Bella & Gusto

Bella & Gusto (operating as Bella Gusto Restaurant & Beach Lodge) has been an established seaside culinary destination on the coast of Ölüdeniz, Muğla since welcoming its first guests in 2000. Operating continuously for more than two decades with a distinct aesthetic touch credited as handcrafted with love by Tuna Tan, the venue brings together authentic Italian dining traditions, traditional Turkish cuisine, and relaxed international lodge-style hospitality. Positioned directly facing the Mediterranean waters of Ölüdeniz under the natural shade of grapevines and mature carob trees, the establishment functions as an airy, refreshing beach lodge during the day and seamlessly transitions into a cozy, candlelit dining spot as evening approaches.

Supported by an experienced team of 35 dedicated hospitality and kitchen staff members, Bella & Gusto was created around the founding philosophy of uniting quality food with warm hospitality. The restaurant is renowned for its live open exhibition kitchen, where diners can watch fresh ingredients prepared to order in real time. From thin-crust handmade pizzas baked fresh to specialty beef tenderloin steaks served on wooden planks, the menu caters to beachgoers, couples, and international travelers alike. Situated in the heart of the Belcekız shoreline, the venue offers a time-tested dining experience that has maintained its distinct identity in the Fethiye region since the turn of the millennium.

Cuisine and Menu

The food menu at Bella & Gusto is diverse and focused on fresh preparation, highlighted by Italian recipes, premium grilled meats, seafood starters, and Turkish favorites. Hand-crafted pizzas are made with a signature thin crust, featuring varieties like the regional Pizzarette, which combines Ezine feta cheese, tulum cheese, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil sauce. Alongside classic Italian doughs, the kitchen serves traditional Turkish flatbreads including oven-baked Lahmacun and pitta filled with tender pieces of lamb and cheese.

A standout item on the starter menu is the traditional Italian Minestrone soup, which undergoes an intensive full-day preparation process using 24 separate fresh ingredients before resting overnight so that the flavors fully meld before being served the following day. Additional appetizers include Fried Mozzarella Arancini, Cozze Marinare sauteed in olive oil, garlic, white wine, and fresh tomato sauce, tender Calamari Fritti, Beef Carpaccio with rocket and parmesan shavings, and a Traditional Turkish Mezze Plate presenting four regional cold selections.

For main courses, the kitchen is celebrated for its beef tenderloin steaks presented on wooden planks. Notable creations include the Chef’s Own Recipe Filetto served in white mushroom sauce topped with bearnaise, the Filetto Gorgonzola with avocado cream and roquefort sauce, and the Tornedo Rossini finished in mushroom and red wine sauces. Every beef tenderloin and chicken entree—such as Pollo Pizzaiolla and Pollo Con Broccoli—comes with sautéed vegetables, coleslaw, and a choice of potatoes, allowing diners to select between roast potatoes, jacket potatoes, mashed potatoes, or french fries. For serious appetites, the kitchen serves the 22-ounce Megasaurous T-Bone Steak grilled over open flame.

Lighter daytime dining includes 180-gram homemade burgers like the Lokumburger with fillet steak slices, toasted baguettes such as the Bella Chef’s Special with roasted beef and cheddar, and all-day English and Turkish breakfasts.

Atmosphere and Who It Suits

The interior and exterior spaces of Bella & Gusto were specifically designed by a qualified interior designer to offer two distinct ambient experiences from day to night. During daylight hours, the outdoor seating area is naturally cooled and shaded beneath a verdant canopy of grapevines and carob trees. This creates a relaxed, breezy beach lodge atmosphere where patrons can unwind with refreshing drinks, casual lunches, and unobstructed views of the turquoise sea.

When the sun sets, the venue transforms into an intimate, romantic dining setting. The lighting is dialed down to a warm, gentle glow, creating a dimly lit environment that was purposefully curated for couples, anniversary celebrations, and romantic marriage proposals. The gentle sea breezes drifting in from the Ölüdeniz bay, combined with soft evening music and candlelit tables, provide a secluded and memorable backdrop for romantic dates.

