Meyhane Datça: A Sophisticated Take on Traditional Dishes

Setting and Appearance
Meyhane Datça is is located in the heart of Datça town in a charming stone courtyard behind the main building, where you’ll be showered in pink blossoms if you go in the right season. The space is adorned with vintage decor, including photographs of old movie stars, which lends it a nostalgic, quirky atmosphere. The courtyard, shaded by trees and illuminated by a projector playing classic Turkish films, creates a tranquil and inviting setting for a leisurely meal, and there are the ubiquitous cats lazing against the trees just waiting to help if you order too much food. Old-world charm strikes a good balance with a modern sensibility here, making it suitable for intimate dinners or larger gatherings.

Ambiance on Entry
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a warm and relaxed environment by staff who fit the ‘cool and young’ demographic but aren’t snobbish if you’re not cool yourself. The owner often works front of house and is friendly and welcoming.

Service
Service at Meyhane Datça is consistently praised for its attentiveness and friendliness, though there’s no rush and you’re welcome to relax and take your time too. The staff, particularly individuals like Burak, are knowledgeable about the menu and offer thoughtful recommendations tailored to diners’ preferences, especially explaining how the numerous offal dishes will be prepared and served, in case you’re nervous about eating something new.

Food and Drink
The menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, with an emphasis on traditional Turkish mezze and expertly prepared offal (other dishes are available!). Signature dishes such as grilled lamb leg, tender beef cheek, and grilled tongue are frequently highlighted for their flavour and expert preparation. I had the tongue and highly recommend it for how soft and flavourful it was. We also had the liver and, while liver is almost always good in Turkey, here it is exceptionally well cooked and the texture is crisp on the outside, soft in the middle.

The mezze selection, though somewhat limited for a Turkish restaurant, is consistently noted for its freshness and innovation. You order the four daily plates (‘dört çeşıt günlük meze’) and are brought well-presented bowls, together with bread of a higher standard than the normal Turkish bakery bread (which is anyway extremely good). We had hummus dressed with chilli oil and pine nuts, a corn dish, a sumac yoghurt mezze with red peppers, and a tarama salata. All were fresh, tasty and moreish.

Desserts are straightforward, with options like fruit plates providing a light and satisfying end to the meal. These are part of the ‘Rakılık’ menu, small dishes that are typically eaten while drinking rakı… and chatting long into the night.

Drinks include red or white wine (there weren’t many choices when we visited), rakı, and şalgam and soda in the soft drinks offerings. offering a modest but well-curated list. Diners frequently remark on the honest, generous portions and the evident care in preparation.

Accessibility
The restaurant's layout in a courtyard and its informal setting make it a comfortable choice for most diners, but there’s a step up at the entrance and another small step down into the courtyard. It’s advisable to contact the restaurant in advance to confirm accessibility for specific needs, including wheelchairs.

Prices
Pricing at Meyhane Datça is a point of discussion. While some find the cost reasonable, especially given the quality and setting, restaurants in Turkey can be surprisingly expensive for tourists. We found Meyhane Datça to be good value given the peaceful, classic ambiance, the unique menu options, and the friendly service (okay, and the cute lazy cats).

Opening Hours and Contact Details
The restaurant operates in the evenings, with timings varying slightly by season. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak tourist periods.