Ode to Bosphorus: A Sweet Pastry Tale with Nicolas Lambert at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

In a celebration of culinary artistry and cultural elegance, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus announces the next chapter of its acclaimed Ode to Bosphorus series with the arrival of globally celebrated pastry virtuoso Nicolas Lambert. From May 8 to 11, 2025, Lambert will join forces with the hotel’s own Executive Chef Görkem Özkan and Executive Pastry Chef Yalçın Köse to present an exclusive dessert tasting experience that promises to ignite the senses and capture the soulful beauty of the Bosphorus.

A master of emotion and finesse, Chef Nicolas Lambert brings with him a legacy of excellence. Originally from Épinal, France, his path has taken him through the patisseries of Paris, including Plaza Athénée under Christophe Michalak, and on to international acclaim at Michelin-starred Caprice at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018, Lambert has since brought his expertise to the UAE, currently leading the pastry teams at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Hotel DIFC. His creations have garnered accolades from Tatler, Gault & Millau, and Relais Desserts, earning him a distinguished reputation as one of the most visionary pastry chefs of his generation.

This collaboration is more than a showcase - it is a creative dialogue. Through the lens of French patisserie and Istanbul’s layered culinary identity, Lambert and the hotel’s executive team will craft a limited-edition menu that elevates dessert into an art form - one that tells stories, evokes nostalgia, and bridges continents. Each creation draws inspiration from Istanbul’s heritage, infused with Lambert’s signature precision, sculptural flair, and emotional resonance.

Guests can indulge in this exclusive dessert tasting experience within the refined waterfront setting of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. With sweeping views of the strait and an ambience of timeless sophistication, the event is poised to be a highlight of the city's gastronomic calendar.

Special Events During the Collaboration:

May 8 — Cooking Class with Nicolas Lambert (4:00-6:00 pm)

Pistachio and Orange Blossom Kunafa Tart

In an intimate, hands-on session, guests will learn how to create a signature dessert that blends Middle Eastern tradition with modern elegance. A crisp kunafa base holds a silky pistachio cream, delicately infused with orange blossom water. Light, nutty, and gently floral, each bite captures timeless regional flavours, finished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added crunch.

May 10 — Afternoon Tea with Nicolas Lambert

As part of the experience, guests can enjoy a one-day-only Afternoon Tea curated by Lambert and the hotel’s pastry team. The selection marries traditional Turkish ingredients with contemporary patisserie in both savoury and sweet interpretations:

Savoury Highlights:

• Crispy Prawn and Mücver — A modern twist on a beloved Turkish classic
• Simit with Cured Salmon Rillettes — A nod to Istanbul’s bagel, with fresh herbs and lemon peel
• Talaş Börek with Braised Beef — Slow-cooked beef rib with caramelized onions and rosemary
• Brioche Bun with Anatolian Cheese Mousse — Accompanied by honeycomb, thyme, and Antep pistachios

Sweet Delights:

• “Turkish” Honey Bee and Apricot — Light, fruity, and sunshine in every bite
• Pistachio, Strawberry, and Orange Blossom Filo Tart — A crisp, fragrant treat
• Chocolate and Turkish Hazelnut Cake — Rich, glossy, and full of nutty depth
• Turkish Coffee Tiramisu — A regional take on a beloved Italian classic
• Caramel and Sesame Madeleine — A sweet and savoury farewell to the experience

May 11 — Mother’s Day Brunch with a Dedicated Dessert Corner

To mark Mother’s Day, the hotel will host a celebratory brunch with a special dessert created for the occasion:

• Lemon, Mint, and Wild Strawberry Vacherin — Featuring crispy meringue, citrusy brightness, and a cool touch of Arabic mint, beautifully adorned in a festive Mother's Day theme

“It is a true honour to welcome Chef Nicolas Lambert to Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus,” says Reto Moser, General Manager. “His talent and vision are an ideal match for our Ode to Bosphorus series, which aims to reinterpret Istanbul’s timeless culinary identity through world-class collaborations. We look forward to offering our guests an experience that’s imaginative, emotional, and uniquely Four Seasons.”

Reservations for this limited-time culinary journey are highly recommended, as spaces are expected to fill quickly.

For bookings and more information, contact: +90 212 381 40 00.