Rüya Istanbul has launched a new summer menu at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, introducing a seasonal selection of Anatolian-inspired dishes served on its Bosphorus terrace. The updated menu combines regional ingredients from across Anatolia with contemporary cooking techniques, reinforcing the restaurant’s position as one of Istanbul’s leading fine dining destinations.
The summer offering features new starters, seafood, grilled specialities and desserts alongside Rüya’s signature dishes. Guests can enjoy the seasonal menu while overlooking the Bosphorus from the restaurant’s garden terrace, with selected evenings also featuring DJ performances.
Following the restaurant’s success in Cannes, Dubai and Riyadh, Rüya Istanbul continues to showcase Anatolia’s diverse culinary traditions through a modern approach to sharing plates. Drawing inspiration from flavours found between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the menu highlights fresh seasonal produce sourced from different regions of Türkiye.
Seasonal ingredients shape the summer menu
The new menu begins with a range of starters celebrating summer vegetables and regional ingredients. Muhammara combines roasted red peppers, tomatoes and walnuts and is served with handmade sourdough bread, while the Village Tomato Salad brings together seasonal tomatoes, Ezine cheese and olives.
Fresh artichokes from Urla feature prominently in both the Artichoke Salad, prepared with a signature spice sauce and Obruk cheese, and the Artichoke Soup, which is paired with eggplant purée and crispy artichoke. Roasted Beetroot combines young beetroot with creamy goat cheese, adding another seasonal option to the selection.
Seafood and grilled dishes take centre stage among the main courses. Harissa Prawn is sautéed with harissa pepper and lemon, while the Whole Grilled Lobster and Erişte is designed for sharing, pairing grilled lobster with traditional erişte pasta and tomato sauce.
Grilled Dover Sole is served with mussel jus, samphire, fresh zahter and capers, offering Mediterranean flavours with a light seasonal touch. Meat lovers can choose the Tomahawk, a dry aged bone in ribeye accompanied by aromatic herb sauce and potatoes infused with zahter.
The menu also retains several of the restaurant’s best known signature dishes, including Truffle Börek, Crispy Calamari, Manti, Beef Rib Pide, Pistachio crusted Sea Bass and the 24 Hour Slow Cooked Beef Rib.
Contemporary desserts inspired by Anatolia
Rüya Istanbul concludes the dining experience with desserts that reinterpret traditional Anatolian favourites. Chocolate and Turkish Coffee combines a salted caramel dark chocolate sphere with cardamom and Turkish coffee ice cream, while Oven baked Rice Pudding is served with raspberry and clotted cream ice cream.
Guests can also choose Baklava prepared with Antep pistachios, Orange Revani featuring almond and citrus flavours, or Eggy Bread, which transforms a nostalgic favourite into a refined dessert with honey and cinnamon.
Handmade ice creams and sorbets add further seasonal variety. Flavours include thyme and olive oil, dark chocolate and bergamot, as well as fruit based sorbets such as strawberry and basil, apricot and lime, and mango and passion fruit.
Beyond the food, Rüya Istanbul continues to position its Bosphorus terrace as a destination throughout the summer. As daylight fades, the outdoor space transforms into an evening venue where Anatolian inspired cuisine, carefully selected beverages and panoramic waterfront views create a refined dining experience in one of Istanbul’s most historic settings.
Located within Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, the restaurant combines contemporary gastronomy with one of the city’s most recognisable waterfront locations. With its refreshed seasonal menu and open air terrace, Rüya Istanbul aims to attract both local diners and international visitors seeking a modern interpretation of Türkiye’s culinary heritage.
Address: Çırağan Palace Kempinski, 32 Çırağan Street
Reservation: +90 212 326 46 20 / [email protected]
Website: RüyaIstanbul
Photo Credit: Çırağan Palace Kempinski
