Best Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Istanbul

The Michelin Guide aims to promote some of the best restaurants from all over the world. Since 2022, Michelin has included 53 Istanbul Michelin-starred restaurants in its guide. Out of those 53 options, here are our picks for the best Michelin star restaurants in Istanbul.

Turk Fatih Tutak

Turk Fatih Tutak, in the Bomonti area, is the first and only restaurant in Istanbul to be awarded two Michelin stars so far. It is owned by Chef Fatih Tutak, who has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants. Since late 2019, he has used his culinary expertise to create intricate reworkings of traditional Turkish dishes. Here, you will find old favourites, such as rice-stuffed mussels and manti (Turkish dumplings), given new life through Chef Tutak’s unique and delicate mix of spices and smoky flavours. On average, a meal costs 3,000 TL, so it won’t be for everyone’s budget. However, even if you can only afford one visit, this is a superb dining experience you will never forget.

Neolokal

Not far from Istanbul Modern, Neolokal has received a Michelin star for its high-quality cuisine, plus a Michelin green star for sustainability. Chef Maksut Aşkar and his team offer a modern take on several traditional Turkish dishes. Here, you can try chicken prepared in a creamy velouté sauce and spiced bulgur cupcakes. Neolokal also receives its sustainable reputation by sourcing its produce from local growers while ensuring they only purchase what they need to minimise wastage. Meals at Neolokal cost an average of 1,500 TL per person, and the restaurant offers magnificent terrace views of the Istanbul skyline.

Mikla

Situated on the roof of the Marmara Pera hotel, Mikla offers both an incredible dining experience and sweeping views of the city. This Michelin-starred restaurant is run by Chef Mehmet Gürs, who is a pioneer in the New Anatolian Kitchen approach to cuisine. This method aims to respectfully combine traditional cooking techniques and locally sourced ingredients with new approaches that bring out a dish’s most flavoursome characteristics. Lightly grilled octopus with a pickled green salad and apple vinaigrette is one succulent example, and there are also delicious vegan options, such as zeytinyağlı made with braised vegetables and lime. An average meal costs 1,250 TL per person, and the restaurant is within easy reach of several popular attractions.

Araka

Just north of central Istanbul, in the Yeniköy district, lies the quiet and unassuming façade of Araka. Although this cosy restaurant near the marina might be easy to miss when strolling around, the menu here is sure to capture your attention: certainly enough to earn its own Michelin star. Much of this is due to Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir’s unique and personal style when it comes to preparing her dishes. A deliciously creative option here is the mix of pumpkin puree spiced with za’atar, pickled vegetables and delicious spicy sauces. An average meal here costs between 700 and 900 TL. Just follow the delicious aromas in Yeniköy to find this delightful restaurant.

Nicole

Located at the top of a refurbished former Franciscan nunnery in the Pera district, Nicole is a Michelin-starred restaurant that mixes history with contemporary Turkish cuisine. Here, you can enjoy a modern and creative spin on classic dishes, such as vegetable dolma mixed with smoked yoghurt or fig ice cream with red wine, sesame crisps and bay leaf cream for dessert. An average dish here will cost you between 820 and 850 TL. In addition, the restaurant offers lovely views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus and is set in one of the city’s most beautiful old districts.

Calipso

Winner of Michelin’s prestigious Bib Gourmand award for good value and quality cooking, Calipso offers delicious seafood dishes near the Maltepe Coast. Both Ziya Kaçar and Veli Şahin have over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and since 2014, they have helped Calipso grow into one of the most popular restaurants in the region. Using traditional cooking techniques, this restaurant serves a flavoursome selection of fresh fish, sauced shellfish and fragrant salads. Plus, they have a wide selection of delicious wine and dessert options. The average price per person is around 350 to 400 TL.

Cuma

No visit to the city’s trendy Çukurcuma district should be complete without going to Cuma, which is just a short distance from the Museum of Innocence. Owner Banu Tiryakioğulları has created an amazing selection of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes sourced from local ingredients. Some options you can find here include grilled sea bass salad and eggs with spicy beef sausage. There is also a variety of tapas on offer, including pizzettas, pasta plates and more. An average meal here costs 600 TL, and the restaurant is open all day, making it the perfect spot for any meal.

Banyan

One of the first things you will notice when you visit Banyan is the spectacular view of the Bosphorus through its large windows. Once you are seated, however, you will be even more amazed at the delicious options on the menu. Banyan offers modern Asian fusion cuisine with a heavy focus on Thai spices and flavours. Try delicious mains, such as sake filet mignon and mango seabass, plus a wide selection of appetisers, sushi rolls and dessert options. There is also a cocktail bar with entertainment provided by local DJs. Meals cost anywhere between 320 and 750 TL, depending on your choice from the menu.

1924 Istanbul

This iconic restaurant was originally opened by Russian immigrants who fled the Bolshevik revolution in 1924. Since then, the atmosphere and décor of 1924 Istanbul have served to capture the grandeur of that period, making it a popular tourist attraction for almost a century. The menu itself aims to offer a modern take on traditional Russian cuisine mixed with local Turkish influences. Borscht, stuffed piroshki and beef stroganoff are all cooked to perfection here, with the drinks selection including vodkas and cocktails. There is also live music to add to its authentic Russian atmosphere. You can expect to pay around 850 TL for a meal here.

Eleos Beyoğlu

Just off İstiklal Avenue, Eleos Beyoğlu is situated on the second floor of one of Pera’s many apartment buildings. Here, you can relax with magnificent views of the Bosphorus while enjoying a menu inspired by the best of Aegean cuisine. The food here is largely seafood based, and all ingredients are fresh and in season. All meals are cooked in traditional Aegean styles to bring out the best of flavours, along with a mix of regional herbs and sauces for that authentic taste. On average, meals cost 370 TL at Eleos Beyoğlu.