Beyoğlu Culture Route: the soul of İstanbul

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?

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.

A total of 111 restaurants are recommended, including 15 in İzmir and 19 in Bodrum. 2 restaurants in Bodrum and 3 restaurants in İzmir are awarded One MICHELIN Star. 2 new establishments are also honored in İstanbul. 4 new committed restaurants receive the MICHELIN Green Star. A new MICHELIN Award is presented: the MICHELIN Sommelier Award.

It takes time, experience and finesse to present an ingredient to the customer as a dish. To transform that ingredient to different tastes, textures and appereances through various cooking methods, and to create layered flavors.

Istanbul is proud of its culinary traditions. The diversity of Turkish tradition, from meze to mantı or smoked yoghurt, is held in high regard. But this metropolis has so much more to offer. Our inspectors guide you through the various international cuisines that make Istanbul a global city – also in culinary terms.

In the spirit of the MICHELIN Star, the MICHELIN Key recognizes the most exceptional hotels throughout the world.

It has been said that the meyhane, which is a traditional restaurant, is among the most unique places on the map of Türkiye’s culinary culture. While dining alone or with a best friend is special, but the most lively part of the meyhanes is the crowded tables. And Turkish rakı is the iconic drink at the meyhanes, despite wine or beer are also included in the menus. Last but not the least, a meyhane embraces you not only with its flavors, but its sincere, warm and authentic atmosphere as well…

Lamb happens to be one of the most beloved ingredients both in Istanbul and in Türkiye. An extraordinary meat with its unique texture, lamb adds its aromatic taste no matter what the recipe is.