Where to Find the Best of the Luxurious Gastronomy in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a culinary paradise, blending flavors from Europe and Asia. This city offers a diverse range of restaurants, from street vendors serving traditional Turkish delights to upscale dining establishments. The food culture here is rich and varied, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts looking to explore new tastes.
Nicole
This gourmet restaurant is a tribute to Istanbul, a city cradled between history and modernity. Nicole, perched atop Beyoğlu, offers a setting that blends the historical elements of the building with a contemporary and refined touch, perfect for a memorable dining experience.
Nicole’s menu reflects the rich culinary heritage of Istanbul while bringing modern innovations such as revisited dolma with smoked yogurt. Each dish is a discovery of traditional Turkish flavors, presented with elegance that surprises the senses.
The terrace at Nicole, offering breathtaking views of Istanbul, adds a visual dimension to the dining experience. Here, the fusion of old and new, characteristic of the city, comes fully to life, offering guests a delightful escape in the heart of the metropolis.
Addresse: Tomtom Kaptan Sokak No:18, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, 34433, Turkey
Reservation: +90 212 292 44 67 - Site Web
Sankai by Nagaya
Sankai by Nagaya, a Michelin Starred omakase restaurant, delivers an authentic Japanese dining experience in a refined setting reminiscent of a traditional Japanese home. This intimate 24-seat venue, led by Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, epitomizes culinary excellence through its seasonal tasting menus.
Iconic for high culinary art, the Sankai Sushi and Nagaya Signature menus explore the delights of sushi and kaiseki cuisine respectively. Each menu is an invitation to explore meticulously prepared flavors with seasonal products, offering a symphony of tastes and textures.
Helmed by Chef Nagaya and sushi chef Hiroko Shibata, Sankai is a gateway to the delicacies of Japanese cuisine. Highlighting edo mae style sushi and Kaiseki cuisine, the restaurant promises a unique gastronomic adventure, acclaimed with three Gault & Millau toques upon its launch in Turkey.
Addresse: Bebek, Istanbul
Reservation: +90 212 263 29 80 - Site Web
TURK Fatih Tutak
In Istanbul, TURK Fatih Tutak offers a stage where Turkish culinary tradition is elevated by modern techniques and a commitment to sustainability. Fatih Tutak, an increasingly renowned chef, incorporates practices like fermentation and dry aging to enhance local flavors, presenting dishes such as grilled lamb with a sumptuous fermented vegetable jus.
This restaurant, the first and only Turkish venue to be awarded two Michelin stars, pays homage to the richness of the Turkish land. Fatih Tutak's zero-waste approach and respect for local producers are reflected in each dish. The menu, changing with the micro-seasons, is a love letter to the chef's homeland.
Within the contemporary and chic ambiance of TURK, dessert becomes a spectacle, inviting guests to watch the cooks in action. It's a celebration of Turkish culture and traditions, filtered through the prism of bold modernity and deep respect for local ingredients.
Popular locations in Istanbul for experiencing its vibrant food scene include Sultanahmet, known for its historic sites and traditional eateries, and Beyoğlu, which boasts a mix of modern and classic restaurants. The bustling district of Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city offers an eclectic mix of food markets and trendy cafes, while Nişantaşı is famous for its chic dining spots. For seafood lovers, the Bosphorus shorelines provide numerous restaurants with stunning views and fresh catches. Each neighborhood in Istanbul brings a unique flavor and dining experience, making it one of the best cities for food tourism.