Elena's Review:

Ali Usta Oltu Kebap: Delicious kebap in Balçova, Izmir

Ali Usta Oltu Kebap, near Termal Hotel and the German Consulate in Izmir, is a small, non-touristy restaurant in Balçova that will appeal to devout carnivores.

It may be a little-known fact among foreigners: oltu kebap is the predecessor of the world-famous döner kebap. It takes its origins in Erzurum in eastern Anatolia. Unlike döner, oltu kebap is grilled horizontally; the slices are thicker (although not as thick as in şiş kebap) and served on a special oltu shish.

Ali Usta Oltu Kebap is a specialized restaurant. This means you won’t find a menu here. You may choose:

• what to drink (non-alcoholic beverages only; ayran is highly recommended) and
• whether you would like to have a salad (recommended).

The main course is oltu kebap, served with roasted peppers, onions, parsley and rocket salad, and Erzurum-style lavash.

Traditionally, the waiters will continue to bring you meat until you tell them to stop. It is more common nowadays, however, to mention whether you will want more after each round. Oregano, red pepper, and cumin are the spices for the meat. When eating oltu kebap, wrap meat slices, together with the side of your choice, into lavash, if you want to go all traditional.

Ali Usta Oltu Kebap has been in operation in Izmir since 1988, and is highly popular on weekends. It is minimalist in terms of decorations and tableware, which will allow you to focus on your food. It is a bit on the expensive side for a restaurant in Balçova, but this seems fair for the high-quality meat they serve. So, next time you are around Kipa-Balçova or on your way to Çeşme, stop by and let EatInIzmir know what you think!

How to get there:

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Address: Vali Hüseyin Öğütcan Cad. No: 27/A, Balçova, İzmir
Tel.: +90 232 277 3538

2 Comments

1. Ali Usta Oltu(Cağ) Kebabı | İzmir Gurmesi (October 8th, 2012 at 11:36)

   […] önce hiç Oltu kebabı yememiştim ama internetteki yorumlara göre Ali Usta hakikaten bu işin uzmanı. Yediklerimizden çok memnun kaldık, fiyatları biraz yüksek ama bu sonuçta her zaman […]
2. Ali Usta Oltu(Cağ) Kebabı | İzmir Gurmesi (January 4th, 2013 at 14:16)

   […] önce hiç Oltu kebabı yememiştim ama internetteki yorumlara göre Ali Usta hakikaten bu işin uzmanı. Yediklerimizden çok memnun kaldık, fiyatları biraz yüksek ama bu sonuçta her zaman […]

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