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

The Michelin Guide has expanded its recognition of Istanbul’s vibrant culinary scene, unveiling its latest selections at a prestigious ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus. This year, the guide added 32 new restaurants, including two that received Michelin stars, further solidifying Istanbul’s status as a gastronomic destination.

Key Takeaways

  • Total New Additions: 32 new restaurants added to the Michelin Guide.
  • New Stars: Two restaurants awarded One Michelin Star.
  • Bib Gourmand: Eight restaurants recognized for offering great food at reasonable prices.
  • Green Stars: Six restaurants awarded for their commitment to sustainability.

New Michelin Star Restaurants

The Michelin Guide awarded two new stars this year, highlighting the exceptional culinary talent in Istanbul:

  1. Casa Lavanda (Şile) – Known for its farm-to-table approach, sourcing 80% of its produce from its own gardens.
  2. Narımor (Izmir) – A fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and innovative techniques.

Michelin Stars Retained

Several restaurants maintained their Michelin star status, showcasing consistency in quality and innovation:

  • TURK Fatih Tutak – Retains its Two Michelin Stars for its exceptional Turkish cuisine.
  • Araka
  • Mikla
  • Neolokal
  • Nicole
  • Sankai by Nagaya

Bib Gourmand Awards

The Bib Gourmand distinction was awarded to eight restaurants, recognized for providing excellent meals at reasonable prices:

  • Ali Ocakbaşı (Istanbul)
  • Aslında Meyhane (Izmir)
  • Tatbak (Istanbul) – Newly promoted to Bib Gourmand this year.
  • Araf İstanbul (Istanbul)
  • Nazende Cadde (Istanbul)
  • Beynel (Bodrum)
  • Arka Ristorante Pizzeria (Bodrum)
  • Agora Pansiyon (Milas)

Commitment to Sustainability

The Michelin Guide also recognized six restaurants with Green Stars, highlighting their dedication to sustainable practices:

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

Conclusion

The expansion of the Michelin Guide in Istanbul not only celebrates the culinary diversity of the city but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in gastronomy. With a total of 132 recommended establishments across Turkey, including 77 in Istanbul, the guide continues to inspire both locals and tourists to explore the rich flavors and innovative dishes that define Turkish cuisine.

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