A visit to Istanbul always satisfies the senses and excites the eyes. It’s a historic city that was shaped by great empires that all left their mark on the skyline. Aside from touring famous landmarks, exploring Istanbul’s food scene is also a must, as the city now boasts many incredible restaurants. Here’s a look at some more of the best restaurants in Istanbul, as mentioned in the Michelin Guide.

A Few More Of The Best Restaurants in Istanbul

Last year was a big year for many restaurants in Istanbul, as it was the first time 53 of the city’s great haunts gained Michelin recognition. A total of 5 were awarded Michelin Stars, with the wonderful Turk Fatih Tutak receiving a prestigious 2-star rating. Many of the best restaurants in Istanbul enjoy fabulous views. However, admiring the Golden Horn, Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge always adds a unique ambience and ensures an Instagram-worthy backdrop. If you want to visit the restaurants awarded Michelin stars, look at our post on The First Michelin Guide Istanbul. But for now, let’s focus on a few other fine restaurants worth visiting.

Photo Credit: Aqua

Aqua, Four Seasons Hotel, Besiktas, Istanbul.

Enjoy an exciting menu and an ode to the sea at the beautiful Aqua restaurant at Istanbul’s Four Seasons Hotel. Aqua invites you to choose from a creative array of Asian and Mediterranean-inspired fish and seafood dishes, all made with the finest produce and impeccably served and presented.

Photo Credit: Aqua Restaurant

Aqua is the place for the romantics or those looking for a special night out at one of Istanbul’s most stylish settings. Dine on dishes from the sushi menu, choose the daily catch from the display, or share a whole grilled wild sea bream while marvelling at spectacular views over the Bosphorus Bridge.

Photo Credit: Ritz-Carlton Istanbul

Atolye, Ritz-Carlton, Besiktas, Istanbul.

Authentic Anatolian and classic Turkish dishes are celebrated at the Ritz-Carlton’s fine dining restaurant, Atölye. The restaurant’s colourful décor, comfortable seating, laid-back ambience, and beautiful views create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere that suits the fresh flavours and elegant presentation of the dishes.

Photo Credit: Atolye

The focus at Atölye is on sustainability. Sip a fine wine as you enjoy a mezze, a traditional grill, pide, prawns, or freshly caught sea bass. Here, the best seasonal produce and fresh findings from the hotel’s vegetable garden are used to create flavourful plates that appeal to the majority.

Photo Credit: Spago

Spago, St. Regis Hotel, Sisli, Istanbul.

The Michelin Guide describes Spago as “the place to soak up those hip Istanbul vibes”. Located on the rooftop of the luxurious St. Regis Hotel, you can enjoy fabulous views over the city and Bosphorus as you enjoy a culinary adventure in the restaurant or tuck into sushi from the bar.

Credit: Spago Restaurant

Spago’s chef, the acclaimed Wolfgang Puck, serves a sophisticated and exciting mix of Asian, Italian, and American-inspired dishes, all skilfully prepared and presented. Most of the dishes could be described as “art-on-a-plate”. Others come with stories attached, including a twist on a smoked salmon bagel inspired by a time Joan Collins ordered the dish, but the restaurant was out of bread. Puck replaced it with freshly baked pizza crust, and voila! – one of his most famous signature dishes was created. Spago is a haunt that appeals to all tastes. It also has a private dining suite should you wish to hold a function.

Photo Credit: Tugra Restaurant

Tugra, Ciragan Palace Hotel, Istanbul.

We have often mentioned the historic Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel in our articles as its historic splendour never fails to impress. This former Ottoman palace has a fabulous setting right on the shores of the Bosphorus, plus it is convenient for guests as it is the only hotel in Istanbul accessible by car, yacht and helicopter.

Photo Credit: Tugra Restaurant

Tugra is Kempinski’s sophisticated fine-dining restaurant and a place where “Ottoman culinary tradition goes hand in hand with the customs of haute cuisine”, according to the Michelin Guide. Here you can dine like a king on chef Emre Inanır’s clever twists on classic Turkish flavours, all whilst admiring the most spectacular views over the Bosphorus.

Photo Credit: Banyan

Banyan, Besiktas, Istanbul.

If you love exotic, contemporary Asian and Thai flavours, Banyan overlooking the Bosphorus Bridge and Ortaköy Mosque is the place to head. This stunning terrace restaurant and bar is one of Istanbul’s most hip and stylish haunts, and it is a firm favourite with foreigners, yachties, and the local elite.

Photo Credit: Banyan

Banyan has a laid-back vibe and serves fancy cocktails and fabulous food to a background of the hottest DJ beats. The sushi and the signature dishes, such as miso-glazed sea bass and Shunki Chori style duck tenderloin, receive rave reviews. Or, if you’re looking to explore the culinary offerings, the varied tasting menu with wine pairings is suggested.

Photo Credit: Alaf

Alaf. Arnavutkoy, Besiktas, Istanbul.

Last year, Alaf won the Michelin Bib Gourmand for its quality and value. This popular, vibrant restaurant serves fabulous “nomadic” food, craft beers, and delicious cocktails from its cool roof terrace with views over the Bosphorus.

Photo Credit: Alaf

A visit to Alaf will likely surprise you and should appeal to most foodies. Chef Deniz at Alaf takes diners on a culinary adventure with innovative twists on Anatolian, Armenian, Kurdish and Yezidi dishes. The food is inspired by history and culture, and traditional wood-fired ovens and pits are used to create authentic recipes that combine age-old and contemporary culinary techniques. Alaf also offers fine catering & events services for special occasions.

Photo Credit: Octo

Octo, Marriot Hotel, Beyoglu, Istanbul

For panoramic views over the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, head to Octo Restaurant, located on the ninth floor of the Marriot Hotel in Beyoğlu. This popular restaurant serves delicious, unpretentious Mediterranean and seafood dishes with flare and elegance. Octo enjoys some of the best views around, so a good choice for any occasion, plus the poolside cocktail bar on the floor above is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or post-dinner cocktail.

Photo Credit: Octo

BOOK A TABLE AT ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL OR ALONG THE COAST

360 Yachting is a superyacht agency that specialises in tailored cruising itineraries, and bespoke tours and excursions. We are happy to arrange a table at the best restaurants in Istanbul or a reservation at many other fabulous restaurants along the coast. If you would like us to suggest places to go for a guest or crew night out or to make a reservation at any of the above, please CONTACT US.