A “Sentez” Journey from Past to Present: Sentez Restaurant at The Komana Binbirdirek

Food and Travel / June 2025

Having opened its doors last month in the enchanting atmosphere of the Historic Peninsula, The Komana Binbirdirek has brought Istanbul's historic fabric together with modern luxury as the first and ambitious link of the "Heritage Hotel" chain. At the pinnacle of this unique accommodation experience is Sentez Restaurant, which welcomes gastronomy enthusiasts with breathtaking views of the city. Sentez Restaurant is not merely a place to eat: blending the inspiration it draws from the rich heritage of Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary techniques, it promises an unforgettable experience that tells a story in every dish. The restaurant offers a unique gastronomic journey to hotel guests and to visitors in search of exceptional flavours alike.

A Bridge of Flavour from Past to Future: Sentez's Philosophy

Sentez Restaurant sits at the heart of The Komana Binbirdirek, in a setting interwoven with the deep-rooted history of the Binbirdirek Cistern, and carries on a centuries-old culinary philosophy. Through the meticulous work of Chef Fatih Anıl Demirci and his team, the multi-layered culture of Anatolia and Istanbul inspires every dish. Here, recipes thousands of years old come to life again with the freshest seasonal produce and contemporary techniques. One of the cornerstones of the Sentez kitchen is respect for nature and the soil. With this understanding, the kitchen strives to use every ingredient in its entirety and works on a zero-waste principle. From seed to shell and from root to leaf, every component finds its meaning on the plate. Sentez aims to offer its guests not only flavour but also an experience and a story.

Ingredient Choices That Shine in Every Dish

At Sentez Restaurant, the importance given to the market before the kitchen is evident. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local, reliable producers so that quality is tracked right at the source. Karayaka lamb from the Black Sea highlands comes from Nebyan Doğal, while premium olive oils from Ayvalık such as the world-first-ranked Trilye and Memecik reach the table from Novavera. Hand-cut erişte noodles and couscous from Adapazarı, morel and sarıkız mushrooms from World of Fungus and specialities such as salted yoghurt from Habib Günsa in Antakya are just a few of the select products that enrich the Sentez kitchen.

A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation: Sentez's Signature Dishes

The Sentez Restaurant menu acts as a bridge, interpreting traditional flavours with an innovative touch. Among the signature dishes, Tahini Aubergine is enriched with Asian-inspired aromatic touches such as miso, soy and sesame oil, while tahini's Anatolian roots turn it into a flavour that transcends borders. Among the mezes, the restaurant's other signature, Smoked Tarama, takes on a unique character with simit crumble and grated dried bottarga. The 72-Hour Cooked Lamb is enriched with a mesir paste demi-glace, and its accompaniment, nettle keşkek, brings a nearly forgotten traditional dish to the present in a refined interpretation. Stone-oven pides such as Marinated Pear and Niğde Blue, Morel Mushroom and Beef Short Rib, and Meadow Cheese and Nettle Paste are all made with sourdough. Desserts such as Turkish Coffee and Mastic Mousse, Boza Panna Cotta and Chocolate Kadayıf Tart bring local produce together with modern culinary techniques.

Unforgettable Moments with Enchanting Views

Beyond its cuisine, Sentez Restaurant offers a unique atmosphere with enchanting views of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. This magnificent skyline makes Sentez an ideal venue for special occasions, celebrations, romantic dinners and business meetings. With the opening of The Komana Binbirdirek, Sentez Restaurant brings a fresh breath to Istanbul's gastronomy scene and is already rising to an ambitious position on the city's culinary map.

Source: Food and Travel