0 Shares

When Mehmet Sipahioglu immigrated to America from his Turkish town of Giresun on the Black Sea in search of opportunities, he saw something lacking in what people were generously calling traditional Turkish and Mediterranean food.

olympia restaurant
A large dining table accommodates practically any sized group at Mediterranean Breeze.

“When I moved to America, I began researching restaurants and studying the market because I had been in many Turkish/Mediterranean establishments and noticed that most were not preparing their food traditionally,” says Mehmet. “Many were using frozen food instead of cooking from scratch and there were no options for traditional Turkish food in a fine dining setting.”

The seeds of a dream began to take hold – to open a fine dining Turkish restaurant with food prepared the traditional way.

These dreams started 10 years ago in Pennsylvania. Fast forward to November 2015, when that dream was made a reality when West Olympia’s newest Turkish restaurant, Mediterranean Breeze, opened.

Brick oven pizzas are offered due to part of the business being located at an old pizza restaurant and because Mehmet wanted a menu item that was accessible to everyone immediately.

olympia restaurant
The owner, Mehme Sipahioglu, is a welcoming and inviting presence at Mediterranean Breeze.

After a major remodel of the location Mehmet was able to craft the entire eating experience the way he felt was best for everyone – traditional. Wood fired meat dishes, signature sautés, vegetarian and vegan options are just a few of the meals you might choose when visiting Mediterranean Breeze. It’s not uncommon to meet the owner himself as he checks on tables and visits with customers during a satisfying meal.

Locally sourced seafood like king salmon, halibut and pacific sea bass are becoming fast favorites as well. Look for a seasonal special of wood-fired halibut steak with spinach sauté and pimento sauce.

Start your meal with bread freshly baked in the brick oven. The bread is delivered warm to your table to kick start your appetite.

olympia restaurant
Mehmet’s mother has a reserved table during a visit to Mediterranean Breeze.

Mehmet’s dream and drive seems to be paying off. Business is on the rise, word of mouth is spreading about the fantastic food they are offering and it’s all smiles in the dining area.

Did I mention that Mehmet’s mother was in the restaurant during my visit? She was visiting from Turkey and they even put out a sign, “Reserved for Mom.” Mediterranean Breeze is a family establishment for families to enjoy.

Mediterranean Breeze
2302 Harrison Ave NW
Olympia, WA 98502
360-915-7343
Follow Mediterranean Breeze on Facebook.

Sponsored

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares