Istanbul : Ambassadors of A Cuisine Legacy Worth Discovering, Matbah and Deraliye

"An ambassador of Ottoman palace cuisine in Istanbul’s historic heart, this restaurant presents carefully prepared palace recipes that spotlight the era’s sweet–savory harmony. Expect tender lamb from the shank, neck, and rib—roasted in the tandoor or brightened with sour fruits like plum or cherry—alongside goose kebab wrapped in yufka or kirde kebab, and almond halva (levzine). Palace rarities you’ll struggle to find elsewhere, such as stuffed melon or stuffed quince with lamb, appear next to a crisp, cheese-and-pea sailor pastry served with honey that makes the contrasting flavors sing. House-specific specialties include Mahmudiye (chicken with almonds, apricots, grapes, honey, and cinnamon), stuffed cabbage roll, jugged hare, and Zelabbiye (a pastry with green lentils and tulum cheese). A generous spread of vegan and vegetarian choices—mutabbal, muhammara, okra or celery in olive oil, imam bayıldı, stuffed grape leaves with rice and cherries, piruhi dumplings, and katmer with cheese or vegetables—broadens the experience. A tasting menu with wine pairing is available, and under head chef Kadir Yılmaz (who took over in 2010 after working with Raşit Özdemir and now mentors trainees annually), the team consciously carries this culinary legacy forward." - The MICHELIN Guide