Türkiye boasts a phenomenal food scene, so it has always amazed us that its excellent restaurants escaped Michelin recognition. Thankfully, that has changed, and a total of 53 great haunts have made it into the first-ever Michelin Guide Istanbul. The first guide only covers Istanbul, so we hope this paves the way for other fine eateries in Bodrum, Izmir, Cesme, and other areas of Türkiye in the future. Here’s a look at the five restaurants in Istanbul that received Michelin Stars, plus an extra mention for good measure.

Photo Credit: Turk Fatih Tutak

Turk Fatih Tutak, Sisli District – Two Michelin Stars – Contemporary Turkish Cuisine

The restaurant of Turk Fatih Tutak is no stranger to our blog and was mentioned in our article on the Best Restaurants in Türkiye. This beautiful restaurant offers exciting interpretations of traditional Turkish dishes alongside a tasting menu and chef’s table. We said before that Turk Fatih Tutak was Michelin-star standard, so it’s great to see the place finally gain the credit it deserves and receive an official two-star rating. The Michelin Guide Istanbul suggests the restaurant is “a modern and sophisticated stage for gourmets looking for typically Turkish flavours”. https://www.turkft.com/

Photo Credit: Araka

Araka, Yenikoy District – One Michelin Star – Modern Cuisine

Araka is conveniently located in Istanbul’s Yenikoy neighbourhood, not far from the exclusive marina. Considering its city location, Araka feels like a rural escape, with a cosy, intimate atmosphere and a delightful terrace offering a welcome escape from the crowds. The restaurant is led by young chef Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir, whom the guide describes as “adept at balancing spicy, savoury flavours with tangy aromas. She creates exciting dishes that let fine regional produce do the talking”. https://araka.com.tr/

Photo Credit: Mikla

Mikla, Beyoglu – One Michelin Star – Modern Turkish/Mediterranean Cuisine

Panoramic views over Istanbul can be enjoyed from the eighteenth floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel and Mehmet Gürs’ New Anatolian Kitchen, Mikla. This spectacular restaurant is another regular on our blog, as the innovative dishes and twists on traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine are a delight. The Michelin Guide suggests Mehmet Gür “emphasises the importance of craftsmanship and the diversity Türkiye has to offer. He works with the finest ingredients and gives them pride of place in original dishes that are stripped of unnecessary fuss”. https://www.miklarestaurant.com/

Photo Credit: Neolokal

Neolokal, Beyoglu – One Michelin Star + Michelin Green Star – Modern Turkish Cuisine

Expect fabulous rooftop views and an explosion of taste at Neolokal, located in Salt Galata in the heart of Istanbul’s culinary capital, Beyoglu. Chef Maksut Aşkar and his ambitious young team serve a wonderful mix of modern Turkish dishes and the best in regional wines, focusing on fine local produce and sustainability winning it a special Michelin Green Star. The Guide Istanbul praises Aşkar as “ putting his stamp on authentic recipes with a subtlety that is all of his own”. http://www.neolokal.com/

Photo Credit: Nicole

Nicole, Beyoglu – One Michelin Star – Modern Turkish Cuisine

Another restaurant we love to mention, Nicole, is also celebrating its Michelin debut, having been awarded its first star. Nicole rapidly earned a reputation as one of the best in the city, known for an exciting twist on classic Turkish dishes. The Michelin Guide praises the chef for their “novel spin on familiar flavours”, and their tasting menus and wine pairings are also a hit. Nicole is a restaurant that highlights the best in local produce, with a menu that frequently changes according to the finds in the local markets. https://www.nicole.com.tr/

Photo Credit: Kubbeli Lounge

Kubbeli Lounge, Hotel Pera, Sisli – Fine Afternoon Tea & A Twist on Turkish Classics

Istanbul’s historic Hotel Pera is the ultra-chic location of Kubbeli Lounge. The hotel is a former Ottoman palace, and its opulent Kubbeli Lounge is said to be where Agatha Christie wrote her novel “Murder on the Orient Express”. Although not Michelin star-rated, we thought we would throw this one in the mix as it really does do a fantastic afternoon tea ideal for discerning guests. The Michelin Guide Istanbul describes the food in the restaurant as trendy, where “Turkish dishes are given a French and Italian twist. Expect all the rich flavours of authentic dishes skilfully combined with more modern influences”. https://perapalace.com/en/restaurants/kubbeli-lounge/

Photo Credit: Nicole

Add A Tour Of Istanbul or A Reservation To Your Itinerary

If you are planning on stopping over in Istanbul and require yachting assistance, or would like us to add Istanbul to your itinerary and reserve a table at any of the restaurants mentioned, please CONTACT US.