Discover Istanbul’s top gastronomic and fine dining restaurants, where tradition and innovation converge to provide an extraordinary culinary experience. Rich in history and flavors, this city has become a must-visit destination for foodies worldwide.

A BIT OF HISTORY 

Located at the crossroads of cultures and flavors, Istanbul offers a culinary scene as rich as it is diverse. In recent years, the local gastronomy has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a burst of creativity and innovation that has redefined the culinary experience of our metropolis. In this context, which values local cuisines while experimenting with new styles and techniques, Istanbul’s chefs have successfully merged tradition and modernity.

The culinary history of Turkey, enriched by influences from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, has shaped a diverse cuisine marked by a fusion of cultures through the ages. The cooks from the Ottoman imperial palaces, coming from various backgrounds, played a key role in the development of refined dishes, incorporating ingredients and techniques from various regions, including the Balkans, the Middle East, and North Africa, to satisfy the demands of the sultans and their court.

Check out all our articles on cuisine in Istanbul.

Today, their descendants, chefs of the new generation trained in international culinary schools and enriched with experiences abroad, have played a crucial role in the revival of Turkish cuisine. Figures such as Mehmet Gürs (Mikla), Maksut Aşkar (Neolokal), and more recently Fatih Tutak (Türk) have reinvented traditional dishes with modern techniques while highlighting forgotten ingredients from Anatolia. For example, Neolokal is renowned for its sustainability philosophy and its use of local and seasonal ingredients.

The international influence is increasingly present, with chefs incorporating flavors from around the world while maintaining a Turkish essence. The flourishing gastronomic scene in Istanbul has transformed the city into a sought-after destination for foodies worldwide, boosting tourism and the local economy. In short, Istanbul’s cuisine is a reflection of the city itself: diverse, dynamic, and constantly evolving.

For those looking to explore the best gastronomic experiences in the city, here is a guide to the must-visit restaurants where creativity and tradition blend over a meal:

OUR FAVORITE GASTRONOMIC ADDRESSES IN ISTANBUL: 

TÜRK Fatih Tutak

The only restaurant in the city awarded two Michelin stars, TÜRK Fatih Tutak is a must for foodies in Istanbul. Chef Fatih Tutak works closely with local suppliers to ensure a sustainable approach and a cuisine that reflects the Turkish terroir. The daily tasting menu, combining Turkish culinary traditions with modern international touches, is accompanied by wines carefully chosen to complement each dish. Be sure to book in advance as there is a waiting list.

Website: turkft.com 
Address: Cumhuriyet Hacıahmet Silahşör Cad, Yeniyol Sk. No:2, 34440 Şişli/İstanbul

Neolokal 

Led by founder and chef Maksut Aşkar, Neolokal celebrates the culinary traditions of Anatolia with a modern and refined approach. Located in the elegant setting of the Salt Galata, the former Ottoman central bank museum, this restaurant has earned a Michelin star as well as a Green Michelin star for its commitment to sustainable practices. Each dish tells the story of Turkey’s culinary heritage, served with an explanation that enriches each visitor’s dining experience.

Website: neolokal.com 
Address: Salt Galata, Bankalar Cad, No:11, Karaköy, Beyoğlu

Nicole 

Situated on the rooftop of the historic Tomtom Suites hotel in Beyoğlu, Nicole is a restaurant where Chef Serkan Aksoy proposes a fusion of traditional Turkish recipes and Middle Eastern spices. Nicole’s cuisine has earned a Michelin star and focuses on sustainability and quality, with three different tasting menus that regularly change to reflect the best seasonal ingredients.

Website: nicole.com.tr 
Address: Tomtom Kaptan Sok. No:18, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Mikla 

Located at the top of The Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla offers breathtaking views over Istanbul and serves innovative Turko-Scandinavian cuisine. Founded by Chef Mehmet Gürs, the restaurant is internationally recognized and has been listed among the world’s best restaurants. Its chic setting, combined with creative cuisine that fuses modern techniques with Anatolian flavors, makes it a favorite destination for gastronomy lovers. It also boasts a Michelin star.

Website: miklarestaurant.com 
Address: The Marmara Pera, Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cad. No:15, Beyoğlu

Alaf Kuruçeşme 

Under the guidance of Chef Murat Deniz Temel, Alaf Kuruçeşme offers a culinary experience rich in Anatolian and nomadic flavors, primarily cooked over a wood fire. Located in the upscale Kuruçeşme district along the Bosphorus, the restaurant features a menu that celebrates fire as the central element of cooking, creating intensely flavorful dishes that are constantly reinvented according to the seasons.

Website: alafkurucesme.com 
Address: Kuruçeşme, Kuruçeşme Cad. No:19, Beşiktaş

Arkestra 

Arkestra is not just a restaurant but also a bar where cuisine, music, and ambiance merge to create an extraordinary atmosphere. Located in an old villa in the Etiler district, this venue is the scene of inventive cuisine centered on European cooking and enriched by global influences. The restaurant configuration includes a lively dining area and a more intimate bar, offering a range of atmospheres to explore. It also earned a Michelin star last year. Remember to book in advance as there can be a long waiting list.

Website: arkestra.com.tr 
Address: Etiler, Dilhayat Sok. No:28, Beşiktaş, Istanbul

Mürver Restaurant 

Perched on the rooftop of the Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus, Mürver offers a spectacular view of the old city while serving dishes prepared with ancient cooking techniques over fire. The restaurant stands out for its use of local and seasonal products, which are transformed into flavorful dishes through a wood-fired oven and grill, creating an authentic and deeply Anatolian culinary experience. A great spot not to be missed!

Website: murverrestaurant.com
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cad. No:57-59, Beyoğlu

Gallada 

The latest project from Chef Fatih Tutak, Gallada mixes Turkish and Asian influences in a spectacular setting atop the very chic Peninsula Istanbul hotel. The restaurant highlights local ingredients with a focus on ultra-seasonal products, presenting dishes inspired by the historic traditions of the Silk Road in a modern, designer environment.

Website: peninsula.com/en/istanbul/hotel-fine-dining/gallada 
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. NO:34, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Aheste 

This charming bistro, a favorite in Istanbul, transports you to a world where traditional Turkish mezze meets modernity. Located under the romantic arches of the charming Asmalı Mescit neighborhood, Aheste captivates with its intimate ambiance and innovative dishes that reinterpret Turkish cuisine classics with a contemporary touch. It has a mention in the 2024 Bib Gourmand. Not to be missed!

Website: ahesterestaurant.com 
Address:  Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:107 F, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Each restaurant on this list is an example of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously, offering visitors a window onto the past while inviting them to experience the flavors of the future. These establishments perfectly illustrate the diversity and dynamism of the Turkish metropolis. Istanbul continues to stand out as a leading culinary destination, attracting gourmets and critics from around the world. For those in search of an exceptional gastronomic adventure, these restaurants offer not just a meal but an immersion into the soul of Istanbul, where each bite tells a story.