Istanbul’s Culinary Scene Shines with New Michelin Stars and Recommendations
Traditional Turkish dishes beautifully arranged on a dining table.

The Michelin Guide has unveiled its latest selections for Istanbul, Izmir, and Muğla, adding 32 new restaurants to its prestigious list. This year’s ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul, marked a significant expansion of Turkey’s culinary recognition, with two new restaurants earning Michelin stars.

Key Takeaways

  • Total New Additions: 32 new restaurants added to the Michelin Guide.
  • New Michelin Stars: Two restaurants awarded one Michelin star each.
  • Total Michelin-Starred Restaurants: 14 Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey.
  • Bib Gourmand Awards: Eight new Bib Gourmand restaurants recognized.
  • Green Stars: Six restaurants awarded Michelin Green Stars for sustainability.

New Michelin-Starred Restaurants

The highlight of the event was the addition of two new Michelin-starred establishments:

  1. Casa Lavanda (Istanbul)
  2. Narımor (Izmir)

Retained Michelin Stars

The following restaurants successfully retained their Michelin stars from previous years:

  • Istanbul: Araka, Arkestra, Mikla, Neolokal, Nicole, Sankai by Nagaya.
  • Bodrum: Kitchen by Osman Sezener, Maçakızı.
  • Izmir: OD Urla, Teruar Urla, Vino Locale.
  • Two Stars: TURK Fatih Tutak continues to hold two Michelin stars, recognized for its exceptional cuisine.

Bib Gourmand Awards

The Bib Gourmand designation, which highlights restaurants offering high-quality meals at reasonable prices, was awarded to eight new establishments:

  • Istanbul: Ali Ocakbaşı, Araf, Nazende Cadde, Tatbak.
  • Izmir: Aslında Meyhane, Asma Yaprağı.
  • Bodrum: Arka Ristorante Pizzeria, Beynel, Agora Pansiyon.

Michelin Green Stars

The Michelin Green Star recognizes restaurants committed to sustainable practices. This year, six restaurants received this honor:

  • Casa Lavanda (Istanbul)
  • The Barn (Istanbul)
  • Telezzüz (Istanbul)
  • Mezra Yalıkavak (Bodrum)
  • Agora Pansiyon (Milas)
  • Asma Yaprağı (Alaçatı)

Conclusion

The expansion of the Michelin Guide in Turkey reflects the country’s growing culinary landscape, showcasing a blend of traditional and innovative dining experiences. With a total of 132 recommended restaurants across Istanbul, Izmir, and Muğla, Turkey’s gastronomic scene is poised for further recognition on the global stage. The Michelin stars and awards not only celebrate culinary excellence but also promote sustainability and local produce, setting a benchmark for future gastronomic endeavors in the region.

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