Alaf Restaurant
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Alaf
Kuruçeşme
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Noma-trained chef reimagining nomadic Anatolian cuisine on the Bosphorus
Restaurant
The Red Balloon
Michelin-recommended casual fine dining with North Aegean soul
Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed March 2026
Beyoğlu |
$$$ Upscale for Restaurant
| 17:00 - 00:00 (Tue-Sun), Closed Mon
| 9 /10
| Last reviewed: Mar 2026 Chef Ulas Durmaz, winner of the Michelin 2024 Young Chef award, brings his North Aegean roots to a three-floor Asmali Mescit building. Ground floor cocktail bar, dining on the second, private events on the third. The cuisine channels the freshness of the Aegean coast through a contemporary Mediterranean lens, with vegetarian and vegan menus standing on their own merit.
Editor's Tip
Three floors, three experiences. Start at the cocktail bar, dine upstairs. Chef Durmaz's Aegean dishes are refined without pretension.
Insider Guide
Must Order
Babakale octopusGrape leaf dolma with smoked yogurt
Pro Tips
- The tasting menu is the best way to experience the kitchen
- Cocktail bar on the ground floor is worth a visit on its own
- Vegetarian menu is genuinely impressive, not an afterthought
Bib Gourmand
Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024-2026Gault&MillauIncili Gastronomi 4 PearlsMichelin Young Chef 2024 At a Glance
- Established
- 2022
- Capacity
- 60 · medium
- Chef
- Ulas Durmaz
- Cuisine
- mediterranean, aegean, cocktail bar
- Average Spend
- 2,500 TRY / per person
Signature Dishes
- Babakale octopus
- Grape leaf dolma with smoked yogurt
- Squash with goat cheese and mint jam
Signature Drinks
- Signature cocktails
- Curated wine list
Insider Tips
Must Order
Babakale octopusGrape leaf dolma with smoked yogurt
Pro Tips
- The tasting menu is the best way to experience the kitchen
- Cocktail bar on the ground floor is worth a visit on its own
- Vegetarian menu is genuinely impressive, not an afterthought
- The tasting menu is the best way to experience the kitchen
- Cocktail bar on the ground floor is worth a visit on its own
- Vegetarian menu is genuinely impressive, not an afterthought
Must Order:
Babakale octopusGrape leaf dolma with smoked yogurt
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
Party Size
Food & drinks —
Total —
Atmosphere
Music
lounge, ambient
Ground floor cocktail bar has curated music
Volume Level
moderate
Conversation friendly
Capacity
60 guests
medium venue
Dress Code
smart casual
Refined casual
Ambiance: warm lighting, modern minimalist & classic elegant style
Food & Drinks
Cuisine
mediterranean, aegean, cocktail bar
Food Quality
*****/5
Chef: Ulas Durmaz
Bar Program
curated wine list
Must-Try Dishes
- Babakale octopus
- Grape leaf dolma with smoked yogurt
- Squash with goat cheese and mint jam
Signature Drinks
- Signature cocktails
- Curated wine list
Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten-Free Available
Reservations
Policy
Recommended
Weekday
Same day
Weekend
2-3 days
phonewebsite
Tip: Book ahead, Michelin attention has increased demand.
Recognition & Quality
Michelin bib gourmand
Awards
- Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024-2026
- Gault&Millau
- Incili Gastronomi 4 Pearls
- Michelin Young Chef 2024
Consistency
reliable
Value for Money
****/5
Local Opinion
rising star
Established 2022 | independent
Getting There
Amex Accepted
Staff speaks: Turkish, English
Service style: professional
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about The Red Balloon — reservations, hours, dress code, and price range.
Where is The Red Balloon?
The Red Balloon is located in Beyoğlu, Istanbul — General Yazgan Sokak 6/1, Asmali Mescit, Beyoğlu.
How do I make a reservation at The Red Balloon?
Reservations at The Red Balloon are recommended but not required. Book Same day ahead for weekdays and 2-3 days for weekends. Reservation channels: phone, website.
What are the opening hours of The Red Balloon?
The Red Balloon is open 17:00 - 00:00 (Tue-Sun), Closed Mon.
What is the dress code at The Red Balloon?
The dress code at The Red Balloon is smart casual. Refined casual
What type of cuisine does The Red Balloon serve?
The Red Balloon serves mediterranean, aegean, cocktail bar cuisine.
How much does The Red Balloon cost?
The average spend per person at The Red Balloon is around 2500 TRY. Prices typically range from 1500 to 4000 TRY.
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