Get to know us

Our mission

At The Anatolian Tables, our mission is to unite people through unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate both tradition and innovation. We are driven by a passion for excellence, creating personalized menus that fuse the rich flavors of Anatolian cuisine with global influences. Every dish we craft is a reflection of our commitment to the finest seasonal ingredients, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep respect for diverse culinary traditions.

Our goal is to bring people together around the table, where every bite sparks conversation, joy, and connection. Through each dining experience, we aim to create lasting memories, blending creativity and authenticity in every course. At The Anatolian Tables, we believe that food is more than nourishment—it's a celebration of culture, love, and the shared moments that make life extraordinary.

Our vision

At The Anatolian Tables, our vision is to transform dining into an art form by blending culinary creativity with personalized service. We aspire to be a leading name in bespoke private chef services and catering, known for our innovation, excellence, and unwavering passion for food. By merging global flavors with the finest seasonal ingredients, we aim to craft unforgettable moments where every meal becomes a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and the connections that bring us together. Our goal is to elevate the dining experience, making each gathering an extraordinary occasion.

Our Team

At The Anatolian Tables, our team is the heart of every unforgettable dining experience. Led by Chef Deniz Sezer, we bring over 15 years of Michelin-starred expertise, blending a passion for exceptional cuisine with a commitment to innovation and excellence. Alongside Chef Deniz, his wife, Michelle, plays an integral role in the business. With her organizational skills and dedication, Michelle ensures every detail is handled seamlessly, from the initial consultation to the final bite.

From personalized menu design to seamless service, we work together to craft exceptional gastronomic journeys, showcasing the finest ingredients and global flavors in every dish. We don't just cook—we create lasting memories, delivering extraordinary experiences that celebrate culture, craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing great food.

Meet our team below

Deniz Sezer

Founder / Chef

Deniz Sezer grew up in Tire, İzmir, Turkey, where his culinary journey was inspired by the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine and the artisanal food culture of his hometown. Passionate about cooking from a young age, Deniz pursued his dream and built an impressive career spanning 13 years, working in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels across Turkey, Europe, and the United States.

His culinary path led him to San Francisco, where he is now the Chef and Owner of Bistro Ember and The Anatolian Tables, offering private chef services, catering, and elevated dining experiences. Deniz’s cooking reflects a seamless blend of Mediterranean traditions and modern fusion techniques, highlighting seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.

Dedicated to sustainability and craftsmanship, Deniz strives to create memorable, soulful dishes that connect people through food. As he leads his team, he is proud to bring Michelin-starred expertise to every table and inspire a deeper appreciation for Turkish cuisine in the Bay Area and beyond.

Mustafa Selim

CHEF

Mustafa Selim, childhood friend and fellow culinary enthusiast of Chef Deniz Sezer, is a talented chef and co-founder with a shared passion for creating extraordinary food experiences. The two studied side by side at university, pursuing their culinary dreams together and forging a bond that has grown even stronger over the years.

Mustafa’s career has taken him through some of the best restaurants in Turkey, where he refined his skills and developed a deep understanding of Turkish cuisine's rich traditions. Known for his inventive techniques and bold flavors, Mustafa brings creativity and heart to every dish he creates.

A fun fact about Mustafa? He’s famous among friends for his ability to perfectly guess spice combinations in any dish—even blindfolded! He also has an unmatched love for baklava, claiming it’s the ultimate culinary masterpiece. His sense of humor and vibrant personality make him the life of any kitchen, and his food speaks volumes about his dedication to the craft.

Ozcan Takiran

EVENT MANAGER / SOMOLIER

Özcan Takıran brings a wealth of expertise and passion to his role as Event Manager and Sommelier. A graduate of the same university as Chef Deniz Sezer, Özcan specialized in Tourism Management, where he developed a deep appreciation for hospitality and event planning.

His journey took him across Spain, Italy, and Romania, where he honed his knowledge of wine and refined his management skills. These experiences not only shaped his expertise in pairing exceptional wines with cuisine but also instilled in him a global perspective on hospitality and service.

Özcan’s meticulous attention to detail, warm approach, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences make him an invaluable part of the team. Whether curating wine pairings or orchestrating seamless events, he brings passion and professionalism to every occasion

BABY MEHMET SEZER

CHEF

Mehmet Sezer may only be two weeks old, but he’s already the youngest "chef" on our team! While his current specialties are milk and naptime, his enthusiasm for the kitchen is unmatched (even if it’s just from his cozy crib).

With parents like Chef Deniz and Michelle, it’s safe to say he’s destined for culinary greatness—or at least the best baby food on the planet. Mehmet brings endless joy, inspiration, and adorable energy to our team. Watch out, world—this little chef is just getting started! 👶👨‍🍳

Our Story

The Anatolian Tables is a family-owned business founded by Chef Deniz Sezer and his wife, Michelle, born from their shared love for food, culture, and each other. Deniz’s passion for culinary arts and Michelle’s admiration for Turkish cuisine came together like the perfect recipe: a pinch of expertise, a dash of love, and plenty of laughter.

With over 15 years of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Spain, Japan, and Italy, Deniz blends the finest flavors of global cuisines with the rich tastes of Anatolian tradition. His culinary journey began in Turkey, where he trained in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, perfecting his craft while always dreaming of sharing these flavors with the world. Michelle, while continuing her own career, also takes on an essential role in the business, managing its organizational side. Declaring herself the "official taste-tester," Michelle earned this title after countless late-night spice debates and trying new flavor combinations. Each time, she enjoys testing Deniz’s creative touches while discovering new culinary possibilities.

The Anatolian Tables offers more than just food—it delivers memorable, heartwarming experiences. With our private chef and catering services, we prepare Michelin-level dishes tailored to your taste. Our menus, inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, and fusion cuisines, are made with the finest seasonal ingredients.

Our goal is to bring the warmth of family, the joy of sharing meals, and world-class flavors to your table. In every bite, you’ll find our story, and in every dish, our love.

We invite you to The Anatolian Tables—a place where every bite tells a story, and every table is filled with joy.