As we journeyed from Istanbul to Canakkale, we stopped in the sleepy seaside town of Gelibolu (Gallipoli) for lunch. The waterfront town sits in the Southeastern region of Thrace on the European side of Turkey. We stopped just short of the ferryboat at a restaurant called Gelibolu Balik (Gallipoli Fish) Restaurant. It sounds much fancier in Turkish.
When we arrived at Gelibolu Balik restaurant, we were greeted by the manager, who showed us the fresh catch of the day, held within a cooler. Guests are able to pick directly from the catch of the day. While my wife opted for the fresh catch, I do not eat seafood. I was directed over to an ala carte menu that was displayed within a glass case to the left near the entrance. I opted for kebab and several other side dishes.
Because we were a large group, service was on the slow side. Our dishes arrived as they were ready, coming out sporadically to the table. This was fine, as it allowed us to nibble on salad and side dishes while we awaited our entrees. My wife ordered her fish grilled. It appeared that she enjoyed it. My kebab was okay, but nothing spectacular. I think it goes to the old adage about ordering beef at a seafood restaurant. It wasn’t bad, but it was definitely not the best meal I had in Turkey.
The ambience of the restaurant was nice. The interior was not fancy, but large windows provided an excellent backdrop of ocean breeze and choppy waves. It was cold the day we visited, so we enjoyed the churning waters from indoors. I would imagine the experience being greatly enhanced had it been a nice evening with a gentle breeze. Either way, even indoors, the seaside charm provided a great atmosphere for our meal.
While the service and atmosphere were excellent, the prices seemed to be a bit high for lunch. Understanding that it is fresh seafood, the prices seemed compatible with what one would pay in a small restaurant in the coastal Carolinas. Not expensive, but also not cheap. I would go back to this restaurant again. But I would consider another option as well, if given an opportunity to return to this charming seaside town.
