Türkiye’s fine food and culinary scene is now firmly in the spotlight with the announcement that several restaurants in Bodrum and Izmir have been added to those in Istanbul and included in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Türkiye.
There are now 111 restaurants listed in the latest edition, with 19 in Bodrum, 16 in Izmir, and the number in Istanbul rising to 77. In addition, many of the restaurants mentioned were awarded the Bib Gourmand for their quality and value, and new one-star ratings went to 3 in Izmir, 2 in Bodrum, and two more in Istanbul.
Photo Credit: Vino Locale, Urla, Izmir
MICHELIN’s decision to include Bodrum and Izmir in their guide boosts Türkiye’s gastronomy scene and is great for those who enjoy fine food and cuisine. Each restaurant in the guide was anonymously assessed by MICHELIN inspectors, who based their recommendations on the quality of the ingredients, the chef’s use of culinary techniques, the dishes’ flavour and personality, and the menu’s consistency.
We plan to take a full look at the restaurants mentioned in the new Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum MICHELIN Guide in the coming weeks, but in brief, here’s a quick overview of the MICHELIN star restaurants in Türkiye.
Photo Credit: Macakizi, Bodrum
MICHELIN-STAR RESTAURANTS IN TURKEY – BODRUM
Most cruising the Aegean add a visit to Bodrum and Yalikavak to their itinerary, as the last decade has seen high-end dining and luxury tourism options in the area reach new heights. There are many superb restaurants around Bodrum serving options to suit most tastes, from authentic Anatolian and Turkish flavours to Italian, Asian, and other international cuisines. Here’s a quick look at the two MICHELIN Star restaurants in Bodrum and a list of those that received the Bib Gourmand for their quality offered at a great price.
Photo Credit: KITCHEN at Bodrum Edition
KITCHEN, Bodrum Edition, Yalikavak, Bodrum – One Star
The exclusive Bodrum Edition and its glorious bay are the setting for KITCHEN, Chef Osman Sezener’s restaurant, which serves a unique and contemporary take on Turkish cuisine. Local produce, seafood, meat, and herbs from the hotel’s garden are put centre stage, resulting in a varied and delicious a la carte menu sure to be a hit-the-spot with the guests.
Photo Credit: Macakizi
Maçakızı, Türkbükü, Bodrum – One Star
Maçakızı has come a long way from its humble 1970s beginnings. Today, this fine boutique hotel offers high-end travellers and passing superyachts a tranquil escape nestled into the stunning hillsides of a natural bay. At Maçakızı, Executive Chef Aret Sahakyan serves the best Aegean cuisine, with a well-considered menu of fresh fish, seafood, and other beautifully executed and presented dishes. The Turkish and European wine selection and champagne list are also excellent, making Maçakızı the ideal choice for those seeking a lazy lunch ashore or a meal to remember away from the crowds.
Photo Credit: Otantik Ocakbasi
Bodrum Restaurants Awarded Bib Gourmand:
- Otantik Ocakbaşı, Bodrum Town. A casual Turkish grill, kebab, and wine house serving hearty portions at a great price.
- Iki Sandal, Bodrum Town. A popular traditional tavern serving delicious Turkish mezze, dolma, fish, and grills in a casual setting.
Photo Credit: OD Urla
MICHELIN-STAR RESTAURANTS IN TURKEY – IZMIR
We often recommend restaurants in Cesme and Urla, so we were delighted to see the establishments we so often suggest receive the praise they deserve. The Izmir region is awash with unique culinary finds, many of which are run by young chefs keen to honour their heritage or put clever twists on local and international classics. Be it rich Turkish meze, flavourful Aegean seafood or exceptional grills, the following are all worth adding to the itinerary next time you’re cruising in the region.
Photo Credit: OD Urla, Izmir
OD Urla, Urla, Izmir – One Star + Green Star
The olive groves and gardens of a private family estate provide the setting for OD Urla’s unique farm-to-table greenhouse restaurant. Owned by Osman Sezener, the focus here is on freshness and sustainability, with many ingredients grown on the grounds or sourced locally and grilled on the open fire. The restaurant’s menu makes the most of the fine seasonal produce and features well-balanced vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. A tasting menu, a la carte options, and an excellent selection of wines and beverages are available.
Photo Credit: Vino Locale, Urla, Izmir
Vino Locale, Urla, Izmir – One Star + Sommelier Award + Green Star
At Vino Locale, Chef Ozan Kumbaser and sommelier Seray celebrate their love of Turkish wines and produce by serving an exciting seasonally inspired menu that changes every six weeks. The inspector likens the restaurant to an “Italian trattoria”, as the setting is stunning – a stone cottage surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and fields of artichokes right in the centre of Urla’s wine region. Vino Locale was awarded a MICHELIN Star and a Green Star due to its work and support of local farmers and producers. It also became the first restaurant in Türkiye to receive the acclaimed MICHELIN Sommelier Award.
