
Aheste
A chic Istanbul eatery blending industrial aesthetics with creative Turkish-Middle Eastern meze, offering innovative dishes and cocktails in a unique,...

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Aheste

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic Istanbul eatery blending industrial aesthetics with creative Turkish-Middle Eastern meze, offering innovative dishes and cocktails in a unique, castle-like setting.
"Experience flawless service and delicious, creative cuisine in a stunning, ancient castle-like atmosphere."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as Aheste is a popular spot and fills up quickly.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Explore the chef's creativity with a tasting menu, often paired with special wine or cocktail selections.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Turkish / Middle Eastern
Price
$$$
Phone
+90 212 243 26 33
Address
Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:107 F, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Website
ahesterestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Creative Turkish Fusion Cuisine
Experience innovative Turkish and Middle Eastern meze with a modern twist, featuring unique dishes and thoughtfully paired wines and cocktails.

Unique Castle-like Ambiance
Dine in an intimate, industrial-style setting that evokes the atmosphere of an ancient castle, making for a memorable experience.

Impeccable Service
Enjoy exceptionally friendly and attentive service from knowledgeable staff who enhance the overall dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as Aheste is a popular spot and fills up quickly.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Explore the chef's creativity with a tasting menu, often paired with special wine or cocktail selections.
Communicate Dietary Needs
Inform the restaurant of any allergies or dietary preferences when booking for a tailored experience.
Weekday Visits
Visit during weekdays for a potentially more intimate experience, with fewer crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as Aheste is a popular spot and fills up quickly.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Explore the chef's creativity with a tasting menu, often paired with special wine or cocktail selections.
Communicate Dietary Needs
Inform the restaurant of any allergies or dietary preferences when booking for a tailored experience.
Weekday Visits
Visit during weekdays for a potentially more intimate experience, with fewer crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aheste offers an exceptional dining experience with creative Turkish fusion cuisine and impeccable service that rivals Michelin-starred establishments. Diners rave about the unique, castle-like ambiance and the attentiveness of the staff. However, some guests find the portions to be small and the prices high, leading to a feeling of being overcharged for the amount of food received.
"This restaurant was absolutely amazing! From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, the service was flawless. We were served by 3 different staff members, and every single one of them was incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming.
The food was delicious! The complimentary bread and butter were a standout (the butter was honestly one of the best I’ve ever tasted).
We couldn’t decide on dessert, so we ordered one to share as we were already full, and to our surprise, they brought us another one on the house just so we could try it. Such a thoughtful touch!🫶
The atmosphere - it felt like dining in an ancient castle, stunningly aesthetic and very unique.
Highly recommend this place!!!"
Mary Voloshyna
"I recently visited Aheste restaurant in Istanbul for my birthday. Since I had just arrived from international travel, we hadn’t made a reservation. Despite this, we hoped to enjoy the occasion in a nice atmosphere with delicious food.
When we arrived, we explained that we didn’t have a reservation. The hostess offered us the worst table, right by the entrance, and added that we would need to leave by 8:45 pm. We had arrived around 7:00 pm. I politely asked if there was any other table available, but she told us there wasn’t. Although we were disappointed, we decided to stay and make the best of it because it was my birthday.
As the evening went on, we noticed several other guests arriving without reservations who were given much better tables. I distinctly recall at least four people being seated more comfortably than us. The only difference was that we were speaking Turkish, while the others were speaking English and seemed to be tourists.
I didn’t want to mention this during my birthday dinner, but I believe it’s important to share my experience as constructive feedback. My suggestion to the restaurant is that everyone paying the same price deserves fair and equal treatment. A simple “first come, first served” policy, free from any kind of discrimination, would uphold the quality of the restaurant and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
The food quality was good, but the attitude we encountered was disheartening—enough that I won’t be returning. You may forget what you ate, but you’ll never forget how you felt."
Elnaz Kohen
"The atmosphere at Aheste Pera is simply wonderful – elegant, cozy, with music that perfectly matches the dining mood. From the moment we walked in, it was clear why this restaurant is so popular – it’s always full of guests, and the service is warm and attentive.
Most of the dishes we tried were excellent and beautifully presented:
• Tuna Kadayif with Pomegranate Mayo – fresh tuna layered on crispy kadaif pastry, a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
• Stuffed Vine Leaves with Cashew Cream – a creative twist on a classic, creamy yet refreshing.
• Homemade Tortellini – delicate pasta filled with seasonal ingredients, light but full of flavor.
• Calamari with Creamy Sauce – tender and well-seasoned, paired with herbs and edible flowers.
• Lamb Heart with Baked Potatoes – surprisingly flavorful, rich and comforting.
• Lamb Neck with Charred Pepper Foam – juicy, tender lamb paired with a smoky sauce.
• Rice Pudding with Mushroom Ice Cream – very unique, the earthy mushroom balanced nicely with the sweetness.
• Baklava with Apricot and Lavender Cream – a fragrant and refreshing dessert, ending the meal on a high note.
Although the price is on the higher side, I truly believe it’s worth it for the quality of food, ambiance, and overall dining experience. A must-visit in Istanbul if you’re looking for modern Turkish fine dining with a creative touch."
Eric Lao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Aheste has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand, indicating good quality, sustainable cooking at a moderate price. It's also mentioned as a Michelin-starred restaurant in one source.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and tends to get fully booked, especially on weekends.
Aheste serves creative Turkish and Middle Eastern meze (tapas) with modern twists, focusing on seasonal ingredients.
Yes, the restaurant is known for offering excellent vegetarian and vegan options, and it's recommended to inform them of any dietary preferences when booking.
