Grasping sustainability in a big city: A farm trip with Maksut Askar - Neolokal, Istanbul

The Michelin Guide is the dream of all chefs. And even more -when we think about the range of awards, it goes beyond the chefs: From prestigious stars to the Best Service Award, from the Green Star for sustainability to the Best Sommelier Award. These Michelin choices reward those who combine talent with dedication and hard work, and it’s never too late to chase the dream to get them: Except for the Michelin Young Chef award.

Discover which new restaurants have been awarded One MICHELIN Star, along with the latest Bib Gourmands and Green Stars.

For many years, when the subject comes to the “restaurants in İstanbul”, the area that would come to mind was the European side. However, over the past decade, the Asian side of the city has changed this perception: On the other side of the city, now you can now find exclusive restaurants that represent a variety of culinary styles, such as Fauna, known for its artisanal pasta, and Aida, celebrated for Italian cuisine lovers. These restaurants listed in the Bib Gourmand, offer exceptional flavors for locals and visitors in İstanbul.

Step into the world of Alaf, where Chef Deniz Temel redefines the essence of Yuruk cuisine. Join us as we explore the stunning ambiance of Alaf’s ...

Osman Sezener is a renowned figure among gastronomy enthusiasts in Türkiye. He has been followed closely for years as what he will do next is a matter of curiosity. One of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement, he has raised the bar with his restaurants and now stands as a MICHELIN-starred chef with three distinct establishments. Ristorante Pizzeria Venedik in İzmir is on the list of recommended restaurants by MICHELIN. Kitchen in Bodrum has one MICHELIN star, and Od Urla in İzmir has one MICHELIN star and a Green Star.

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.