Istanbul really is a city where east meets west. As such, various Asian cuisines have a firm foothold in the city. Lovers of the finesse of authentic Japanese food will find a particularly appealing à la carte selection at İnari Omakase Kuruçeşme, for instance. Think wondefully crispy tempura calamari with wasabi mayonnaise and lime zest. The nigiri are served at that perfect lukewarm temperature, have a firm texture, and are made with top-quality fish that melts in the mouth. Here and there, there are some discernible trendy Californian influences, but İnari is primarily a place in which to relish that familiar Japanese exuberance.
You will probably guess what to expect at Çok Çok Thai. Here, you are served an authentic version of Thai cuisine, such as sea bass steamed whole and flavoured with chilli, ginger, garlic and lime. A fish stock with soy and lime leaf completes this exotic taste sensation. You should also definitely try the spring rolls for a hit of that quintessential Thai spiciness.
A metropolis like Istanbul also enjoys its fair share of glitz and glamour, so what could be more befitting than trendy dishes featuring exquisite blends of Asian influences? At Banyan, for instance, they love Thai herbs and spices, know how to make sushi full of flavour and expertly cut sashimi. St. Regis Brasserie is another cool restaurant where the chefs know no limits. They will even serve their gyoza and Thai beef salad along with Mediterranean specialities such as bouillabaisse and seafood linguine. And that brings us to one of those other international cuisines that has found its place in Istanbul.
Undeniably, dishes from la bella Italia are loved by foodies the world over, and Istanbul is no exception. Thanks to the stunning wealth of premium produce such as vegetables and fish that can be sourced in and around the capital, chefs have everything at their disposal to bring the flavours of authentic Italian cuisine to your plate. The menu at Glens even reads like an ode to Italy. A fragrant Caprese salad, creamy risotto with a variety of ultra-fresh seafood, fiery penne arrabbiata, and then there’s pizza from the wood-fired oven… The ideal place if you want to switch things up from Turkish meze and try some delicious Mediterranean specialities!
The same goes for Octo, where the chef veers more towards the Mediterranean, with the occasional nod to Asia. For example, our inspectors could not get enough of the ombre fish glazed with teriyaki and topped with a brunoise of cucumber and nori.
Freshness and unadulterated flavours are also typical of Greek cuisine, as you will see for yourself as soon as you step inside Eleos Beyoğlu, which, like many of Istanbul’s top restaurants, specialises in fish and seafood. You start by choosing from a generous selection of cold and hot meze, before deciding whether you would like your fish grilled, fried or baked in a salt crust. The preparation methods of the fish and side dishes, and the general finesse of the cuisine show that the two neighbouring countries share the same Mediterranean panache.
Chefs in Istanbul like to combine various styles in one cuisine. At AZUR, for instance, they opt mainly for Nikkei cuisine, which is characterised by a blend of Peruvian and Japanese influences. So this is a place where ceviche and tacos with sea bass tempura have just the right spicy kick. But the international angle of this establishment does not stop there, because, like several other restaurants, they also serve some pasta dishes and even paella. In Istanbul’s restaurants, you are always spoilt for choice!
Last but not least, we pay a visit to 1924 Istanbul, where Russian specialities are adapted to the zeitgeist. At this historical site, you will experience Istanbul's rich history first-hand. Pirozhki stuffed with succulent beef, and beef Stroganoff accompanied by a rich sauce are just two of the traditional dishes prepared here with great respect. So you can see that Istanbul offers a wealth of cuisines, from the hip and modern to the traditional and authentic. In this metropolis, you really do get the world handed to you on a plate.
Our Istanbul selection comprises over 50 restaurants. Take the opportunity to peruse the MICHELIN Guide app and find out more.
Illustration image // St. Regis Brasserie / Instagram
