Lǎl Girit Mutfağı

Top choice in İzmir & the North Aegean


Owner and chef Emine was taught to cook Girit (Cretan) dishes by her grandmother, and the results are simply inspired. Expect her to emerge from the kitchen to explain what's in the meze selection (there's always a huge variety). You can be sure that your choice will be fresh, unusual and delectable. Slow-cooked lamb is the only main dish on offer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby İzmir & the North Aegean attractions

1. Rahmi M Koç Museum

0.09 MILES

Housed in the magnificently restored Taksiyarhis Church (Church of the Archangels), a Greek Orthodox church built in 1873 and now painted in a distinctive…

2. Atatürk Statue

2.05 MILES

As is the case in almost every town in this region, there is a statue of the great man in the main square.

3. Broken Chimney

2.11 MILES

The tapering brick chimneys that are scattered throughout the old Greek quarter are remnants of the olive-oil factories that once operated here. These…

4. Saatlı Camii

2.15 MILES

Originally built as the Ayios Yannis Kilise, this imposing stone building with its ugly freestanding minaret was converted into the Saatli Cami in 1923.

5. Broken Chimney

2.15 MILES

Broken brick chimneys like this one are scattered throughout the old Greek quarter, all that remains of the olive-oil factories that have now relocated to…

6. Taksiyarhis Memorial Museum

2.17 MILES

This erstwhile Greek Orthodox cathedral, built in 1844 but never used as a place of worship, was completely renovated in 2013 and positively shimmers in…

7. Old Town

2.18 MILES

Ayvalık’s old town is a joy to explore. A maze of cobbled streets east of the liman, it is full of market squares, atmospheric cafes, Greek Orthodox…

8. Köy Pazarı

2.21 MILES

On Thursdays, a 'village market' is held in this square next to the main pazar yeri (marketplace), which is also filled with market stalls.