Adding vitality to the dining room is the active open exhibition kitchen. Watching the culinary team grill steaks, toss pasta, and slide pizzas into the ovens creates an engaging, festive energy while offering full transparency into the cooking process. The open kitchen strikes a balance between culinary showmanship and welcoming warmth, ensuring that the room feels both lively and comfortable.

In terms of guest suitability, Bella & Gusto accommodates three core groups: couples seeking a romantic, scenic dinner setting; families looking for a versatile menu with plenty of kid-friendly options and spacious outdoor seating; and business or group diners seeking attentive service and varied meat and pasta courses. With a seasoned 35-member staff, the restaurant manages both bustling daytime crowds and intimate evening dinners with equal professionalism.

Location and Practical Details

Bella & Gusto is located directly along the celebrated coastal front of Ölüdeniz in the Fethiye district of Muğla. Specifically positioned at Denizpark Caddesi No: 9/A in the Belcekız area, the restaurant enjoys a prime address on the pedestrian promenade right by the beach. It sits in immediate proximity to popular local establishments such as Buzz Beach Bar and Toscana, making it easy to find for visitors strolling through central Ölüdeniz.

The venue’s location is defined by its sea-facing terrace framed under hanging grapevines and carob trees. This botanical cover provides natural sun protection during midday heat while keeping sightlines clear across the bay, where paragliders descend toward the beach against the coastal mountains. The beachfront position means guests are just moments away from the water.

In terms of operating hours, the kitchen accommodates early arrivals and late afternoon dining with a comprehensive breakfast service that runs continuously from 08:00 until 18:00. This extended breakfast schedule allows visitors to enjoy classic morning dishes, omelettes, and toasted sandwiches long after standard breakfast hours have ended. Main courses, burgers, and Italian dishes are served throughout the day from the open kitchen.

For reservations, private party inquiries, or general questions, the venue can be contacted directly by phone at (0252) 617 06 09. Securing a table in advance is especially helpful during sunset hours when outdoor seating under the vine canopy facing the sea is in high demand. Whether visiting for a post-swim bite or planning an organized evening dinner, the central Belcekız beachfront location ensures convenient pedestrian access from nearby holiday hotels and public parking facilities throughout Ölüdeniz.

The Mio Angle: As a Meeting Spot

On Mio, where community members share genuine recommendations and seek trusted advice on where to meet, Bella & Gusto addresses a common challenge in resort destinations: finding a venue that effortlessly transitions from an easygoing daytime beach hangout to a refined evening dinner spot without compromising on food quality.

For social sharing and photography, the restaurant offers multiple visual highlights. During the day, the dappled sunlight filtering through the overhead grapevine leaves and carob branches provides a picturesque frame for table shots featuring colorful mezze platters, iced drinks, and the azure backdrop of the Ölüdeniz shoreline. At night, table photography shifts focus to the dramatic food presentations—such as tenderloin steaks served on rustic wooden boards bordered by piped mashed potatoes, golden pizzas fresh from the open exhibition kitchen, and the towering 22-ounce Megasaurous T-Bone Steak.

From a planning and budget perspective, Bella & Gusto accommodates a wide variety of social scenarios. Friends returning from a boat trip or beach day can gather informally over shared garlic breads, Mexican wraps, club sandwiches, or 180-gram burgers. In contrast, couples celebrating a milestone can reserve a secluded front-row table for a multi-course dinner featuring smoked salmon salad, seafood appetizers, and specialty steak cuts.

When users on Mio ask for a versatile meeting spot in Belcekız that combines authentic sea views, extensive menu variety, and seasoned service backed by a 35-person team with 20-plus years of continuity, Bella & Gusto stands out as a dependable, highly recommended answer.