The story
Alaf is a modern Turkish restaurant at Kuruçeşme Caddesi No:19 in Arnavutköy, Beşiktaş, Istanbul. The name means "wood fire" in Turkish, and in 2026 the restaurant earned a Gault&Millau score of 14.5 in the Chef Restaurant category, alongside a Michelin Recommended listing that year.
Chef Murat Deniz Temel brings traditions from several Anatolian regions to the table, from plating techniques to the structure of individual recipes. The menu pairs a wide range of produce to build experiential flavours. Many dishes grow out of research into traditional Anatolian cooking methods, which shapes the restaurant's character.
The wine list puts endemic Anatolian grape varieties and wines from domestic producers at the front. Guests can sit at the counter or take a table in the outdoor seating area.
Recognition
Details
Location