KORFEZ @ IZMIR

We checked into the waterfront Swissotel Grand Efes and asked for a seafood dining recommendation within walking distance and Korfez came up.

Not unlike Hong Kong, no diner worth his weight would ask for the menu, our guide told us. One would check the catch-of-the-day instead, which we did. "Try the red mullets, they are in season" said our waiter in earnest and who were we, accidental tourists, to argue?  Let me tell you this, he was right on the money, we never had better. Lightly floured, seasoned and probably shallow fried they were heavenly fresh and juicy. We had two each ... should have four if we were smart ... and also ordered a 1-kilogram grilled Sea Bream to share which did not quite compare. In addition we had cold and hot mezze and the highlights were; pickled baby octopus, marinated sardines and eggplant puree ... all washed down by a bottle of Emir, a chardonnay from local grapes, the only item that did not make the grade. The damage for 3 was TL450 or HK$1,350 which was very reasonable.

The staff was efficient and very friendly, the kind of service that encourages tips. If you are in the Izmir neighborhood, do not miss Korfez, it is worth it.

KORFEZ
Ataturk Cad 182-A 1 Kordon Izmir
(90) 0232 421 01 90