Top 5 Fine Dining Restaurants in Istanbul
Istanbul is a foodie’s paradise. With its rich history and diverse culture, the city offers an endless array of culinary experiences. From traditional Turkish dishes to international cuisine, there is something for everyone in Istanbul. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 Fine Dining Restaurants in Istanbul.
Food in Istanbul
As one of the world’s great crossroads, Istanbul has always been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. The city’s rich history is reflected in its food, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, Middle East, and Europe. Fine dining in Istanbul is an experience not to be missed.
The city is also home to some of the best street food in the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Istanbul has something to offer.
Fine Dining Restaurants in Istanbul
Neolokal
Neolokal is a modern Turkish restaurant that pays tribute to the city’s culinary heritage. The name means “new local,” and the restaurant’s focus is on seasonal, regional ingredients. The menu changes frequently, but you can always expect fresh, inventive dishes.
The menu features traditional dishes with a twist, using locally sourced ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the lamb shank with eggplant puree, and the quince-stuffed chicken.
Chef Maksut Aşkar is originally from Istanbul, and he brings his years of experience to Neolokal. He has worked in some of the world’s best restaurants, including Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen.
The restaurant is located in the Beyoğlu district, and it has a beautiful view of the city. The interior is modern and stylish and part of the SALT Galata cultural complex.
Neolokal also has an extensive wine list, featuring both local and international wines that pair well with the food.
Location
Neolokal is located in the heart of Istanbul, in the Beyoglu district – Arapcamii Mahı, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Contact information
Telephone: +90 212 244 00 16
Mobile: +90 551 447 45 45
Mikla
Mikla is a fine dining restaurant that offers a unique take on Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine. The chef, Mehmet Gürs, combines his Turkish roots with his Nordic training to create inventive dishes that are both beautiful and delicious.
Quote as saying “I believe the time has come to rethink the Anatolian kitchen. A new perspective is needed to allow the rich food cultures from the past to survive and evolve. The New Anatolian Kitchen has no boundaries; it is a way of perceiving food, it is a philosophy that can and should be interpreted in many ways,” Gurs combines traditional Turkish flavors with modern techniques to create his own unique dishes.
Mikla is located in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, and offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop terrace.
The restaurant is located in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, in the beautiful Marmara Pera hotel and offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop terrace. The dining room is elegant and modern, with white walls and dark wood floors.
The menu changes seasonally, but some of the signature dishes include the roasted veal with figs and black truffle, and the seared scallops with pistachio and orange.The restaurant has won numerous awards, and is widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.
Location
Mikla is located in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul in the Marmara Pera Hotel – Asmalı Mescit, The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Contact information
Telephone: +90 212 293 56 56
Turk by Fatih Tutak
Owned by renowned chef Fatih Tutak, Turk is a modern Turkish restaurant that offers a unique twist on traditional Turkish cuisine.
Chief Tutak has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, including the 3-Michelin-starred Nihonryori Ryugin led by chef Seiji Yamamoto in Tokyo and the world renowned Noma in Copenhagen.
Turk’s menu features a wide variety of traditional Turkish dishes, as well as some innovative creations that are sure to surprise and delight. Fatih Tutak is a master of his craft, and his passion for food shines through in every dish that he creates.
The menu at Turk features a variety of small plates and main dishes, all of which are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sourcing ingredients from local farmers and purveyors is important to Turk, and he works hard to create a menu that highlights the best of what each season has to offer.
The cuisine served at Turk is a combination of Mediterranean, Anatolian, and Balkans, representing new takes on the traditional home recipes of the innovative kitchen team.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Turk.
Location
Turk by Fatih Tutak is located in Silahşör Cad – Cumhuriyet, Cumhuriyet Hacıahmet Silahşör Cad, Yeniyol Sk. No:2, 34440 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
Contact information
Telephone: +90 212 709 56 79
Sunset Grill & Bar
With stunning views of the Bosphorus from its location in Ulus Park, Sunset Grill & Bar is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Serving amazing food for the past 25 years, Sunset is a must-visit when in Istanbul.
A member of the French Chaîne des Rôtisseurs International Association of Gastronomy, the Sunset Grill & Bar restaurant offers seasonal Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine along with Japanese fusion dishes. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list with over 100 different labels.
But that isn’t all the Sunset Grill & Bar offers. It also has one of the finest Sushi bars in Istanbul, where you can watch the expert sushi chefs at work.
For those who want to enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand, the Sunset Bar is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views. With a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and wines, there is something for everyone at Sunset Bar.
Location
Sunset Grill & Bar is located in Ulus park – Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Yol Sokağı No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
Contact information
Telephone: +90 212 287 03 57
Nicole
Located on the top floor of Soeurs Garde-Malades, an apartment building that used to house Franciscan nuns, Nicole is named for one of the former owners of the building, nun Agnés Marthe Nicole.
The restaurant, which serves French bistro fare like squid in carbonara sauce and gratinated mussels, alongside new takes on the traditional Turkish cuisine concept, has a gorgeous outdoor terrace that offers stunning views of the city.
All the food served at Nicole is made with ingredients that are sourced from local, sustainable farms.
The restaurant also has an impressive wine list, featuring both natural and organic wines.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of Istanbul, coupled with some delicious French-Turkish cuisine, then Nicole is the place for you!
Location
Nicole is located at Soeurs Garde-Malades, Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Camlıbel Sokak No:24, 34367 Beşiktaş/İstanbul.
Contact information
Telephone: +90 212 2924467