Aheste - Anatolian Cuisine — Restaurant in Lisbon

Aheste is a classy, intimate and genuine taste of Turkey in Lisbon.

We spotted this gem of a place nestled between Principe Real and Bairro Alto and were greeted with a warm smile by chef-owner Hayriye Yalçin. She explained her concept of authentic Turkish food prepared with the freshest and best available ingredients and cooked with respect and love. We left with a reservation secured for the next night...

Hayriye had explained it would be a multi course meal served in “Chef’s Table” style so we arrived suitably hungry and excited. Her small restaurant is freshly renovated and extremely tastefully fitted out with specialty features such as a small alcove with lit candles, exposed brick features, comfortable wooden chairs and even a miniature olive tree. Her attention to detail creates a warm and intimate space - like a home.

Our table at the front window was perfect for a romantic date night with a lit candelabra on the window sill, an immaculate white linen tablecloth and tasteful Aheste monogramed napkins.

We chose a delicious Portuguese organic red wine (Outeiros Alto, from Alentejo), which complimented the variety of dishes perfectly. Our glasses were seamlessly topped up by Hayriye herself whose attentive service front of house was terrific, presenting and explaining each dish and patiently answering our questions about the previous offering. Her competent and friendly staff in the adjoining partly open kitchen assisting her in skillfully plating up each course.

Aheste - in Turkish sometimes apparently phrased as “aheste aheste” translates into English as “slow” or perhaps even “slow down, slow down” and embodies Hayriye’s desire to welcome diners as if guests in her home. Inviting them to step inside, relax and enjoy. We took this to heart over nearly 3 hours of dining bliss, beginning with home baked grainy sour dough & burnt butter sprinkled with dried olive crumble - so deliciously warm and perfect for mopping up the tasty dips and sauces that we requested more. Adept at the concept of slow food we made sure to savour each delicious morsel and flavour of Turkey many of which were new to our respective Antipodean and Indian palates, including zingy tomatoey ezme, slow roasted and exquisitely stuffed pepper and aubergine, tangy pomegranate, cooling yoghurt with fresh herbs, and a unique combination of bulghar wheat and yellow lentil held in a single baby gem lettuce cup. Ubiquitous olive oil the thread skillfully woven through the carefully curated sequence with both of us noting the healthiness of several of the plant based dishes.

A mention has to be made of the cute serving dishes and platters with wood, ceramics from an artist friend and silverware all adding to the floating mini-banquet feel of the meal.

The final dish - a special minced meat centred kofta encased in a sphere of bulghar wheat dough, perfectly boiled and elegantly garnished was a highlight. We finished with a semolina based dessert topped with ice cream.

Relaxed and replete.

Parabens Hayriye & Team. We’ll be sure to visit again next...

Aheste is an absolute gem that completely won us over. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality, setting the stage for a truly memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with beautifully curated details that create the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. The combination of soft lighting, carefully selected music, and a relaxed yet refined ambiance makes it a place where you can fully enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Now, let’s talk about the food—simply outstanding. Every dish was a perfect balance of flavors, respecting the roots of Anatolian cuisine while adding a unique and modern twist. The slow-cooked lamb on creamy wheat was an absolute highlight—meltingly tender and packed with flavor. The pastrami hummus was rich and deeply satisfying, while the fava beans were unlike anything we’ve had before—delicate yet bursting with taste. Every plate was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and full of bold yet balanced flavors.

One of the things we loved most was the attention to detail. The chefs have taken traditional flavors and elevated them without losing their essence. It’s not just about serving Turkish food—it’s about telling a story through ingredients, textures, and creative execution. The portions were generous, and every bite left us wanting more.

Beyond the food, the service was exceptional. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. The owner personally checked in with each table, making sure every guest felt welcomed and appreciated. It’s rare to find such a personal touch, and it truly made our evening feel special.

We were so impressed that we decided to come back for breakfast a few days later, and it was just as incredible. The Turkish breakfast spread was simply perfect—fresh cheeses, olives, jams and warm simit, all served with the same level of care and authenticity.

Aheste is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place that celebrates food, culture, and hospitality in the best way possible. It’s a reminder that dining is not just about eating but about experiencing something special. If you’re in Lisbon, this is a must-visit. We can’t...

We arrived at the restaurant and the couple at the table by the window were disappointed with the service... But it was my husband's birthday dinner and he was delighted with what was being said about chef Hayrish Yalçin and all the energy she brought to her restaurant.We requested two TASTING MENU and when we were preparing to choose from the 8 dishes included in the menu, the employee started bringing them without us ever choosing them (how is this possible if the person has food intolerances? How can you receive dishes that the customer may not like or tolerate?).The only good thing was the quality of the dishes (congratulations once again to chef HAYRISH YALCIN) and the friendliness of the staff who served us.In a restaurant of this level there cannot be a difference in service between customers and there was, the chef's behavior both when welcoming and saying goodbye to customers at the restaurant demonstrated an enormous emptiness (but not with everyone... Didn't we pay for the services provided by you? Why the unequal treatment? Why was no one able to say thank you for choosing us on their birthday!?We will return... we don't know yet... but if we do, it will certainly be because of the quality of the dishes (certainly the best Lahmacun and the best Baklava we have ever eaten) and the service provided by the staff. Summary A restaurant with top quality food but otherwise very poor... We expected much more from the atmosphere and the friendliness of chef Hayrish Yalçin... let's hope it was just a bad day, it's a shame we went to this wonderful restaurant on that...