Istanbul’s Culinary Landscape Shines with New Michelin Stars
Diverse Turkish dishes on elegant plates in Istanbul.

Istanbul’s dining scene is experiencing a renaissance as the Michelin Guide expands its recognition of Turkish cuisine. At a recent ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, the prestigious guide unveiled its 2025 selections, highlighting the city’s culinary diversity and excellence.

Key Takeaways

  • New Michelin Stars: Two new restaurants, Casa Lavanda and Narımor, received one Michelin star each.
  • Total Michelin Stars: Istanbul now boasts 14 Michelin-starred restaurants, including TURK Fatih Tutak, which retains its two-star status.
  • Bib Gourmand Awards: Nine new restaurants were awarded the Bib Gourmand, recognizing their exceptional value.
  • Sustainability Focus: Six restaurants received the Michelin Green Star for their commitment to sustainable practices.

Expanding Michelin Recognition

The Michelin Guide’s latest edition marks a significant milestone for Turkey, which was first included in the guide just two years ago. The 2025 selection features 132 recommended establishments across Turkey, with 77 located in Istanbul alone. This year, 32 new restaurants were added, showcasing the vibrant culinary landscape of the city.

Among the new stars, Casa Lavanda stands out for its farm-to-table approach, sourcing 80% of its produce from its own gardens. Located in Şile, this restaurant combines traditional Turkish flavors with Mediterranean influences, offering dishes like agnolotti stuffed with burrata and sea bass with garden vegetables.

Narımor, situated in Izmir, offers an intimate dining experience with just five tables. Chef Atilla Heilbronn’s menu features local ingredients and innovative techniques, exemplified by dishes like Apricot Sea Bream with Sea Beans and Kefir.

The Michelin Star Landscape

The Michelin stars awarded in Istanbul reflect a blend of traditional and modern culinary techniques. The following restaurants have maintained their star status:

  1. TURK Fatih Tutak – Two Michelin Stars
  2. Araka – One Michelin Star
  3. Arkestra – One Michelin Star
  4. Mikla – One Michelin Star
  5. Neolokal – One Michelin Star
  6. Nicole – One Michelin Star
  7. Sankai by Nagaya – One Michelin Star
  8. Kitchen by Osman Sezener – One Michelin Star (Bodrum)
  9. Maçakızı – One Michelin Star (Bodrum)
  10. OD Urla – One Michelin Star (Izmir)
  11. Teruar Urla – One Michelin Star (Izmir)
  12. Vino Locale – One Michelin Star (Izmir)

Bib Gourmand and Green Stars

The Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes restaurants offering great food at reasonable prices, saw nine new additions this year. Notable mentions include:

  • Ali Ocakbaşı (Istanbul)
  • Aslında Meyhane (Izmir)
  • Tatbak (Istanbul)

Additionally, six restaurants were awarded the Michelin Green Star for their sustainable practices, including:

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

Conclusion

Istanbul’s culinary scene is not only thriving but also evolving, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and local produce. The recent Michelin selections highlight the city’s rich gastronomic heritage and its potential to become a major player on the global culinary stage. As more chefs embrace innovative techniques while honoring traditional flavors, Istanbul is poised to attract food enthusiasts from around the world.

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