Ankara's Akdeniz Akdeniz (or Mediterranean Mediterranean in English) is a friendly but out of the ordinary restaurant, which challenges the monotony of daily life with a rich menu offering the very best the Mediterranean kitchen can offer.

  The seafood restaurant opened in Ankara in 1995 and, like so many great Mediterranean venues, is famous for its cold and hot appetizers, or meze. The kitchen's repertoire includes almost 200 varieties of meze and the delights on offer change each day. “All our dishes are served daily and prepared with the utmost care,” said owner and head chef Mahmut Acer.

  Located in a central but hidden corner of Ankara, the restaurant is highly popular and has many regulars. “Our aim is to make our guests feel special and at home. When we achieve that I feel special too,” said Acer, adding that diners came to enjoy the venue, eat meze and while away hours in comfortable and friendly surroundings.

  The warm and unique blue of the Mediterranean Sea is repeated both inside and outside this lovely restaurant, giving the sense of a summer house and surprises within. Come the summer its garden is alive with the scents of geranium, violet, lily, begonia and basil. The already friendly atmosphere is further enriched with live music every night, whatever the season.

  The restaurant is moderately priced when one takes into account the quality of service, rich variety of dishes and the warm hospitality one receives. Akdeniz Akdeniz also offers a set menu for YTL 45, which includes cold and hot appetizers, seasonal fresh fish and irmik helvas1 (semolina helva) with ice-cream – a specialty of the restaurant – as well as limited drinks, tea and coffee.

  With its modern yet inviting décor, Akdeniz Akdeniz is an ideal place for those who want to spend a romantic evening together, enjoy a healthy afternoon lunch or even do business over a meal.

  Address: Farabi Sokak Galip Dede 5/D Çankaya, Ankara

  Tel: 0312 468 5165

  Web site: www.akdenizakdeniz.com

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News