Alaf 2tek — Restaurant in Beşiktaş

A chef’s honest review.

I had the pleasure of dining at this renowned restaurant with my family for dinner at 8:30, a reservation we had thoughtfully made two weeks in advance through their website. Being listed in the Michelin guide and awarded the Bib Gourmand, which signifies exceptional culinary offerings at moderate prices, we had high expectations for our dining experience.

Regrettably, the table we were assigned was at the back of the restaurant, between a water station and the bar. Consequently, instead of enjoying the lovely view from their terrace, our gaze was met with a brick wall.

As lovers of fine cuisine, each member of our family perused the à la carte menu and selected both a starter and a main course to savor.

To begin, the amuse-bouche presented promise. We loved the assortment of four distinct miniature platters, which showcased the chef's creativity and skill.

However, our enthusiasm waned when the starters and main courses arrived, as they were plagued by an excessive amount of salt.

In all my culinary experiences, I have never encountered a meal so overwhelmingly salty.

Each of us tried the dishes ordered by others, only to be met with disappointment. Imagine the saltiest meal you have ever consumed and multiply that by 10.

The cured beef on top of the fried bread, delicately stuffed with goat cheese, suffered from an unfortunate sourness that detracted from its overall appeal.

Similarly, the mushroom starter featured a beautiful variety of dried mushrooms, yet its purée was excessively salty, detracting from an otherwise promising dish.

The rock bass main course suffered from overcooking, resulting in a dry culinary experience. Each bite required considerable effort to swallow.

The grilled shrimp main course was served on top of a shrimp bisque sauce, which, regrettably, lacked the expected depth of shrimp flavor. Instead, it was very salty, failing to deliver the exquisite balance and richness of a bisque.

The beef tenderloin was very heavy, leaving all five of us unable to conquer even a quarter of it. The bulgur base was plagued by an overwhelming saltiness, further detracting from the overall enjoyment of the dish.

By the end of our meal, our tongues were left very dry with a lingering discomfort.

In terms of service, I must express my disappointment. I had to ask the same waiter 4 times for an ashtray over a period of 10 minutes.

Moreover, despite their assurance of serving cold water, we were served lukewarm water instead, an oversight that left us desiring a more refreshing beverage.

In light of these circumstances, in my honest opinion, this restaurant falls short of the standards befitting a Bib Gourmand designation.

Allow me to conclude with the notion that every complaint, however disheartening, should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and...

Alaf Restaurant welcomes guests with its charming ambiance, adorned with traditional Turkish decor and soft lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.

Alaf Restaurant takes diners on a gastronomic journey through Turkey, showcasing an array of authentic Turkish dishes. From appetizers to desserts, each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Begin your culinary adventure with the Hermus Olive Oil, Goat Butter, and Sour Dough Bread, and indulge in the flavors of Yoruklerden Batirik, Tahini, and Peanut. The Garlic Armor Kebab, especially, stands out with its tender meat and robust flavors, making it a must-try for kebab enthusiasts like myself. Complemented by Likya Arkeo Acikara, it offers a delightful combination of flavors.

For main courses, savor the Three Ways of Lamb or opt for the Red Mullet with Sauce and Tarama. End your meal on a sweet note with the Denizli Kale Pepper Chocolate Filling, Tire Mulberry Sauce.

Although we didn't opt for a wine-paired menu, we thoroughly enjoyed the Mayhoş and Anamur cocktails, which were refreshing and flavorful. Additionally, the Kastro Tireli Junus red wine complemented our meal beautifully, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

An exclusive playlist of modern interpretations of Anatolian melodies accompanies your dining experience, enriching it with soothing tunes and cultural depth.

The staff at Alaf Restaurant deliver impeccable service, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and attended to throughout their dining experience.

Alaf Restaurant stands as a culinary gem in Kurucesme, offering a true taste of Turkish cuisine amidst a charming ambiance and breathtaking views. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a visit to Alaf Restaurant promises an unforgettable journey through the diverse...

4.5 over 5 at my scale. Very good experience with the touch of Chef M.Deniz Temel. The Service is 4.5, Food 4.5, Atmosphere 4.5, Winelist 4 ( They are very new so I am sure they will increase the stars) The menu is mostly influenced with local southern cuisine (Antakya, Mersin, Anamur). A Modern " Yörük " definition might fit well with the food. The place is very new and its one floor up the Street Food Concept "Alaf Sokak" that they had at the entrance. The atmosphere and the welcoming is good. They had 2 floor of fine dining concept where the top floor has open seating area and the open kitchen. We tried the 150 tl per person tasting menu that has several flavours from the menu paired with Kayra Versvs- Cabernet Franc. The chefs working at the kitchen are serving you the food explaining the ingredients and the way that cooked ( They are using "Kuzine" and stone oven to cook the food, no blue fire touch). My highlights; The Starters, The slowly cooked peanuts, "Anamur Batırık" were delicious and their way of "Tavuk Pilav" was very suprising. Mezes; "Övmeç" with Antakya's "Sürk" cheese is a flavor that i love, "Pastırma with Mom's Pişi" is another suprising combination. For the main food they serve giblets like "Kidney", " Heart", stomach sweetbread("Uykuluk"). We like the kidney more. Wine List, their price ranges for the wines are not bad ( we always ask for better price performance) , the list is weak and more boutique producers might find place. The music , their way of telling the foods might be improved but for sure current...