Istanbul’s Culinary Scene Shines with New Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand Awards
Gourmet dishes from Istanbul's Michelin-starred restaurants on a table.

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 rich diversity and creativity of Turkish cuisine.

Key Takeaways

  • Total Restaurants Recognized: 132 across Turkey, with 77 in Istanbul.
  • New Michelin Stars: 2 new restaurants awarded one star.
  • Bib Gourmand Awards: 27 restaurants recognized for excellent value.
  • Sustainability Focus: 10 restaurants received the Michelin Green Star for eco-friendly practices.

New Michelin Stars

The Michelin Guide has awarded two new restaurants with one star each:

  1. Casa Lavanda (Şile, Istanbul) – Known for its garden-sourced ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
  2. Narımor (Izmir) – Offers an intimate dining experience with a refined take on local culinary traditions.

Notable Michelin Star Retentions

Several restaurants have successfully retained their Michelin stars from previous years, including:

  • TURK Fatih Tutak – Continues to hold two stars for its exceptional cuisine.
  • Mikla – Celebrated for its innovative approach to Anatolian flavors.
  • Neolokal – Recognized for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy.

Bib Gourmand Awards

The Bib Gourmand distinction highlights restaurants that offer high-quality meals at reasonable prices. This year, 27 establishments received this accolade, including:

  • Ali Ocakbaşı – A favorite for traditional Turkish dishes.
  • Aslında Meyhane – Known for its authentic meze and warm atmosphere.
  • Tatbak – Famous for its pide and kebabs, now promoted to Bib Gourmand status.

Sustainability in Focus

The Michelin Green Star is awarded to restaurants committed to sustainable practices. This year, six new establishments received this honor, including:

  • Casa Lavanda – Recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives and local sourcing.
  • The Barn – A zero-waste restaurant that emphasizes local produce.
  • Mezra Yalıkavak – Celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and local ingredients.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Michelin Guide in Istanbul not only highlights the city’s culinary excellence but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in gastronomy. With a growing number of restaurants receiving recognition, Istanbul is firmly establishing itself as a premier gastronomic destination, attracting both locals and international food enthusiasts alike.

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