The story
Malva appears in Bodrum only from mid-July to mid-September, setting up as an exclusive summer pop-up at Susona in the quiet cove of Torba Bay. The restaurant calls this spot a “hidden paradise” – a calm, sea-facing setting that shifts from sunset cocktails to a candlelit dinner. Malva has been featured in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years, a recognition that follows its refined yet rooted approach to Aegean cuisine.
The menu is built around slow-cooked, gourmet dishes that draw directly from local producers in the Aegean Region. Malva highlights “micro-local” and vegetarian ingredients, reinterpreting classic Aegean country cooking with a modern, precise hand. A commitment to zero waste runs through the kitchen: every ingredient is used thoughtfully, from root to leaf.
Dinner is served from 7 pm to 11 pm, and the evening often begins at the Malva Cocktail Bar. Guests can watch the sun set over Torba Bay with a carefully crafted cocktail or a glass from the curated international wine list. The ambience is described as “magical” – outdoor seating, sea air, and the sense of dining in a fleeting, exclusive space.
The cuisine here bridges Country Cooking and Modern Cuisine. The produce is proudly local and seasonal – tomatoes, herbs, olive oil – but the execution is precise and contemporary. This is not rustic food dressed up; it is thoughtful cooking that lets the Aegean landscape speak without interference. Malva also brings this same philosophy to Istanbul during the rest of the year, but the Bodrum pop-up offers a concentrated, seaside version that lasts only two months.
Closed on Mondays. Reservations are essential. Open 15 July – 15 September.
Recognition
Ambience
Location