CHEF ESRA MUSLU ANNOUNCES ZAHTER

Acclaimed Istanbul chef Esra Muslu will open her debut London project, Zahter, just off Carnaby Street this October 2021.

Zahter is tipped to encompass true “Istanbulite” cuisine - through the lens of home cooking - and whilst the restaurant will open just for lunch and dinner to begin with, Istanbul-style breakfast service will soon become a core part of the Zahter offering.

Esra was previously Head Chef at Ottolenghi Spitalfields and Istanbul’s Soho House, as well as running a successful Carousel residency. She also opened four successful restaurants in Istanbul: Backyard, Auf, Kauf, and Unter.

Zahter will be spread across four floors in a stunning old clothing warehouse at 30 Foubert’s Place in the heart of Carnaby. The space will feature an open kitchen, counter dining and substantial al-fresco seating on the ground floor, a dining room on the first floor, and a private events space and cookery studio on the third. The space is a true love letter to Istanbul with every single piece of furniture, crockery, artwork and kitchen equipment (aside from her beloved Italian wood oven) being sourced from her native Turkey.

Esra will shine a light on the real Istanbul culinary scene, the food cooked in people’s homes and the menu will feature many recipes handed down from her mother.