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The Red Balloon
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Michelin-recommended casual fine dining with North Aegean soul
Restaurant
Alaf
Noma-trained chef reimagining nomadic Anatolian cuisine on the Bosphorus
Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed March 2026
Kuruçeşme |
$$$ Upscale for Restaurant
| 12:00 - 22:00 (Mon-Sun)
| 8.7 /10
| Last reviewed: Mar 2026 Chef Murat Deniz Temel, trained at Noma in Copenhagen and D.O.M. in Sao Paulo, returned to Istanbul to build a kitchen rooted in Yoruk and nomadic Anatolian traditions executed with world-class technique. The open kitchen framed by turquoise tiles, wood-fired oven, and a rooftop cocktail bar overlooking the Bosphorus make Alaf both a culinary destination and a sensory experience.
Editor's Tip
The rooftop cocktail bar is worth a visit on its own. Chef Temel's Noma training shows in every plate's precision.
Insider Guide
Must Order
Wood-fired lambChef's seasonal Anatolian selection
Pro Tips
- Start with cocktails on the rooftop, then move downstairs for dinner
- The Yoruk dishes are the soul of this menu, don't skip them
- Lunch is more relaxed and equally impressive
Bib Gourmand
Michelin Bib GourmandWorld's 50 Best DiscoveryLa Liste Hidden Gems At a Glance
- Capacity
- 80 · medium
- Chef
- Murat Deniz Temel
- Cuisine
- turkish modern, anatolian, cocktail bar
- Average Spend
- 2,500 TRY / per person
Venue Personality
Romance 0
Energy 55
Exclusivity 68
View 0
Food 100
Value 100
Signature Dishes
- Wood-fired meats
- Nomadic Anatolian plates
- Kurdish heritage dishes
Signature Drinks
- Rooftop cocktails
- Turkish wine selection
Insider Tips
Must Order
Wood-fired lambChef's seasonal Anatolian selection
Pro Tips
- Start with cocktails on the rooftop, then move downstairs for dinner
- The Yoruk dishes are the soul of this menu, don't skip them
- Lunch is more relaxed and equally impressive
- Start with cocktails on the rooftop, then move downstairs for dinner
- The Yoruk dishes are the soul of this menu, don't skip them
- Lunch is more relaxed and equally impressive
Must Order:
Wood-fired lambChef's seasonal Anatolian selection
Pricing Guide
Per Person
2,500 TRY
Range: 1,500 - 4,000
Couples Dinner
5,000 TRY
Range: 3,000 - 8,000
Group of Four
10,000 TRY
Range: 6,000 - 16,000
Service charge: Not included | Tipping: expected 10 15
Budget Calculator
Party Size
Food & drinks –
Total –
Atmosphere
Music
ambient, lounge
Relaxed background music, DJ on rooftop evenings
Volume Level
moderate
Conversation friendly
Capacity
80 guests
medium venue
Dress Code
smart casual
Relaxed elegant
Ambiance: warm lighting, rustic & modern minimalist style
Food & Drinks
Cuisine
turkish modern, anatolian, cocktail bar
Food Quality
*****/5
Chef: Murat Deniz Temel
Bar Program
curated wine list
Must-Try Dishes
- Wood-fired meats
- Nomadic Anatolian plates
- Kurdish heritage dishes
Signature Drinks
- Rooftop cocktails
- Turkish wine selection
Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten-Free Available
Reservations
Policy
Recommended
Weekday
Same day
Weekend
2-3 days
phonewebsite
Tip: Request a Bosphorus-view table. Rooftop bar is walk-in friendly.
Recognition & Quality
Michelin bib gourmand
Awards
- Michelin Bib Gourmand
- World's 50 Best Discovery
- La Liste Hidden Gems
Consistency
reliable
Value for Money
*****/5
Local Opinion
beloved
Getting There
Amex Accepted
Staff speaks: Turkish, English
Service style: friendly
Vibe
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Alaf, reservations, hours, dress code, and price range.
Where is Alaf?
Alaf is located in Kuruçeşme, Istanbul, Kuruçeşme Cad. No:19, 34345 Beşiktaş.
How do I make a reservation at Alaf?
Reservations at Alaf are recommended but not required. Book Same day ahead for weekdays and 2-3 days for weekends. Reservation channels: phone, website.
What are the opening hours of Alaf?
Alaf is open 12:00 - 22:00 (Mon-Sun).
What is the dress code at Alaf?
The dress code at Alaf is smart casual. Relaxed elegant
What type of cuisine does Alaf serve?
Alaf serves turkish modern, anatolian, cocktail bar cuisine.
How much does Alaf cost?
The average spend per person at Alaf is around 2500 TRY. Prices typically range from 1500 to 4000 TRY.
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