Avlu Restaurant

We went there at night and it was the best meal we had for our 10 days trip in Turkey! It is the place if you are looking for something other than Turkish food in Istanbul touristic area, we enjoyed the meal a lot! Highly recommended the grilled octopus ;) (Also thanks to our server Fatima and also the restaurant manager, they are very attentive to us.)

Avlu Restaurant in Istanbul is a hidden gem for those looking to enjoy a quiet, refined dining experience in the city. The setting is peaceful, allowing for a truly enjoyable dinner without the hustle and bustle of more crowded spots. While the experience comes at a price, it is absolutely worth it. The food is not only delicious but thoughtfully crafted, with beautifully presented plates that enhance the overall enjoyment of each dish. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients is evident, and the staff does an excellent job of introducing their selection of high-quality offerings. Beyond the food, the service was outstanding—attentive, professional, and welcoming. Everything about this restaurant contributes to an experience that is not just about dining but about savoring every moment. I highly recommend Avlu Restaurant for anyone seeking an exceptional culinary experience in Istanbul.

We had the lunch menu. Mostly had several starters and the food way okay. My starter zucchini was cold but perhaps it was meant to be that. Whilst the food didnt explode my taste buds. So if I wad to return it would be for a different menu. I must say that I did like their service. The manager made sure we were comfortable with heaters and also gave recommendations. Loved the coffee.

Very good Restaurant in Four Seasons. Quiet expensive, quality of food is high, small portions. You will be surrounded by music, it's a high end place. Food isn't typical Turkish, but kind of intl cuisine. Chef is polite, he came to greet us and was keen to ensure we had good experience.

I had a wonderful lunch at Avlu. The service was excellent—attentive and friendly waiters made me feel welcome and even helped me choose my order, which I really appreciated. I had a salad, mantı, and armutlu kadayıf, and each dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The balance of textures and ingredients was impressive.

We had decided to book this as a treat on a recent visit to Istanbul. From when we arrived the waitress tried to sit us at a dreadful table practically at the front entrance. We asked to sit elsewhere which seemed to cause her a lot of trouble. She told us that we had a choice of 2 other tables and when I asked for another one she told me it was reserved. For the whole time we were there about another 4 people came in and the table as well as many others remained empty. We went for the tasting menu and felt very rushed through the meal. It was obvious that because it was so quiet the staff wanted to go home early. I have eaten in Michelin restaurants before and the service here is a real let down. The food itself was very good. There was only one dish which we both felt lacked flavour. Overall the service took away from the enjoyment of the evening

Just wow! I’d give more stars if I could. Dining at Avlu was a true culinary experience—I was blown away by the modern, elevated take on Turkish cuisine. The Adana Burger, Cacik, Pide, and Duck were all incredible. The restaurant feels like an oasis in the heart of the city, and the service was top-notch. The hotel itself has such a unique vibe, as it used to be an Ottoman-era prison, which adds to the atmosphere. Truly an unforgettable experience.

I made a reservation for a special day as a couple and left a note about dessert. Not only did they meet my expectations — they clearly exceeded them. Food was really good. Charred eggplant - tomato salad was fantastic as a starter. The summer menu has just launched, and it’s worth checking out. Everything was excellent. Thank you for a truly lovely evening. Highly recommend it for anyone hoping to make a sweet memory. Special thanks to all the staff — and to our wonderful host, Dilara.