Istanbul is an incredible city at the crossroads of history and innovation. This quality reflects in its architecture, atmosphere, as well as cuisine. From centuries-old traditions to reinterpretations and innovations, the Istanbul culinary scene is as eclectic as it is diverse. Istanbul Michelin restaurants combine ingredients, techniques, and presentation to offer guests the signature Turkish gastronomic experience of a lifetime.
No visit to Turkey is complete without an exclusive dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Traditional Turkish cuisine is flavorful and well-known for its local ingredients and scrumptious charms. By combining these unique culinary traditions with modern gastronomy, world-class chefs at fine dining restaurants in Istanbul enhance the sensory journey and make every meal memorable.
When looked at in detail, Istanbul has always been a great representation of traditional Turkish cuisine. The rise of tourism brought recognition of the traditional Turkish flavors and the rise of Istanbul as one of the foremost gastronomic destinations in the world. The Michelin guide formally began reviewing the restaurants in the city in the last decade or so. Today, Istanbul is home to many renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, introducing diners from all over the world to the incredible flavors of contemporary Turkish cuisine.
No Istanbul food guide is complete without mentioning the prestigious The Marmara Pera. Since its foundation, The Marmara Pera has transformed the entertainment and cultural scene of Istanbul. By bringing together culture, creativity, and gastronomy, it is a true representation of the “spirit of Pera”. Just steps away from the famous Galata Tower, this unique hotel is known for its panoramic views and incredible location.
The Marmara Pera Hotel is not just a luxury accommodation; it is also home to a Michelin-starred culinary gem called Mikla Restaurant. Guests can experience the gastronomic delights of traditional Turkish food with a contemporary take in the lap of luxury.
If you have never had the chance to taste Turkish cuisine, Istanbul's Michelin restaurants are a great introduction to the delights of rich Anatolian flavors and fresh local ingredients. These incredible culinary spaces combine contemporary techniques, traditional flavor profiles, and artistic presentation to elevate the dining experience to the maximum.
Traditional Turkish cuisine carries influences from Ottoman, Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean culinary cultures. The flavors are a mix of fresh seasonal ingredients and aromatic spices. Each region of the country (Aegean, Mediterranean, and Anatolian) contributes to the rich culinary delights of traditional Turkish dishes.
Modern Turkish cuisine builds on these centuries-old culinary traditions. World-class chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants use contemporary techniques to reinterpret traditional flavors. Modern Turkish cuisine focuses on local and seasonal ingredients and lets their natural flavors shine through.
Mikla is the jewel of The Marmara Pera. It is an elegant and prestigious restaurant, known for its contemporary cuisine and exclusive dining experience. Mikla restaurant has many claims to fame, including a Michelin star in both 2023 and 2024, as well as a consistent spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List (2015 - 2022).
Diners at Mikla enjoy a great mix of past and present. The restaurant's sleek interior perfectly complements its contemporary culinary philosophy and embodies The Marmara experience. If you’re planning a memorable night or celebrating an important occasion, you can’t go without the Mikla Restaurant.
Mikla opened its doors to the world in 2005. It has continually been a pioneer in Istanbul’s gastronomy landscape since. It is renowned for its incredible and extensive wine list, which earned it an Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator Magazine. It is also a recipient of Best Manager, Best Bartender, and the Excellent Table awards in the Gault&Millau Guide.
Mikla introduced the “New Anatolian Cuisine” in August of 2012, which reimagines traditional Turkish ingredients with modern techniques. This Michelin-starred culinary destination offers à la carte options and diverse tasting menus to its visitors to enhance their gastronomic experience.