The prestigious Michelin Guide has expanded its recognition of Istanbul’s vibrant culinary scene, unveiling its 2025 selections at a ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus. This year, 32 new restaurants have been added, showcasing the city’s rich gastronomic diversity and commitment to sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Total Restaurants Recognized: 132 across Türkiye, with 77 in Istanbul.
- New Michelin Stars: 2 restaurants awarded One Michelin Star.
- Bib Gourmand Awards: 8 new restaurants recognized for value.
- Green Stars: 6 restaurants awarded for sustainable practices.
New Michelin Star Restaurants
Among the highlights of this year’s selections are two new restaurants that have earned the coveted One Michelin Star:
- Casa Lavanda: Located in Şile, this restaurant emphasizes local produce, sourcing 80% of its ingredients from its own gardens. Chef Emre Şen combines traditional Turkish flavors with Mediterranean influences, creating dishes like agnolotti stuffed with burrata and sea bass with garden vegetables.
- Narımor: Situated in Izmir, this intimate restaurant features a menu that harmonizes local ingredients with refined culinary techniques. Chef Atilla Heilbronn’s standout dish includes apricot sea bream, showcasing the delicate balance of flavors.
Continued Excellence
The Michelin Guide also recognized several restaurants that maintained their star status from previous years:
- TURK Fatih Tutak: Retains its Two Michelin Stars for exceptional cuisine.
- One Michelin Star Restaurants: Araka, Mikla, Neolokal, Nicole, and Sankai by Nagaya continue to impress with their innovative dishes and commitment to quality.
Bib Gourmand Awards
The Bib Gourmand distinction, awarded to restaurants offering high-quality meals at reasonable prices, saw 8 new additions this year:
- Ali Ocakbaşı (Istanbul)
- Araf (Istanbul)
- Nazende Cadde (Istanbul)
- Tatbak (Istanbul)
- Aslında Meyhane (Izmir)
- Agora Pansiyon (Milas)
- Beynel (Bodrum)
- Arka Ristorante Pizzeria (Bodrum)
Commitment to Sustainability
The Michelin Green Star, introduced to highlight restaurants committed to sustainable practices, was awarded to six establishments:
- Casa Lavanda
- The BARN
- Telezzüz
- Mezra Yalıkavak
- Agora Pansiyon
- Asma Yaprağı
These restaurants exemplify eco-friendly practices, from sourcing local ingredients to minimizing waste.
Conclusion
The 2025 Michelin Guide selections reflect Istanbul’s dynamic culinary landscape, celebrating both traditional and innovative approaches to gastronomy. With a total of 132 recognized establishments, including new stars and sustainable practices, Istanbul continues to solidify its reputation as a premier gastronomic destination.