OD Urla
Izmir, Türkiye
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
A winding road takes you to the top of the hill, from where you get a first impression of Osman Sezener's world. Once you arrive at his family estate, you trade the view of olive trees and vines for his impressive vegetable garden. A visit to the garden is an absolute must, as is an overnight stay in one of the guestrooms. This trendy glasshouse restaurant is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and the chefs' passion and energy is infectious. The restaurant grows about half of its ingredients independently and sources other produce from nearby suppliers. Chef Sezener works with a supply radius of about ten kilometres. The commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is as much part of this restaurant's identity as its focus on open-fire cooking. The chef cooks on a charcoal grill to bring out the natural flavours and textures of his ingredients. The cuisine is simple and unpretentious, sometimes even bordering on the rustic, but it is always full of flavour. Take the smooth mashed potatoes with caramelised onions, the perfectly grilled squid glazed with a braised onion jus, and a tuile of the remaining parts of the squid sprinkled with fresh herbs. This cuisine is personal. The way the robust, tender beef rib is balanced with textures of celeriac is testament to the chef's understanding of the ingredients and flavours that nature yields (there is both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menu).
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Location and History: OD Urla is situated in a former farmhouse where Chef Osman Sezener spent his childhood, now transformed into a restaurant surrounded by an olive grove.
- Culinary Approach: The restaurant emphasizes a "from farm to table" concept, using ingredients grown in its own garden or sourced from local farming friends.
- Cocktail Menu: The cocktails are crafted with aromatic herbs freshly harvested from the garden and citrus fruits from the Aegean Sea, offering a unique flavor profile.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
- Local Herbs (Wild Thyme and Oregano): These herbs are integral to many dishes at OD Urla, reflecting the region's rich botanical heritage and adding depth to various recipes.
- Fresh Produce from On-Site Gardens: Half of the ingredients are grown directly on-site, ensuring freshness and authenticity in the dishes prepared by Chef Osman Sezener.
- Locally Sourced Olive Products: Given Urla's olive groves, olive products likely feature prominently, contributing to the rustic yet refined flavors characteristic of the restaurant's cuisine.
- Vineyard Produce: The proximity to vineyards suggests that grapes or wine might be used in some dishes, enhancing the local flavor profile.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
OD Urla - Menu Options and Prices
Set Menus
Tasting Menu
- Price: From $60 per person
- Description: Monthly-changing menus inspired by seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, cooked over open fire to enhance natural flavors. Includes a variety of courses showcasing Aegean flavors such as calamari with fennel marinated in orange juice, asparagus cooked in village butter with toasted walnuts, and mackerel with caramelized peppers and onions.
- Available for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Sunday.
Average Price per Person
- Approximately $42 for lunch or dinner a la carte or set menu options.
A La Carte Options
Specific a la carte menu items are not detailed in the sources, but dishes mentioned include:
- Calamari with fennel marinated in orange juice
- Asparagus cooked in butter with toasted walnuts
- Mackerel with caramelized peppers and onions
- Smooth mashed potatoes with caramelized onions
- Grilled squid glazed with braised onion jus, served with a squid tuile sprinkled with fresh herbs
- Robust beef rib balanced with celeriac textures.
The cuisine focuses on Mediterranean and Turkish Aegean flavors, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
Special Seasonal Menus
Menus are monthly-changing and shaped in tune with the rhythm of nature, emphasizing seasonal and top-quality ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s garden and local suppliers within a 10 km radius.
The menu reflects the cultural heritage of Turkey and the Aegean region, with a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.
Additional Information
The restaurant operates Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
The Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its open-fire cooking technique, which enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
No specific prices for individual dishes or detailed a la carte menu pricing were found in the available sources.
Summary Table
| Menu Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tasting Menu | Monthly-changing, seasonal, open-fire cooked dishes with Aegean flavors | From $60 |
| Average Meal | Lunch or dinner, a la carte or set menu | Approx. $42 |
| A La Carte | Various Mediterranean and Turkish dishes (specific prices not listed) | NOT_FOUND |
| Seasonal Menus | Monthly-changing menus based on seasonal, local ingredients | Included in tasting menu pricing |
Note: Specific prices for individual dishes or detailed a la carte options with prices were not found in the search results. Only tasting menu and average meal prices are available.
If you need more detailed menu items or prices, contacting the restaurant directly at +905 3269 63930 or visiting their official website is recommended.
In The Media
OD Urla
Chef Osman Sezener comes from a culinary dynasty – his family run Ristorante Pizzeria Venedik, a favourite of Izmir locals since 1979 – and this dreamy building ...
theworlds50best.com
Od Urla | Eater
Jun 10, 2024 ... Od Urla. 2018/9 Sok, No:28 Sut Pinari Mevkii, 35430 Urla · 0532 696 ... The 22 Essential Restaurants (and Vineyards) in İzmir, Turkey. Wood ...
eater.com