The Michelin Star was awarded to restaurants in Istanbul for the first time!
Michelin Star is a significant award for restaurants to emphasize the quality of the ingredients used, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, and the consistent success in the menu over time. Michelin star is given by the evaluation made during secret visits made by Michelin taste inspectors in restaurants, whose identity is unknown. This also shows the restaurants have to be consistent about their dishes and serving quality all the time.
The origin of Michelin Star came from the French tire brand Michelin. They created a Michelin Guide to help people with maps, locations, accommodation, and restaurant information in 1900. The evaluation process of restaurants started in 1926. They see the high-star restaurants as places that are “worth the trip”.
This award is given to the restaurants annually, and there are 3 categories in the evaluation based on the number of Michelin stars. Also, a restaurant cannot have more than 3 Michelin stars.
1 star – restaurant serving delicious food in its category
2 stars – restaurant with good food, worth a little change about your plans/route
3 stars – restaurant with exceptional food that could be a reason for a special trip
Here are the Michelin Stars restaurants in Istanbul!
TURK Fatih Tutak
TURK is the most unique restaurant among other Michelin Star restaurants because this is the only restaurant that gets 2 stars from the evaluation. The restaurant’s chef, Fatih Tutak, was raised in the Michelin-starred establishments Nihonryori Ryugin in Tokyo and Noma in Copenhagen. The eatery is famous for presenting the tastes of Turkish cuisine in inventive and delicate ways.
Address: Cumhuriyet, Cumhuriyet Hacıahmet Silahşör Cad, Yeniyol Sk. No:2, 34440 Şişli/İstanbul
Neolokal
Views of Galata and the Golden Horn can be enjoyed while relaxing in Neolokal’s upscale atmosphere. The structure, which is historic and once housed the old Ottoman Bank, has a more somber atmosphere. Turkish cuisine is fairly lite and delicious and is prepared in various ways.
Address: Arapcamii Mahı, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Mikla
One of Istanbul’s top fine dining establishments is Mikla. San Pellegrino included the location on its list of “World’s 100 Best Restaurants” in 2015 and 2016. They serve delectable food and unique wines. Mikla is closed on Sundays, and we strongly suggest you make a reservation call at least one week earlier.
Address: Asmalı Mescit, The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Nicole
As mentioned in the MICHELIN Guide, there are many twists in traditional recipes by adding subtle nuances. This place can amaze everyone with its magnificent historical peninsula view on the upper floor of a hotel in the b Beyoğlu. Reservation, welcome, and service are always 10/10, and the people here are very kind and professional.
Address: Tomtom, Tomtom Kaptan Sk. No:18, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Araka
This modest restaurant welcomes you behind its charming facade with its quaint, romantic decor and cozy terrace. Araka is the best place if you are looking for unique tastes. You can tell by the taste of the dishes in which the ingredients are carefully selected, so you will eat the freshest and most delicious form possible.
Address: Yeniköy, Kapalı Bakkal Sk. No:8, 34464 Sarıyer/İstanbul