You don’t have to be in Istanbul or cruising the Aegean to enjoy outstanding Turkish cuisine. A growing number of talented chefs are now heading further afield and highlighting the flavours of Türkiye. Many excellent Turkish restaurants have opened in other countries, so let’s take a look at a few that have made it into the international Michelin Guides.

p/c Pera, NYC

TURKISH RESTAURANTS IN THE MICHELIN GUIDES

Michelin Stars and recommendations are an internationally recognised mark of culinary excellence. Each year, restaurants eagerly wait to know if they have made the grade, with simply a mention in the Michelin Guide considered an outstanding achievement. A “Bib Gourmand” is awarded to restaurants offering great food at a reasonable price, and the award of up to three Michelin stars is seen as the ultimate fine dining accolade.

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The Michelin grading system dates back to 1926 and was originally part of the Michelin Guide, an annual publication devised to help drivers find hotels, mechanics and decent eateries on their travels. The Michelin Guide has come a long way since then and is widely considered the fine-dining bible. Those visiting a Michelin recommended or starred restaurant are assured first-class food and service, so it’s great to see some Turkish restaurants making the list and receiving glowing reviews.

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Ottoman Taverna, Washington DC.

The Michelin inspector describes the Ottoman Taverna in Washington as “fit for a King” and awarded it the Bib Gourmand – so it’s safe to say it’s worth a visit if you’re in town! This elegant restaurant boasts a lavish, almost palatial interior, and the food on offer suits the setting and is beautifully cooked and presented. Indulge your tastebuds with Turkish classics like beef beyti kabab served with aubergine salad, hearty red lentil soup, and lamb chops served with smoked eggplant puree. The restaurant also caters for groups and events and has some wonderful brunch options. Booking advised. https://ottomantaverna.com/

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Turkish Kitchen, New York.

For a modern take on Turkish and Anatolian classics, head to Turkish Kitchen in Manhattan. This modern, multilevel restaurant has been awarded the Bib Gourmand for its flavourful food and value for money. Aside from a fabulous range of meze, enjoy a mixed meat grill on a bed of silky garlic yoghurt, spiced char-grilled lamb kofte served with bulgur pilaf, and pureed aubergine topped with baked lamb. Turkish Kitchen also serves a good selection of seafood dishes and a range of Turkish wines. If you are in Murray Hill and fancy a Turkish feast, book a table. https://www.turkishkitchen.com/

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Pera, New York.

Another fabulous Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant mentioned in the Michelin Guide United States is Pera, found on Maddison Avenue. It’s a sleek restaurant that attracts the suited city-folk of at lunchtime and is more low-key later on. The focus is on simple, well-cooked Turkish dishes like warm hummus with pastirma, delicious kofte and kebabs, and colour-packed salads with feta, tomatoes and watermelon. The Guide goes as far as to say “a forkful of their model and deliciously tender chicken Adana with a side of addictively crispy fries has wide appeal and makes for a fitting feast – at all times”. https://www.peranyc.com/

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Shish Ke Baba, San Fransisco.

The fabulous Turkish and Mediterranean offerings served at San Fransisco’s Shish Ke Baba made it into the 2021 Michelin Guide California. The Michelin Inspector raved over the Baba Sampler, a mixed mezze platter of spicy ezme. baba ganoush, dolma, hummus and falafel. The indulgent baklava “oozing in delectable syrup with bright green pistachios shipped from Türkiye” also hit the spot. Shish Ke Baba not only gets a Michelin mention, but it also comes recommended by the locals and receives more great reviews online. The Mixed Grill is described as “out of this world” by one diner, and the Adana kebab also comes highly recommended. This casual restaurant/takeaway is less fine dining and far more Turkish comfort food, with hearty portions of tasty Turkish grills and classics. It only has 27 seats, so get there early if you intend to visit.  https://shishkebaba.com/

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Yeni, London.

One fabulous Turkish restaurant in London that got a Michelin Guide UK mention is Yeni in Soho. Said to serve “vibrant, gutsy, and flavoursome dishes”, Chef Civan Er takes inspiration from the sister restaurant Yeni in Istanbul. He cooks traditional dishes over oak in a Josper oven to bring a memorable, utterly delicious flavour to the dishes. Fresh British seasonal produce is then used, including line-caught fish and organic lamb, leaving the eatery a hit with both the foodies and the locals. https://www.yeni.london/​

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Blanc by Aytems, Sint-Truiden, Belgium

Gaining a mention in the Michelin Guide Belgium is Blanc by Aytems, a restaurant that really pushes the boundaries of Turkish cuisine. Aytems is located in a beautiful Bogaarden monastery, with its tasteful and contemporary interior the perfect setting for the innovative food on offer. The concept is a take on East meets West. Chef cleverly combines Ottoman cooking and service with fine local produce and French flair making for a memorable dining experience. https://blanc-byaytems.be/

p/c Blanc by Aytems