The atmosphere is described as intimate, elegant, cozy, and romantic, resembling an ancient castle with stylish industrial decor.
Yes, Aheste offers a tasting menu, which is recommended for exploring the range of innovative dishes. Wine and cocktail pairings are often available.
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A modern Turkish and Middle Eastern meze (tapas) restaurant located in the historic Pera district, Aheste’s delicious cocktails should get as much recognition as their delicious food options. The restaurant offers special wine and cocktail pairings with their tasting menu, with cocktails ranging from classics like the negroni and the Moscow mule to downright experimental options like the Pera, prepared with beetroot, egg whites and chocolate flakes. Aheste’s convenient location and intimate setting (think tables set close together with wooden chairs and exposed brick walls) make it a popular choice with customers looking for a quick cocktail fix.
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A casual café by day and an inviting bistro venue by night, stylish Aheste (meaning "slowly" in Persian) offers a small but appealing menu consisting mainly of hot and cold meze with some Persian, Ottoman, and Middle Eastern influences with contemporary twists; the sea beans with smoked yogurt and rose petals and the wild rice with currants and herbs are particularly tasty. Prices are a bit high, but the friendly, laid-back service and hip-yet-cozy atmosphere make up for it.
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This hip restaurant with its post-industrial decor represents much of what we love about Istanbul. Sophisticated, yet affordable, trendy, yet welcoming, traditional, yet contemporary, Aheste’s chef Sara Tabrizi has taken classic Turkish/Mediterranean mezes (or sharing plates) and given them a modern makeover. Order the tasting menu to explore the full range of her talents—from the lamb’s neck with figs and eggplant purée, to the vine leaves with cashew cream and the dudi Persian rice.
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Aheste Restaurant, nestled in the charming Asmalimescit district of Beyoglu, is a culinary gem known for its exquisite blend of traditional Turkish mezze and modern flavors. This Michelin-starred restaurant is the epitome of sophistication, offering a meticulously curated menu that brings together a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with a contemporary twist. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with stylish decor that reflects Istanbul’s rich heritage and modern charm.
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Since opening, Aheste has grown hugely in popularity, once you could walk in and get a table, now you almost certainly have to book. This is firstly testament to their chefs but also because it sits on a busy road lined with bars and cafes, and in shouting distance of two of the city’s most popular hotels, Soho House and the Pera Palace. The menu is inventive but inviting and with a good spread of meat, fish and vegetarian options.
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Aheste is a luxury restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey, known for its contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the trendy neighborhood of Beyoglu, and it's considered one of the best restaurants in Istanbul. The menu features a mix of traditional Turkish dishes and Mediterranean flavors, with an emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
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This charming bistro, a favorite in Istanbul, transports you to a world where traditional Turkish mezze meets modernity. Located under the romantic arches of the charming Asmalı Mescit neighborhood, Aheste captivates with its intimate ambiance and innovative dishes that reinterpret Turkish cuisine classics with a contemporary touch. It has a mention in the 2024 Bib Gourmand.
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Aheste isn’t strictly a vegetarian restaurant, but it’s an excellent spot overall. With a wide selection of vegetarian dishes that earned it a place in this category. Upon stepping inside, leaving the lively Pera district behind, you’ll find yourself choosing between a chic bistro setting and a more intimate dining space with a vaulted ceiling.
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Aheste Restaurant in Istanbul proudly boasts a Michelin star, a testament to its culinary excellence. The restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Turkish dishes, blending classic flavors with innovative techniques. By using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, Aheste ensures each dish is fresh and vibrant.
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Aheste is one of the trendiest foodie destinations in Istanbul. This lovely restaurant located in Pera is intimate, romantic and sultry. Aheste’s space is the ideal date night setting with a cozy exposed-brick dining room in the front and a cavernous hall with soaring ceilings and arches in the back.
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Aheste is an Istanbul restaurant with a modern spin on traditional cuisine. It has a friendly vibe that makes it easy to share food and drinks with friends. The relaxed atmosphere and welcoming service create a comfortable spot for an evening out.
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Hidden West of the Galata end of Istiklal boulevard, this hipsterish restaurant hangout serves Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in a mezze form. It’s the perfect fusion of tradition with a modern twist, offering refined food and a cool ambience.
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It’s a place with few tables and you really have to make a reservation to get a place to dine. When we visited we booked at least 3 days in advance. In Aheste, you’ll find Turkish cuisine dishes reinvented with mouth-watering flavors.
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Along Meşrutiyet Street is Aheste, which is one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in Istanbul. They serve up a contemporary take on Turkish, Ottoman, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Don’t pass up a chance to eat there!
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00:06:54 I didn’t get any photos of Aheste, but this is where it is on the map, right in Pera. So really easy to get to and this is their Instagram @ahestepera. I wish they were in London because they were so good.
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Şef Volkan Türe tarafından işletilen Aheste, Türk spesiyalitelerinin yanı sıra vejetaryen yemekleri de dahil olmak üzere birkaç orijinal kreasyonun tadına bakabileceğiniz daha romantik bir atmosfere sahiptir.
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Aheste Restoran, 2015'te Ömer Dicle, Hazal Karalı, Cankut Piyale tarafından açıldı. Akdeniz mutfağının damak tadından esinlenen bu restoran, Pera'da yemek yemeyi sevenleri bekliyor. İnternet siteleri şurada.
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The £30 Meze tasting menu is superb value given the quality. This is fine dining and service to match. Quite big portions for the “construct your own” menu.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit