Terakki

The story

Terakki Alaçatı: Michelin-Recommended Modern Turkish Cuisine in Çeşme, Türkiye

Behind Stone Walls

In Alaçatı, Çeşme, Terakki occupies a space defined by its setting: stone walls enclose a courtyard centered on a well and a tree whose trunk reaches into the dining room. The restaurant describes itself as a place where time slows, built around an open kitchen and an open bar.

The philosophy is straightforward, rooted in three principles. First, seasonality: the kitchen follows the calendar of the soil, using what is fresh and appropriate to the moment. Second, locality: ingredients come from nearby farms and fishermen, and the wine list is drawn from local producers who reflect their land and climate. Third, signature: the kitchen has its own voice, expressed in dishes that blend classical technique with Aegean ingredients.

The Dish That Caught Michelin’s Eye

Terakki earned its place in the Michelin Guide for 2026, receiving a Recommendation. The restaurant points to a single plate as the reason: "Vişne Reçelli Minekop," a combination of the season's first sour cherries and the last of the season's croaker fish. It is described as the moment classical technique meets Aegean produce, the kitchen's handwriting on a plate.

What to Expect

The menu is built around modern Turkish cuisine, with an emphasis on mezes, salads, and grilled fish. The open bar turns out signature cocktails alongside glasses of rakı. The space is designed for conversation, with a warm, attentive service that guests consistently mention. Reviews highlight the care of the team, the quality of the food, and the sense that an evening here passes without notice.

The restaurant is open daily from 18:00 to 01:00, offering dinner, cocktails, and outdoor seating for those who want to sit under the tree.