Deraliye Restaurant’s Ottoman Tasting Menu offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Istanbul, curated with recipes that date back over 500 years. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet, just steps away from iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, Deraliye presents guests with more than just a meal—it delivers a royal culinary journey once reserved for sultans and their courts.
A Taste of Royalty in the Heart of the Old City
Deraliye’s “Menu of Sultan” is a curated degustation menu inspired by the lavish feasts of the Ottoman Empire. Each dish has been carefully selected and recreated from historical cookbooks, ensuring authenticity and depth. Guests are invited to savor the same flavors once served to kings, queens, and visiting ambassadors.
This immersive dining experience is available daily at 18:00 and 22:30, providing a perfect setting for those seeking both elegance and cultural richness.
Michelin and Gault&Millau Recommended
Deraliye is not just any restaurant—it has earned prestigious recognition from Michelin Istanbul 2025 and Gault&Millau 2025, solidifying its status among the top culinary destinations in Turkey. These honors celebrate not only the quality of the dishes but also the philosophy of preserving and elevating Ottoman gastronomy for modern diners.
Cold Mezze with a Story
The tasting menu begins with a series of cold mezze, each with its own historical background and flavor profile:
- Humus (Chickpea Paste) – Made using a recipe from 1469, offering a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon.
- Vişneli Yaprak Sarma (Leaf Wrap with Cherry) – A unique variation of stuffed grape leaves, enriched with rice, cinnamon, ginger, and cherry.
- Muammara – A rich and textured blend of walnut, red pepper paste, and spices.
- Babagannuş – Roasted eggplant with yogurt, garlic, and olive oil.
- Acılı Ezme – A spicy salad bursting with red pepper, garlic, and parsley.
- Fette – A lesser-known yet delectable dish made of roasted chickpeas, tahini, and yogurt.
- Tabbule – A fresh salad of bulgur, herbs, and pomegranate seeds, reflecting Levantine influence.
These dishes are more than appetizers, they are edible artifacts.
Hot Appetizers That Delight the Senses
As the journey continues, hot starters bring warmth and comfort:
- Ballı Gemici Böreği (Sailor Roll Patty with Honey) – Crispy dough filled with Turkish cheeses and topped with honey.
- Piruhi with Seafood – A refined Ottoman interpretation of mantı (Turkish dumplings), filled with fish and shellfish.
Each plate is served in turn, encouraging diners to slow down and savor the moment.
Main Courses from the Sultan’s Table
The tasting menu’s centerpiece features two iconic main dishes drawn directly from palace archives:
- Kaz Kebabı (Goose Kebab) – Based on a 1539 recipe from Sultan Suleiman’s private kitchen, this dish represents the extravagance of Ottoman banquet traditions.
- Ali Nazik Kebab – A dish rooted in Anatolian history, combining tender lamb skewers, meatballs, and a smoky eggplant purée with garlic yogurt. Legend has it that this dish was served to Sultan Selim I in Antep during a royal ceremony.
Both mains are served with Hoşaf, a sweet fruit compote traditionally enjoyed in palaces for aiding digestion.
Ending on a Sweet Note
The meal concludes with Katmer, a luxurious dessert made of baklava dough, pistachios, and cream—served warm with ice cream. Rich yet balanced, it leaves a lasting impression.
Why Food Lovers Choose Deraliye
There are many reasons why Deraliye stands out among restaurants in Sultanahmet:
✅ Authentic Ottoman Recipes
✅ Historic Location in Istanbul’s Old City
✅ Awarded by Michelin & Gault&Millau 2025
✅ A Carefully Curated Tasting Menu with Cultural Depth
✅ Warm, Story-Driven Hospitality by a Family of Chefs
Chef Necati Yılmaz and his team have been crafting dishes with passion for over 25 years. This “Dedicated Family of Chefs” has made it their mission to honor the flavors of the past while providing a refined, modern dining atmosphere.
Who Should Try the Sultan Menu?
This experience is perfect for:
- Travelers looking to explore Ottoman culture through food
- Couples seeking a romantic dinner in Sultanahmet
- Foodies wanting to try something beyond kebabs and mezze
- History lovers who want to eat like royalty
Deraliye’s Ottoman Tasting Menu isn’t just a meal—it’s a curated experience, served with centuries of tradition and the excellence of today’s culinary craftsmanship. Reserve your place at the table and taste what it meant to dine like a sultan.