Photo Credit: Teruar Urla / Michelin Guide
Teruar Urla, Izmir – One Star
The contemporary Mediterranean dishes Osman Serdaroğlu creates at Teruar Urla excite the tastebuds and delight the eyes. As the MICHELIN guide suggests, “every dish is sure to intrigue” with clever twists on classics and exceptional food highlighting the best local and seasonal produce. Teruar Urla is a restaurant sure to impress even the most discerning. It is set in a beautiful stone house overlooking Urla’s vineyards and valley.
Izmir Restaurants Awarded Bib Gourmand:
Photo Credit: Hiç Lokanta
Hiç Lokanta, Urla, Izmir (Also Awarded a Green Star) We have mentioned Hiç Lokanta before, as the restaurant’s focus on sustainability and use of organic ingredients is commendable. Hiç is a restaurant where nature, great produce, and modern cuisine meet, resulting in flavour-packed dishes and a memorable dining experience.
Beğendik Abi, Urla, Izmir. A rustic, lokanta-style restaurant offering a wide array of delicious ready-to-serve mezze and classic Turkish dishes from the counter, ideal for those who want exceptional food on the go.
Adil Müftüoğlu, Izmir. Since 1955, this restaurant has served freshly made soups, mezze, and seasonal Turkish dishes to locals and travellers wanting great food at a great price.
Photo Credit: LA Mahzen, Izmir
LA Mahzen, Torbali. Izmir. This inviting restaurant is in the Lucien Arkas Vineyards, a beautiful setting where you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and platters accompanied and sample the fine wines from the estate.Tavacı Recep Usta, Izmir. Tavaci is another local favourite, serving flavourful Turkish cuisine, mezze, and desserts in a warm and welcoming environment.
Ayşa Boşnak Börekçisi, Kemeralti, Izmir. Head to Asya in Izmir’s attractive Kemeralti neighbourhood for a traditional feast. This Turkish lokanta, buffet-style restaurant serves flavourful Ottoman and Anatolian food, mezze, and delicious baklava dessert.
MICHELIN-STAR RESTAURANTS IN TURKEY – ISTANBUL
Last year, when the first MICHELIN Star restaurants in Türkiye were announced, we looked at the restaurants included in our article, The First MICHELIN Guide Istanbul. Initially, 53 establishments were mentioned, with 5 receiving MICHELIN star status. This year, 77 restaurants are listed, with two additional restaurants gaining one-star status. These include:
Photo Credit: Arkestra/Michelin Guide
Arkestra, Beşiktaş, Istanbul – One Star
Cenk Debensason is a French and US-trained Turkish chef who serves diners an exciting fusion menu at Arkestra that goes way beyond the French and Asian classics. Expect flavour-packed dishes all beautifully executed and presented with flair. This is a restaurant in a unique vintage-villa setting, where you can also head up to the Listening Room to enjoy drinks and nibbles while listening to the chef’s favourite music and DJs.
Photo Credit: Sankai by Nagaya, Istanbul
Sankai by Nagaya, Bebek, Istanbul – One Star
Run by Japanese Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, Sankai by Nagaya is a fine omakase and sushi restaurant located in a stylish boutique hotel overlooking the Bosphorus. Here, Nagaya expertly blends Japanese dishes with international influences, and Master Sushi Chef Hiroko Shibata creates intensely flavoursome and exquisitely presented sushi dishes.
Photo Credit: Turk Fatih Tutak
OTHER MICHELIN-STAR RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL
Sankai by Nagaya and Arkestra join four existing Michelin-star restaurants in Istanbul to make a total of six in the city. The other restaurants include Mikla, Nicole, Neolokal, and Araka. Needless to say, all of the MICHELIN Star restaurants in Türkiye mentioned in the MICHELIN Guide are outstanding. However, let’s not forget the culinary leader, Turk Fatih Tutak, who retained his prestigious two-star rating for his superb Turkish cuisine and presentation and use of age-old culinary traditions.
Photo Credit: Turk Fatih Tutak
ADD BODRUM, IZMIR OR ISTANBUL TO YOUR CRUISING ITINERARY
If you are planning your cruising itinerary and wish to visit any of the regions mentioned, please get in touch with us for assistance. 360° Yachting is a Captain’s Recommended superyacht services company specialising in bespoke itineraries in Türkiye. For more information on our services, please GET IN TOUCH.
