has been run by Deniz, who first came as a guest, and chef Mehmet, who cooked with Faruk for eight years.

The restaurant is spread over three floors. Families sit indoors on the first floor, which has sea views, and the terrace is kept for guests aged 16 and over. Guests with pets can use the courtyard.

Guides single out the prawns wrapped in courgette flowers and the sea bass fillet in a cream sauce, and Circassian ravioli also comes up in recommendations. The wine list is Turkish, with bottles from Doluca and Kavaklıdere alongside smaller producers such as Knidos.

Datça’s town harbour is protected by a long breakwater and is a port of entry, with fuel in the harbour. From a berth on the town quay, the restaurant is a couple of minutes on foot along the harbour and up a side street. Yachts anchored in the bay can land by tender in the harbour.

Culinarium serves from 5pm to 11pm. Seating is limited and the restaurant asks guests to book ahead, by phone, WhatsApp or email. Opening days change through the season, so check when you book.