Seraf Vadi

I visited Seraf in Vadistanbul and it was an outstanding experience in every way. The atmosphere is elegant and comfortable, the service is professional and attentive, and the food is of exceptional quality, truly reflecting authentic Turkish cuisine. Prices are reasonable compared to the quality, especially given its Michelin recognition, and the entire experience delivers a true sense of luxury. One of the best restaurants I’ve tried in Istanbul — highly recommended for anyone seeking fine dining and real value for money.

We had been meaning to visit this place for a while, especially my wife, who had her eye on it for some time. We finally made a booking and chose to go on a weekday evening to avoid the weekend crowd. The reservation process was smooth, and I appreciated the confirmation message they sent on the day of our visit, which also asked about dietary restrictions: a thoughtful and professional gesture. Getting to the restaurant was straightforward, but the parking situation was a little unclear. Although there were spaces, most seemed blocked or reserved, and I couldn’t spot any valet service even though I assume it’s usually available. I ended up parking where I could and we walked a short distance to the entrance. Upon arrival, we were welcomed warmly by the host, who was friendly and professional. The interior of the restaurant was truly impressive. It features high ceilings, large glass windows that let in soft, natural light, and a beautifully designed wooden structure at the centre of the space that adds elegance and character. Still, I was slightly disappointed by the table we were first offered, it felt oddly tucked away, especially given that there were only one or two other couples at the time. We asked to move and were able to sit by the window, which was much nicer in terms of sunlight and mood. That said, the view outside wasn’t particularly inspiring. It’s mostly the parking area with some greenery, but the plants looked tired and neglected. I don’t know if the landscaping falls under the restaurant’s responsibility or the building’s, but for such a refined place, more care in selecting and maintaining the greenery would make a big difference. Even the windows themselves could have used a more thorough cleaning. The service throughout the evening was generally helpful. Our server made some good suggestions and explained the menu clearly. However, at times it was a bit difficult to get someone’s attention even though the restaurant wasn’t full. It wasn’t a huge issue, but in a setting like this, I expected a bit more attentiveness. As the evening went on, more tables filled and the energy of the space shifted a bit. A few guests nearby were speaking quite loudly; not something the restaurant can control, of course, but in a space that feels intimate and calm, it was a little jarring. The background music, however, helped balance things out. It was subtle, tasteful and well chosen. The food was enjoyable and beautifully presented. We ordered a good variety of dishes and each had its strengths. The Humus was especially good; creamy and perfectly seasoned. The Seraf İçli Köfte was rich and balanced, and the Soğan Dolması was delicately done. We also enjoyed the Keşkek and the Bostana, both refreshing and full of flavour. For mains, we had the Lokum Şiş and the Fırında Tavuk. The portions were smaller than typical portions elsewhere, but surprisingly filling due to how well-crafted and satisfying they were. We also tried two non-alcoholic cocktails: Virgin Passion and Virgin Papatya, and both were genuinely delicious, not overly sweet, and thoughtfully composed. The total bill was a little high but fair considering the setting, service and overall quality. It’s not somewhere I would return to regularly, but I’m glad we went. The space was clean and elegant, the design unique, and the experience felt special.

Food was delicious but not very special. Great presentation, fresh ingredients and much more tasty than many other places for sure, but my expectations were higher. Icli kofte, lahmacun and tadimlik tatli tabagi were the best among all. The wine menu was extensive and cocktails were inspired by Turkish food and drinks. Recommended to taste at least one cocktail. The interior designed well but for me it was too dark. Also it was very hot, we felt like fainting after eating. The waiters were very kind and fast. Sommelier explained the wines very detailed and helped us choose the right one.

A Culinary Gem Offering an Exquisite Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine From the moment you step into this restaurant, you are welcomed with a warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly complements its outstanding culinary offerings. The decor effortlessly blends modern elegance with traditional Turkish elements, creating an atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. Every detail, from the lighting to the table settings, is carefully designed to make guests feel comfortable and immersed in Turkish culture. The service is impeccable, with a highly professional and friendly staff that goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. The waiters are attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to offer recommendations based on your preferences. Their genuine hospitality adds a personal touch, making the experience even more enjoyable. Now, let’s talk about the real star of the restaurant—the food. Every dish is a masterpiece, prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients. The flavors are rich, authentic, and perfectly balanced, showcasing the depth and diversity of Turkish cuisine. From the perfectly grilled meats to the flavorful mezes and freshly baked bread, each bite is a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication. The presentation is also impeccable, making the dishes as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you are a connoisseur of Turkish cuisine or trying it for the first time, this restaurant is a must-visit. The combination of outstanding food, excellent service, and a charming ambiance makes it a dining experience you won’t forget. Highly recommended!

Right across from Liv Hospital in Vadistanbul, you’ll find this spot with valet service, though Vadistanbul’s free parking is also an option. As soon as you walk in, the staff is super friendly and attentive. You’ll get that same level of service at the Mahmutbey branch, but this place really stands out for its design. The vibe is extremely elegant and stylish with wood, stone, and ceramic elements, all centered around an impressive tree of life sculpture. Huge but graceful glass windows surround the place; both the daytime and evening lighting elevate the whole dining experience. The place is spotless, including the restrooms, and they’ve got a wide bar area. When it comes to the food, this restaurant serves the most delicious food in Vadistanbul according to me. Chef Sinem Özler’s dishes are the highlight, made with fresh ingredients she sources from all over Anatolia. Seraf even won Gault&Millau’s Traditional Cuisine award in 2024. PS: There’s a 12% service charge.

🍽️ Delicious anatolian cuisine: The food is flavorful and authentic, offering reimagined taste of Anatolia. ‘Manti’ and ‘Irmik tatlisi’ were spectacular. 🎨 Beautiful ambiance: The interior is well-decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 🤷‍♂️ Unprofessional service: Unfortunately, the waiter’s attitude was not very professional (not polite to other waiters, muttering during serving…), which affected the experience. 👍 Worth a visit: Despite the service, the tasty dishes and lovely atmosphere make it worth trying.

Seraf Vadi is such a wonderful restaurant. Quality of food, atmosphere, reception Ceyda, Bartender brother and waiters moved me a lot. Kindness and humor they have made me laugh and had such a wonderful meal with my friends. The best pudding(ish) dessert I have ever had is the rice pudding. I have uploaded a clip here so if you are interested in, check it out. Kebab here is the best Kebab I ve ever had In istanbul. Of course some of you guys might think like “price matters” but I still think it worth. Had bad memories of the first Kebab I had but after I had here’s? Like wow. This is food bro! Thank you for reading, and I really appreciate staffs, chef who made my day. Thank you for your kindness and caring Ceyda. You have a beautiful smile. Ordered tasting course menu to try all authentic foods of Türkiye, the price of the course is 2350 tlr (24.06.27).

Great food and vibes. The restaurant itself is exceptionally well made with great vibe. From music to the furniture to the food. The service from Omer was amazing too.