Alaf Kuruçeşme
Turkish restaurant · Kurucesme ·
Modern Anatolian fine dining with Bosphorus views and tasting menus
Modern Anatolian fine dining with Bosphorus views and tasting menus
"Located in the bustling Kuruçeşme neighborhood, Alaf is something of a hidden gem. The decor reflects the nomadic-style cuisine served here, a unique take on traditional street food. You should definitely take the time to visit the rooftop terrace, where you will also find a cocktail bar and the kitchen. Located close to the water, this establishment affords splendid views, enhanced by a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere." - MICHELIN Guide
"Alaf is a vibrant restaurant with a great cocktail bar on the roof terrace. Chef Deniz cooks up cuisine with various influences: sometimes it is inspired by the Yörük, sometimes it is Anatolian, the list goes on. Courtesy of the wood-fired oven he enthusiastically melds authenticity with modern techniques. A diverse journey of discovery for your taste buds!" - Michelin Inspector
"Guided by Chef Deniz Temel, the cooking unfolds along two tracks: discovering ingredients and combining them with techniques known only to him to create something new, and deconstructing, strengthening, and recombining classical recipes using the best possible ingredients—he doesn’t reinterpret it; he makes it sing. The magic lies in precise technique and timing that bring ingredients together perfectly without altering them, sometimes turning food into a playful game through texture or a hidden message. Travel and ingredients drive the inspiration, while lessons from restaurants across Türkiye and beyond support a sustainability‑minded kitchen that researches, preserves, and constantly seeks to add value; the journey itself shapes the food stories here." - MICHELIN Guide
"Located in the bustling Kuruçeşme neighbourhood, Alaf is something of a hidden gem. The decor reflects the nomadic-style cuisine served here, a unique take on traditional street food. You should definitely take the time to visit the rooftop terrace, where you will also find a cocktail bar and the kitchen. Located close to the water, this place affords splendid views, enhanced by a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere." - MICHELIN Guide
"In a more fashionable ambiance, magnificent dishes concocted by chef Deniz draw on a range of influences and pair perfectly with the many cocktails on offer." - The MICHELIN Guide