Istanbul has been the meeting point of different cultures throughout history. Because of that reason, the city has a great variety of different cuisines. In this richness, Turkish cuisine has a special place.
Turkish cuisine is not in the place it deserves in the world yet. Especially in recent years, Turkish chefs are working on rebranding Turkish cuisine by bringing the fine-dining concept to Istanbul.
With the rising number of fine-dining restaurants in Istanbul, the world-famous Michelin Guide has decided to cover Istanbul in its 2023 edition. Recently 53 restaurants were spotlighted in the first selection of the Michelin Guide Istanbul. Let’s have a look at the first 5 restaurants awarded with stars closely.
First Restaurant with 2 Michelin Stars in Istanbul
TURK Fatih Tutak
Chef Fatih Tutak's TURK Fatih Tutak restaurant is located in the Şişli district, on the European side of Istanbul. The venue offers traditional Turkish recipes cleverly reinterpreted into a fine-dining experience.
As the first two-starred Michelin Guide Restaurant in Istanbul, in TURK, there is careful attention to detail in the food preparations. These culinary preparations are genuine and precise, and more importantly, they express the chef's passion for his region and his roots. Chef carefully chooses the fresh ingredients from local farms by himself.
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Try their famous mantı when you get there. This plate is a tribute to the chef’s mother. Every day the menu is changed and announced on their website. So check the menu and make a reservation before you go. Although TURK has vegetarian options, they do not serve vegan plates.
Young, talented and bold
Araka
Araka is awarded one-star in Michelin Guide İstanbul 2023. With fresh seasonal herbs and vegetables, chef Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir prepares a menu combining hot, sour and spicy flavours. For the Chef, preparing food is an exceptionally personal experience so everything she serves is a part of her identity.
The location Araka is also in a peaceful neighbourhood of Yeniköy in Istanbul. The whole experience will be like escaping from the city’s chaos to a quiet village for enjoying a special meal. When you get there try Araka’s duck confit with vine leaves, beetroot and raspberry. Don’t forget to make a reservation since the Michelin star they got, the place will quite popular this year.
Deeply rooted forward thinking
Mikla
In Mikla, situated in Beyoğlu, Anatolian traditions are combined with a touch of innovation. With this innovative touch, Mikla is awarded one-star in Michelin Guide İstanbul 2023. The creations celebrate the richness and diversity of Turkish products. Michelin Guide inspectors were extremely impressed by the plates such as the flash-boiled and grilled octopus with a mildly sweet glaze served with purslane-pickled green bean salad and apple vinaigrette.
Mikla has been a well-known and well-awarded fine-dining restaurant in Istanbul for years. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the Galata Tower and the city, as well as amazing food. Don’t forget to make a reservation before you go; it was always a popular spot but after the Michelin Star, you may find it a little hard to find a table.
Inspirations from Mother Earth and traditions
Neolokal
At Neolokal in Salt Galata in the Beyoglu district, you can enjoy traditional Anatolian food with the use of brave techniques and culinary innovation. With this innovative soul, Neolokal is awarded one-star in Michelin Guide İstanbul 2023. Dishes are created to bridge tradition and modernity, such as the spicy "cupcakes" with bulgur and chicken, topped with a creamy sauce, a seasoned chicken demi-glace, and crispy potatoes.
Neolokal is a special restaurant because they are not only serving food but they take the initiative to support local products and to rebrand Turkish cuisine in fine dining. They are organizing workshops and panels to back new chefs. Don’t forget to make a reservation ahead, and enjoy edible art on your plate when you get there.
Contemporary Cuisine along with the Magnificent View
Nicole
Nicole is located in the Beyoğlu district. The restaurant offers a nuanced cuisine, where traditional Turkish recipes are blended with Middle-Eastern spices. Chef Serkan Aksoy pays careful attention to the origin of his products and sustains a network of ethical local producers all over Turkey.
The restaurant has been listed in several world-renowned indexes. And finally, they have been awarded one star in Michelin Guide İstanbul 2023. In Nicole, traditional dolmas are being served with smoked yoghurt and tender lamb, underlined by a grape jus reduction; one of many dishes captivating the Michelin Guide’s teams. Make your reservation and try this delightful experience in Nicole when you are in Istanbul.
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