A Sustainable Celebration of Anatolia at AVLU, the Signature Restaurant of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Set within the historic heart of Sultanahmet, surrounded by a majestic courtyard garden, AVLU Restaurant, the signature dining destination of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, introduces a new menu inspired by Anatolia’s local producers, women-led cooperatives, and geographically indicated ingredients—reinterpreted through a refined and sustainable culinary lens.

Located in the hotel’s enchanting garden, AVLU’s kitchen, led by Executive Chef Özgür Üstün, embraces a philosophy of sustainable gastronomy, thoughtfully bringing together exceptional ingredients sourced from across Türkiye and elevating them with contemporary techniques. The result is a menu that pays homage to the land, its people, and its living culinary heritage.

Awarded three Michelin keys for its outstanding hospitality, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet provides an exceptional setting for this distinctive culinary journey. With the launch of AVLU’s new seasonal menu, the restaurant also introduces, for the first time, a comprehensive Impact Analysis Report dedicated to a single menu. Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet worked with green supply-chain platform Ingredy, the report goes beyond gastronomy to measure the menu’s social, economic, and environmental impact through tangible data.

According to the findings, the winter menu brings together the work of 22 producers from all seven regions of Türkiye, directly contributing to an ecosystem that supports nearly 10,000 farmers and small-scale producers. An impressive 98 percent of the ingredients are locally sourced, while 19 products hold geographical indication status, helping safeguard Anatolia’s agricultural heritage. Sixty percent of the supplier network is composed of small producers, social enterprises, and women’s cooperatives—strengthening rural development and advancing gender equality through responsible sourcing. This initiative positions AVLU’s sustainable gastronomy vision as a transparent, traceable, and exemplary model, demonstrating how menus themselves can become powerful tools for positive impact.

The new menu features geographically indicated ingredients such as Manavgat sesame, Cimbiti chickpeas, Malkara lentils, and Mardin bulgur, each telling the story of Anatolia’s fertile lands. Devrek tarhana and Tekirdağ couscous, sourced from women-led cooperatives, represent a meaningful commitment to supporting regional production and local entrepreneurship.

Among the menu’s signature dishes, Etli Kısır offers a sophisticated interpretation of Mardin bulgur kısır, complemented by Dalyan blue crab and a sauce infused with dried bonito. Designed to celebrate sharing culture, Mediterranean Hummus highlights the harmony of Manavgat sesame and Cimbiti chickpeas, while Tarhana Soup made with Devrek tarhana reimagines a cherished traditional recipe with a modern sensibility.

Main courses reflect the authentic spirit of Anatolian cuisine: Slow-Cooked Lamb Neck prepared with Thracian lamb is enriched with Hatay pepper paste, firik bulgur, and Tokat vine leaf aromas. Çatalca free-range chicken, sourced directly from organic farms, further underscores AVLU’s respect for responsible, farm-to-table practices.

From the wood-fired oven, Anatolian Cheese Pide brings together Rize kolot cheese, Kars gruyère, and Ezine white cheese, showcasing the remarkable diversity of Anatolia’s cheese heritage. Desserts feature geographically indicated Antep pistachio, paired with seasonal ingredients for an elegant and memorable finale.

Guests may also opt for the Seven Regions Tasting Menu, a seven-course journey that weaves together the highlights of the winter menu in a harmonious flow, offering an immersive exploration of Türkiye’s culinary landscape.

From the Black Sea to the Aegean, from Eastern Mountain villages to the fertile plains of the Southeast, each flavour on the menu carries its own story. Completing this journey is the hotel’s Chef’s Garden, where freshness and respect for nature come together seamlessly. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Özgür Üstün, AVLU invites guests to experience the richness of nature, culture, and history—thoughtfully brought to the table in the heart of Istanbul.

For further information and reservations:

• +90 (212) 402 3000
• AVLU Restaurant website
• AVLU Restaurant Instagram