Teruar Urla
Izmir, Türkiye
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
A visit to Teruar Urla gives rise to a sense of natural serenity. That goes for both the drive along the vineyards and the atmosphere of this luxurious restaurant housed in a building of local stone. On one side, you can see the kitchen team at work; the aperitif room and terrace offer stunning views of the valley below. An overnight stay in one of the guestrooms is a must, but first, take the time to savour Osman Serdaroğlu's intense cuisine. He is a chef who believes in the power of simplicity. His minimalist approach to local cooking is infused with Italian flair, a result of his previous work experience. His dishes are always full of surprises. Whether he's serving fried courgette with a goat's cheese cream and dried yoghurt or an original take on lamb saltimbocca, every dish is sure to intrigue. This is simple and honest cuisine pared down to the essentials. Chef Serdaroğlu is happy to come to your table to expound his vision and share his penchant for local produce. The same goes for the wine list, in fact, which predominantly features Turkish labels. The terroir of Urla and its surroundings is special, there's no doubt about that.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
A Culinary Gateway to Tranquility Among Vineyards
Teruar Urla is uniquely set in a picturesque stone building with valley views, creating a serene atmosphere that blends natural beauty with fine dining. This setting serves as a peaceful gateway amidst vineyards, enhancing the overall dining experience beyond just the food.Minimalist Italian-Influenced Cuisine with Local Roots
Chef Osman Serdaroğlu combines a minimalist approach with Italian flair, influenced by his previous work experience, to create dishes that are simple yet full of surprises. The menu features local products with minimalist presentations, such as fried courgette with goat's cheese cream and lamb saltimbocca, emphasizing honesty and simplicity in cooking.Integration of Local Culture and Personal Story in Design and Experience
The restaurant is part of a seven-room boutique hotel and was originally the site of the chef and his partner’s wedding reception, giving it a deeply personal and romantic atmosphere. The stone house architecture reflects the region’s style, and the dining experience is enhanced by large patios and terraces overlooking vineyards and olive groves, designed for peaceful and beautiful gatherings.Distinctive Use of Regional Ingredients and Beverages
Teruar Urla emphasizes local herbs, fresh vegetables, and seafood from the region, including Karaburun’s tuna, which the chef processes with particular skill. The restaurant also features a strong cheese-oriented menu and an extensive Turkish wine pairing selection, deliberately excluding Turkish Raki as a drink but creatively incorporating it into desserts.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Teruar Urla in İzmir are:
Karaburun Tuna: Known for its exceptional quality and flavor, this local tuna is skillfully processed by the chef and featured prominently in seafood dishes, highlighting the region's marine bounty.
Local Herbs and Fresh Vegetables: Teruar Urla emphasizes the use of a variety of local herbs and fresh vegetables, often sourced from nearby fields like Kırdık Tarım. These ingredients bring authentic Aegean flavors to signature dishes such as the reinterpreted "Kuzu Kapama" with chard and endive.
Cheese: The chef's passion for cheese is evident in the menu, which includes strong cheese-oriented options that vary seasonally, showcasing the importance of dairy in the region's cuisine.
Turkish Raki: Although not served as a drink, raki is used innovatively as a local ingredient in desserts, reflecting the chef's creative approach to traditional flavors.
These ingredients are central to Teruar Urla's philosophy of simplicity and respect for local terroir, often combined with Italian culinary techniques to create dishes that are both familiar and surprising.
In The Media
Michelin Guide Awards New Stars in Turkey, Most to Aegean Coast ...
Nov 10, 2023 ... The laid-back seaside town of Urla, near Izmir, saw three restaurants receive one star each: Od Urla, Teruar Urla, and Vino Locale. Glitzy ...
bloomberg.com
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Urla—Türkiye's Emerging Food and ...
Aug 28, 2024 ... Izmir's Urla district is the new nucleus of Aegean fine dining ... Teruar Urla showcases chef Osman Serdaroğlu's years of training in southern ...
cntraveler.com