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Alaf - Restaurant in Arnavutköy, Istanbul
Restaurant

Alaf

Nomadic Anatolian cuisine with wood-fired oven and rooftop bar

Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed January 2025
Arnavutköy |
$$$ Great value for Restaurant
|
18:00-00:00 daily
|
8.5 /10
| Last reviewed: Jan 2025

Alaf invites guests to experience a nomad's life through its wood-fired oven cooking and Anatolian-inspired menu. This bustling restaurant in Arnavutköy 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.

Michelin Guide Listed

At a Glance

Established
2019
Capacity
100 · medium
Chef
Chef Deniz
Cuisine
anatolian, turkish modern
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

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

2 people

Minimum

Typical

Maximum

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

Food Quality

*****/5

Chef: Chef Deniz

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

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