Barnathan Istanbul Restaurant
Rooftop Romantic Classic
Barnathan Istanbul
Galata
$$$
Garden restaurant and rooftop bar with triple-vista views in Galata
Restaurant
Alaf
Nomadic Anatolian cuisine with wood-fired oven and rooftop bar
Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed May 2026
Alaf invites guests to experience a nomad's life through its wood-fired oven cooking and Anatolian-inspired menu. This bustling restaurant in Kuruçeşme features a fabulous cocktail bar on the roof terrace, perfect for romantic dinners overlooking Istanbul's eastern coastline. Chef Deniz crafts dishes with various influences - sometimes inspired by Yoruk cuisine, sometimes Kurdish - creating a unique culinary journey through Anatolia.
Editor's Tip
Michelin Bib Gourmand. Wood-fired oven specialties. Rooftop cocktail bar with Bosphorus views. Opens at 6pm.
Insider Guide
Must Order
Wood-fired lambAnatolian mezeCraft cocktails on the rooftop
Pro Tips
- Wood-fired dishes are the specialty
- Rooftop bar has great cocktails
- Closed until 6pm
Reviews and critic notes
All reviews and visit notesFood and drink
- Alaf says its cooking draws on Anatolian culture and techniques. Its wine list includes local wines and endemic grape varieties.
- From the venue: Alaf Kuruçeşme
Atmosphere and noise
- Sarısu distinguished the upstairs restaurant for a longer meal from Alaf 2 Tek, a separate ground-floor space with high stools for shorter visits.
- Critic’s note: Müdavim · Author: Serhat Bora Sarısu · Published:
Booking and seating
- Alaf asks groups to contact the restaurant directly about reservations.
- From the venue: Alaf Kuruçeşme
Critic and guide sources
- MICHELIN Guide
- Müdavim
Author: Serhat Bora SarısuPublished:
Guest perspectives
Read individual guest reviews on the linked source websites.
Venue pages
Michelin Guide Listed
At a Glance
- Established
- 2019
- Capacity
- 100 · medium
- Chef
- Deniz Temel
- Cuisine
- anatolian, turkish modern, cocktail bar
- Average Spend
- 2,500 TRY / per person
- View
Signature Dishes
- Wood-fired specialties
- Yoruk-inspired dishes
- Kurdish influences
Signature Drinks
- Craft cocktails
- Anatolian wines
Insider Tips
Must Order
Wood-fired lambAnatolian mezeCraft cocktails on the rooftop
Pro Tips
- Wood-fired dishes are the specialty
- Rooftop bar has great cocktails
- Closed until 6pm
- Wood-fired dishes are the specialty
- Rooftop bar has great cocktails
- Closed until 6pm
Must Order:
Wood-fired lambAnatolian mezeCraft cocktails on the rooftop
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, world
Background music
Volume Level
Moderate
Conversation friendly
Capacity
100 guests
medium venue
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Casual classic
Ambiance: dim lighting, rustic & nomadic influences style
Views & Setting
View Type
View Quality
Exceptional
Terrace Rooftop
Food & Drinks
Cuisine
anatolian, turkish modern, cocktail bar
Food Quality
*****/5
Chef: Deniz Temel
Bar Program
craft cocktails
sommelier curated wine list
Must-Try Dishes
- Wood-fired specialties
- Yoruk-inspired dishes
- Kurdish influences
Signature Drinks
- Craft cocktails
- Anatolian wines
Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options
Reservations
Policy
Recommended
Weekday
same-day
Weekend
2-3 days ahead
phonewebsite
Tip: Book rooftop for sunset. Opens at 6pm only.
Recognition & Quality
Awards
- Michelin Guide Listed
Consistency
excellent
Value for Money
*****/5
Local Opinion
beloved
Established 2019 | independent
Getting There
Parking
Not available
Difficulty: moderate
Transport
Taxi: convenient
Tell your driver: Arnavutköy waterfront
Amex Accepted
Staff speaks: Turkish, English
Service style: friendly casual
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, Arnavutköy, 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 ahead for weekends. Reservation channels: phone, website.
What are the opening hours of Alaf?
Alaf is open 18:00-00:00 daily.
What is the dress code at Alaf?
The dress code at Alaf is smart casual. Casual classic
What type of cuisine does Alaf serve?
Alaf serves anatolian, turkish modern, 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.
What should I order at Alaf?
Signature dishes to try at Alaf include Wood-fired specialties, Yoruk-inspired dishes, Kurdish influences.
What is Alaf best for?
Alaf is especially popular for Date Night, Group Dinner, Drinks.
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What's Nearby
4 Restaurant, 1 Nightclub, 1 Bar · 6 places nearby, by straight-line distance
Distances are approximate straight lines, not walking routes. Check directions between stops.
