Türkiye: Alaf Restaurant, Istanbul, Flames, Flocks, and the Essence of Yuruk Cuisine

Join us on a captivating journey through the vibrant coastal town of Bodrum in Türkiye, guided by the talented chefs from İki Sandal and Orfoz ...

Among the fine-dining restaurants in Bodrum are some of the most celebrated cuisines in the world. Some of them stand out not only for their delicious dishes but also for their cocktails, sunset parties, and vibrant atmosphere, such as Isola Manzara -the representative of Italian cuisine, Zuma -one of the leading restaurants of Japanese cuisine, and Hakkasan which introduced Chinese cuisine to the world.

Join us on a delightful journey through the vineyards of Izmir with Seray Kumbasar, owner of Michelin Sommelier Award 2024 (Vino Locale), as our ...

İstanbul’s centuries-old, rich, multicultural cuisine displays diverse traditions in various locations today. Some restaurants reunite people with the palace cuisine, some reinterpret familiar flavors with a chef’s touch; some try to serve the dishes everyone likes in a usual way, and some recreate familiar dishes from scratch. Frankly, there is room for everyone in this great metropolis.

In almost every country, the capital city evokes images of “refined cuisine” due to its association with palaces and aristocracy. In Türkiye, the spotlight naturally falls on the “old capital,” Istanbul. First established as the capital by Emperor Constantine, Istanbul has maintained this prestigious status for centuries.

Sankai by Nagara is one of the latest One-Star restaurants in Istanbul. It serves the city’s most sophisticated Japanese flavors and promises to offer an authentic Japanese dining experience with a kitchen led by Chef Nagaya and Chef Shibata. And how could they create this “authentic Japanese dining experience” in Istanbul?

An avenue of approximately two kilometers beckoning flaneurs and flaneuses of the city; monumental stone buildings on both sides reflecting diverse architectural styles, each more glamorous than the other; chic restaurants, patisseries, and cafés embracing the entire neighborhood: Welcome to İstiklal Street, also known as Cadde-i Kebir or Grand Rue de Pera!

Front-of-house teams are made up of professionals who can elevate a dining experience to a whole new level. The team at Restaurant Tuğra in Istanbul, headed up by Ismail Kahveci, is a case in point… and recipient of our Service Award. This article is supported by Mastercard, official partner of the MICHELIN Guide Istanbul, Izmir & Bodrum.