Istanbul’s Culinary Scene Shines with New Michelin Stars and Restaurants
Gourmet dishes from Istanbul's Michelin-starred restaurants.

Istanbul’s gastronomic landscape has received a significant boost with the recent expansion of the Michelin Guide, which now includes 32 new restaurants and two additional Michelin stars. This development highlights Turkey’s growing reputation as a culinary destination, particularly in the vibrant city of Istanbul and its surrounding regions.

Key Takeaways

  • Total New Additions: 32 new restaurants added to the Michelin Guide.
  • New Stars: Two restaurants awarded Michelin stars, bringing the total to 14 in Turkey.
  • Bib Gourmand: Eight new Bib Gourmand awards recognizing affordable yet high-quality dining.
  • Sustainability Focus: Six new Michelin Green Stars awarded for eco-friendly practices.

Expansion of the Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guide’s latest edition, unveiled at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosporus, marks a significant milestone for Turkish cuisine. The guide now features a total of 132 recommended establishments across Turkey, with 77 located in Istanbul, 24 in Izmir, and 31 in Muğla.

New Michelin Star Restaurants

Among the highlights of this year’s selection are two new Michelin-starred restaurants:

  1. Casa Lavanda (Şile, Istanbul) – Known for its farm-to-table approach, sourcing 80% of its produce from its own gardens.
  2. Narımor (Urla, Izmir) – A small, intimate restaurant that combines local ingredients with refined culinary techniques.

These additions bring the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey to 14, showcasing the country’s diverse culinary talent.

Bib Gourmand Awards

The Michelin Guide also recognized eight new Bib Gourmand restaurants, which offer exceptional meals at reasonable prices. Notable mentions include:

  • Ali Ocakbaşı (Istanbul) – Celebrated for its traditional Turkish kebabs.
  • Aslında Meyhane (Urla, Izmir) – Offers generous portions of local Izmir cuisine.
  • Tatbak (Istanbul) – Famous for its pide and lahmacun, now promoted to Bib Gourmand status.

Focus on Sustainability

This year, the Michelin Guide has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, awarding six new Michelin Green Stars to restaurants committed to eco-friendly practices. Notable recipients include:

  • Casa Lavanda – Recognized for its sustainable farming practices.
  • The Barn (Istanbul) – Focuses on zero-waste cooking and local sourcing.
  • Mezra Yalıkavak (Bodrum) – Combines traditional cooking methods with a commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Michelin Guide in Istanbul not only highlights the city’s rich culinary heritage but also its potential as a leading gastronomic destination. With a mix of traditional and innovative dining experiences, Istanbul is poised to attract food lovers from around the globe, eager to explore its vibrant food scene.

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