If you’re looking for a special dining experience in Cappadocia, Zeferan Restaurant should be on your radar.
This is not your average eatery – it’s an upscale restaurant known for its blend of Turkish and Azerbaijani cuisine, located in the village of Mustafapaşa (near Ürgüp).
Zeferan is actually part of the Ajwa Cappadocia Hotel, a luxury 5-star hotel, and it’s open to outside guests as well.
Atmosphere at the restaurant
The moment you step into Zeferan, you can tell it aims for a remarkable dining experience with top-notch service.
The decor is elegant, often with traditional touches like ornate chairs and beautiful table settings.
If you dine in the evening, expect a refined ambiance – low lighting, possibly live background music (on some nights traditional musicians play soft tunes).
There’s both indoor seating (in a stylish dining hall) and, if weather permits, an outdoor terrace with views of the Mustafapaşa countryside.
It’s the kind of place where you might dress up a bit (business casual at least) – though as a tourist, you won’t be turned away as long as you’re presentable.
Cuisine at Zeferan Restaurant
Zeferan’s menu is a fusion of Turkish and Azerbaijani cuisine with a gourmet twist.
“Zeferan” means saffron, a spice often used in Azerbaijani dishes, hinting at the flavors you might encounter.
The restaurant’s head chef, Chef Yaşar, and his team put a lot of care into each dish.
Many ingredients are local and fresh. The cuisine can be described as steakhouse meets Anatolian—they serve great meats and traditional dishes with a modern presentation.
Menu highlights
Grilled Steaks & Kebabs: They have quality cuts of meat; a popular one is the “Steak Zeferan,” marinated and grilled to perfection. You might also find lamb chops or a juicy tendeir lamb. Portions are generous and meats are often accompanied by nicely grilled vegetables or spiced potatoes.
Azeri Specials: Dishes like Shah Plov (an Azerbaijani-style rice pilaf with dried fruits and meat wrapped in thin lavash bread) sometimes appear—it’s fragrant with saffron. Or Azeri kebab varieties that include different seasoning profiles than typical Turkish kebabs.
Traditional Turkish Dishes: Elevated versions of classics – for example, Testi Kebab served in a more gourmet style or Ali Nazik kebab (smoked eggplant puree topped with tender lamb) plated beautifully.
Soups and Starters: Perhaps a rich mercimek (lentil) soup to start, or an appetizer trio that might include things like muhammara (pepper-walnut spread), stuffed vine leaves, or eggplant salad, each prepared with refinement.
Vegetarian Options: They usually have a few, like grilled stuffed mushrooms, fresh salads, or vegetable casseroles, so non-meat eaters can also enjoy a full meal.
Desserts: Save room if you can! They may offer sweets like baklava with ice cream, şöbiyet (a type of pistachio-filled pastry), or more international-style desserts with a local twist. A standout could be something like saffron milk pudding or their take on pumpkin dessert with tahini.
Service at the restaurant
One thing consistently praised about Zeferan is the attentive and friendly staff.
The staff—from the waiters to the manager—goes out of their way to make your meal enjoyable.
They’ll check on dietary needs, explain dishes, and even make tableside preparations for certain items.
Many speak English well, so you can ask questions.
The atmosphere is upscale but not stiff; it’s actually quite warm. You get that fine-dining polish (your water glass constantly refilled, napkin folded if you step away, etc.) without feeling too formal.
Why it’s worth visiting Zeferan
Cappadocia has many homey eateries, but Zeferan offers that luxurious culinary experience you might crave for a special night. Think of it as a treat-yourself dinner after days of hiking and touring. It’s particularly great for:
- Foodies who want to taste something beyond the usual tourist fare – perhaps try the Azerbaijani flavors which are unique in Cappadocia.
- Celebrations or romantic dinners: If you’re on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary/birthday, the combination of delicious food, fine service, and elegant setting at Zeferan will make it memorable.
- Wine lovers: They have a good wine list, featuring both Turkish wines and international. You could sample some excellent Cappadocian wines here – the staff can recommend pairings with your meal.
- Breakfast fans: Interestingly, Zeferan is also known for its amazing breakfast (if you happen to be around in the morning, perhaps staying at the hotel). It’s a huge spread with everything from omelets to cheeses and, yes, Zeferann tea.
Keep in mind, price-wise, Zeferan is on the higher end for Cappadocia. Expect to pay similar to an upscale restaurant in a Western city, but many guests say the whole experience justifies the price-value.
If you plan to go, reservations are a good idea, especially in high season.
You can call ahead (+90 384 352 12 22) or have your hotel in Cappadocia book for you.
Also, it’s about a 15-minute drive from Göreme to Mustafapaşa; you’ll need transport (car or taxi).
Maybe combine it with an early evening visit to Mustafapaşa village, which is charming and less touristy, and then dine at Zeferan.
In summary, Zeferan Restaurant offers excellent cuisine and service in an elegant atmosphere.
It stands out as a fine dining highlight in Cappadocia. If your itinerary allows, a dinner here could be the culinary highlight of your trip – a chance to relax and indulge in the rich flavors of Cappadocia and Anatolia, all while being treated like a valued guest.
Bon appétit (or as one might say in Turkish, Afiyet olsun) at Zeferan!
