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Alaf - Restaurant in Kuruçeşme, Istanbul
Restaurant

Alaf

Nomadic Anatolian cuisine with wood-fired oven and rooftop bar

Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed May 2026
Kuruçeşme |
$$$ Upscale for Restaurant
|
18:00-00:00 daily
|
8.5 /10
| 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
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

Venue Personality

Romance Energy Exclusivity View Food Value
Romance 30
Energy 40
Exclusivity 68
View 100
Food 100
Value 100

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

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

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.

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