Asitane Restaurant is located in Edirnekapı, considered by many to be one of the most important areas of historical Istanbul. The neighborhood is a typical quiet Turkish “mahalle” within a short walking distance to important Byzantian monuments. The restaurant itself lies in the shadow of the mighty Chora Church which is famous for its mosaics and is one of the most important and well kept buildings of the Byzantine era.

Located high up in the foot hills overlooking the Golden Horn, Asitane opened its doors in 1991, together with the Kariye Hotel, a restored 19th century traditional Ottoman mansion. The restaurant, whose dishes refl ect the eclectic nature of the Turco-Ottoman neighbourhood, was named Asitane which not only means “Head Gate” in Farsi but was also one of the many names given to Istanbul throughout the reign of the Ottoman Empire. Thus it was decided that the restaurant should specialize in fine Ottoman court cuisine. Extensive research was undertaken six months prior to the opening of the restaurant as kitchen registries deep from the archives of Topkapı and Dolmabahçe Palaces were scoured for recipes, and relevant documentation was found in Istanbul’s Beyazıt and Millet libraries. Additional important sources of information for the duration of the preparation period were dug up using old Ottoman dictionaries, the written historic accounts of various statesmen, medical practitioners and soldiers. After sixteen years in hospitality, Asitane now boasts an impressive archive comprised of over 400 forgotten sweet and savory recipes, which are prepared in keeping with the cooking methods of 500 years ago. Nearly one hundred recipes had to be discarded or modifi ed in order to either suit today’s modern palate, or simply because the ingredients no longer exist in this day and age. The current menu features dishes originally prepared for the sumptuous celebration feast given for Sultan Suleiman the Magnifi cent’s two sons, Bayezid II and Şah Cihangir, at Edirne Palace in November 1539 as well as classic dishes of Turkish cuisine. The restaurant periodically has themed menus such as “The Age of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror”, “Ottoman Aphrodisiacs”, “Fish and Seafood Ottoman Style” as part of its mission to introduce the tastes of a bygone era to all. Asitane also off ers a large selection of fi ne Turkish wines to accompany your historic feast.

Asitane Restaurant is open everyday from 11:00-24:00 and serves a mouth watering brunch on Sundays. Additionally the restaurant caters for weddings, parties, and other special events. The indoor section comfortably seats 120. During the summer months it’s serene courtyard, seating 150, offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. On Friday and Saturday evenings you may enjoy the soothing sounds of live classical Turkish music.

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