Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Istanbul
Aside from its historical significance, Istanbul is unquestionably a dynamic and fantastic city for dining. Fine dining restaurants in the city offer a wide range of cuisines, particularly the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine that have been adapted with creative recipes. Istanbul’s stunning sea, Bosphorus, and historical scenery contribute to the restaurants’ uniqueness. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the top fine dining restaurants in various concepts for you in this article.
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29
29 is one of Istanbul’s iconic venues, with its unique cuisine, professional service crew, and seasonal concept adjustments. 29 differentiates out with signature drinks in the bar section, offering tastes from Mediterranean and Far East food, as well as Turkish cuisine. With its magnificent perspective, sophisticated atmosphere, and superb entertainment that returns to the club after dinner, 29 hosts one-of-a-kind evenings. Salmon Tataki, and Beef Tenderloin Tartar are among the must-try items. The main courses include some house specialties including lamb stew baked in a puff pastry crust, tandoori duck, and yoghurt-marinated kebabs. 29 has a warm décor with plants and brilliant colors, with a panoramic view of the Bosphorus from the Ulus heights.
Visit the restaurant’s website for more information and reservation
Mikla
Mikla, one of the most outstanding fine dining restaurants interpreting Turkish cuisine, is a Michelin-starred restaurant and is ranked among the top 50 restaurants in the world. Famous chef Mehmet Gürs’s restaurant has R & D team who are searching local ingredients across Turkey for use of creative chefs. Mikla, located in one of Beyoğlu’s tallest buildings, has a spectacular view over the historical peninsula and the Golden Horn. Those who choose not to consume meat will be pleased to learn that the chef always keeps vegan options in the menu. Furthermore, the restaurant provides two different tasting menus: one with beef and seafood and one with all vegan options. If you want to go to the bar after dinner, try the signature cocktails Barbaros ve Anamurdan.
Visit the restaurant’s website for more information and reservation
Neolokal
Neolokal is one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey. Practicing the premise of farm-to-table, the restaurant serves a seasonally changing tasting menu with the ingredients it supplies, and it draws attention with its pioneering approach to sustainable gastronomy. Chef Maksut Aşkar and his young crew use their creative cuisines to preserve their culinary legacy while also shaping the trends. This also emphasizes sustainability, as well as the meticulous selection of local goods (including exquisite Turkish wines) and supplier proximity. A vegetarian menu is also available. Neolokal, located on Bankalar street in the Salt Galata building, is particularly noteworthy for its view. The magnificent terrace and large windows provide a great view of Istanbul’s rooftops and gorgeous mosques.
Visit the restaurant’s website for more information and reservation
Turk By Fatih Tutak
Turk, the restaurant of the famous chef Fatih Tutak, who obtained valuable expertise while overseas, offers a cuisine where originality and experience are prioritized based on Turkish eating habits. The restaurant, which has two Michelin stars, uses modern recipes to interpret the cuisines that have made their stamp on the landscape throughout history. They communicate their ideas not by “adding creative tweaks to established recipes,” but by producing entirely new dishes with an eye for harmony and balance. Turk also stresses history with Uyghur patterns in its decoration, pottery dishes, mosaic floor stones, and a bar with antique Turkish calligraphy. The restaurant serves a 4-course tasting menu with four alternatives for each course.
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Sunset
Sunset, which has been open for more than 25 years and comes to mind when thinking of sophisticated restaurants, is listed as one of Istanbul’s iconic places. Sunset is without a doubt one of the first destinations that comes to mind when hosting foreign guests, business meetings, or special occasions. With its stunning outlook, high-level service, extensive wine cellar, and well-known meals, the restaurant had became a classic. The restaurant has an extensive sushi menu which is highly recommended. Sunset’s bar section is also transforming into a night club environment after dinner time. Sunset was just honored with a Michelin service award.
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Frankie İstanbul
Galataport has dining spots for everyone, but the trendy places near the Kabataş entrance really stand out. As fall 2022 approached, a brand that’s been making waves in the city for the past decade moved to this prime spot. After a short break, Frankie Istanbul is back, welcoming guests at Galataport with its fresh new menu, stylish design, and lively vibe. Led by Chef Aykut Doğanak, the kitchen offers a Mediterrasian menu, where Mediterranean dishes are reinterpreted with Asian cooking techniques and spices. The fine dining restaurant, offers visitors a holistic experience where gastronomy and quality entertainment take center stage, from its design to its menu. Don’t forget to try their signature cocktails, in the terrace-bar.
Visit the restaurant’s website for more information and reservation
Spago
Spago, the terrace venue at St Regis hotel, best fits the casual fine dining restaurant concept with its elegant and comfortable ambience. In 2015, Wolfgang Puck, Hollywood’s top chef, opened Spago in Istanbul, its first international location. In the farm-to-table concept restaurant, chef bases his recipes on seasonality. Spago’s signature dishes include Pizza with Salmon and Caviar, Butter Lettuce, and Organic Chicken. For bar guests, the snack bar serves sushi alternatives and street foods such as pizza, felafel, and spring rolls. First-timers should try Peace On Earth and Forbidden Kiss, Spago’s signature cocktails. Spago Istanbul’s bar & terrace is open daily from 3 pm to 2 am, and serves cuisine from 6 pm to 11 pm. After work, the patio bar is always busy, (live music some days) especially during summer time. Winter guests may also enjoy a lively downtown restaurant with a view-dominating seating layout.
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Araka
The restaurant, which has a modest atmosphere, is on the axis of the chef owner’s identity and is a restaurant where the cuisine comes first. If you are looking for a boutiques places where mostly local people hang out, Araka is perfect for you. The restaurant serves seasonal delicacies made with the chef’s interpretation. Sharing plates are also available at Araka. It is beneficial to make a reservation for the restaurant, which also provides drinks and brunch. The restaurant also earned a Michelin star back in 2022 October, Michelin Turkey selection
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Nicole
Nicole Restaurant, located on the top floor of a renovated historical building, is named after one of the building’s past owners, nun Agnés Marthe Nicole. Nicole Restaurant, founded with inspiration from the building’s historical past and today’s modern reflections, aims to provide guests with unforgettable culinary experiences on its stylish terrace with a breathtaking Istanbul view by blending the Traditional Turkish Cuisine concept with a unique contemporary interpretation. You can choose from a choice of tasting menus at the restaurant while enjoying in the exquisite atmosphere. The restaurant is Michelin-starred.
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Papermoon
Papermoon, Milan’s favorite restaurant, has been open and popular for about 25 years in its branch on the ground floor of Akmerkez. The restaurant, which has been operating in the style of a city club for many years, serves the most essential dishes of Italian cuisine on its menu. Papermoon’s bar, which has a summer location in Bodrum, is also highly popular. Signature dishes at Chef Pino’s (Giuseppe Pressani’s) kitchen include Insalata di Carciofi and Funghi Porcini Alla Genovese. Papermoon, which is open daily from 12:00 to 00:00, should not be missed.
Visit the restaurant’s website for more information and reservation
