Chef Rituals Menu Gallery Reservation +90 212 638 22 12

Azerbaijan's table heritage

A cultural table above historic Istanbul

On the top floor of AJWA Sultanahmet, Azerbaijani table rituals are served on antique pieces, shaped by handcraft, and framed by the Historic Peninsula.

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Cultural Embassy

From Baku's table
to Sultanahmet

The Archive

Some plates
carry 220 years

Hospitality

Hosted by hand,
remembered by heart

Ramin Nuriyev,
the storyteller chef

Zeferan Executive Chef portrait
Ramin Nuriyev Executive Chef

Ramin Nuriyev is one of the leading innovators of modern Azerbaijani fine cuisine. Weaving a rich culinary heritage together with an author's vision, he creates a gastronomy that impresses, inspires, and lingers in memory. As the host and creator of the popular «Mənim mətbəxim» series, he reveals the depth of his national cuisine and turns cooking into a true art form. His philosophy rests on flawless ingredient quality, respect for tradition, and a constant desire to surprise.

With a total capacity for 120 guests, the restaurant offers exciting and delicious dishes from different regions of Azerbaijan where products are sourced directly from producers. Meals are presented on antique plates — some as old as 220 years — complemented by walnut furniture with mother-of-pearl inlay, handwoven carpets, and original artwork throughout.

120 Guest Capacity
56 Unique Dishes
3 Awards

Awards & Recognition

Recognized by GM Gourmand Table in 2024 and 2025, and by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2024.

Continue Exploring

The rituals begin below: the plate, the hand, the ceremony, and the view.

See Rituals

Less menu,
more memory

At Zeferan, signature dishes are treated as hosted moments: opened at the table, poured with care, and served on pieces that carry their own history.

220-year plates Tableside ceremony Producer-led ingredients
Shah Pilaf opened at the table
Signature Ceremony Shah Pilaf, made to be witnessed
01

The table opens

A pastry dome is broken tableside so aroma, sound, and story arrive before the first bite.

02

The plate remembers

Antique service pieces turn plating into a quiet archive, not a decorative flourish.

03

The host stays close

Service is choreographed around warmth: the right table, the right pace, the right final tea.

Charm of the
eternal city

Set within AJWA Sultanahmet, a hotel inspired by Seljuk and Ottoman architectural traditions, Zeferan reflects a spirit of craftsmanship and impeccable taste. Every detail here is considered to perfection: from the chef's menu to the refined decor.

Panoramic View

Spectacular sunsets over the Sea of Marmara and breathtaking views of the Historic Peninsula and the coastline from Kadikoy to Yesilkoy.

Antique Collection

Service ware from the early 19th century, still-life paintings by Muhammed Orujev, and a collection of Ottoman-era spoons.

Elegant Interior

Handwoven Azerbaijani carpets, walnut furniture with mother-of-pearl inlay, and ornamental hand-painted ceiling motifs.

Words from our guests

The atmosphere is enchanting — the view of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia illuminated at night while dining on exceptional Azerbaijani cuisine. A truly unforgettable experience.

Elena V. Travel Writer

Ibrahim and the staff made us feel at home. The Shah Plov ceremony — cracking open the pastry dome at the table — was the highlight of our Istanbul trip.

Mehmet K. Architect, Baku

The antique plates, the copper craftsmanship, the handwoven carpets — every detail tells a story. And the Piti was perfection.

Sophie L. Food Critic

We celebrated our anniversary here. The panoramic sea view, the exquisite service by Erol Karabas, and the seven-course tasting menu — everything was impeccable.

James & Aylin R. Anniversary Guests

The Sac Kebabi ceremony is pure theater. Watching the chef work the iron plate tableside, the sizzle, the aroma — it's education and entertainment in one.

Zeynep A. Chef, Ankara

Dining at the terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula at sunset — there's simply nothing else like it in Istanbul.

Lara T. Photographer

As an Azerbaijani living abroad, finding this level of authenticity in Istanbul moved me deeply. The Gurza tasted exactly like my grandmother's recipe.

Farid M. Guest from Baku

Recommended by our hotel concierge as a 'must' — they were right. We ranked it the best meal of our two-week Turkey trip without hesitation.

Maria & David S. Guests from London

The Azerbaijani tea ceremony with the copper samovar after dinner was the perfect ending. Such attention to tradition — you can feel the reverence in every detail.

Kenji H. Culinary Journalist, Tokyo

Choose the moment,
then the table

Select your date, choose the table that fits the view or ceremony, and our team will shape the rest around your arrival.

Golden hour terrace Shah Pilaf ceremony Priority valet note
01 Date & Time
02 Table
03 Details
04 Confirm
Preferred Time

Open daily 07:30 - 23:00

Restaurant Floor Plan

Select a table from the floor plan

Available Reserved Selected

Öncelikli otopark erişimi ve hızlı giriş için araç plakanızı ekleyebilirsiniz.

Occasion

Girmiş olduğunuz bilgiler, girişiniz tamamlandıktan sonra 6 saat içinde sistemimizden kaldırılır.

Reservation Summary

A confirmation will be sent to your email. We may contact you 24 hours before your visit to confirm dietary requirements.

Cancellation: Free up to 48 hours prior to arrival. Late cancellations may incur a fee.