Michelin Starred Restaurants in Istanbul: The Full List for 2024

Istanbul is packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars that are perfect for tourists to try out. While the city is filled with places to eat, only a select few restaurants received a prestigious Michelin Star for 2024. One of them even has two stars! If you visit this place you will understand why — perfect service, nice ambiance and fantastic dishes.

The number of restaurants with a Michelin Star for 2024 is more proof that you should book your next holiday to Istanbul. Whether you are a foodie or simply want to eat a delicious dinner every night of your vacation, you will find a restaurant serving up unique recipes in the “City of Seven Hills”.

What is a Michelin Star?

Since 1933, the Michelin Guide has given out star ratings to restaurants meeting and exceeding its reviewers’ tastes. The Michelin Guide hands out one-, two-, and three-star ratings to restaurants based on a myriad of factors.

Gaining a Michelin Star is a momentous experience for a restaurant. It can increase a restaurant or chef’s reputation, and lead to new customers coming through the doors. The Michelin Star rating system is the benchmark for restaurants and chefs around the globe.

Michelin’s culinary experts judge restaurants on their standards and quality when discerning how many stars to give them. Some restaurants achieve a maximum of three stars, but others may not receive any. Michelin also takes away stars if a restaurant doesn’t keep up its standards.

What is the difference between Michelin Stars?

According to the Michelin Guide, the difference between stars is due to a variety of factors.

• One Star is awarded for using top-quality ingredients, with distinct flavours prepared to a consistently high standard.
• Two Stars are awarded for the personality and talent of the chef, which are present in their dishes. The food is refined and inspired.
• Three Stars are the highest award and are given to top-quality chefs at the peak of their profession. Their cooking is considered an art form and some of their recipes are destined to become classics.

How many Istanbul restaurants have a Michelin Star in 2024?

The Michelin Guide 2024 lists 53 Istanbul restaurants as starred. The guide recognised one Istanbul restaurant with two Michelin Stars, four restaurants with one Michelin Star, and one restaurant with a Michelin Green Star. In addition, the guide recognised 10 Bib Gourmand restaurants and 38 recommended restaurants in Istanbul. Foodies and cuisine aficionados now have even more reasons, 53 of them, to visit Istanbul in 2024.

Which restaurants received Michelin Stars?

Turk Fatih Tutak – two stars

Turk Fatih Tutak received two Michelin Stars for 2023. The restaurant is located in Sisli Bomonti and is one of Istanbul’s best fine-dining experiences. You will find modern Turkish flavours on the Turk Fatih Tutak menu. The restaurant’s head chef and owner is Fatih Tutak.

Araka Restaurant – one star

You will find Araka Restaurant in Sariyer. The architecture of the restaurant is only topped by the flavours on its menu. The atmosphere of Araka adds to the experience. Chef Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir makes mouth-watering meals in the cosy restaurant. Araka is ideal for couples on holiday, with its romantic interior.

Mikla Restaurant – one star

Mikla Restaurant is owned by Mehmet Gurs and serves contemporary cuisine. You will find Mikla on the rooftop floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel. The views of Istanbul are a great pairing with the food.

Neolokal – one star

If you want something unique, then visit Neolokal for its signature dish, Katmer and Tirit, which combines pulled beef in duck juice, pistachio filo, yoghurts, and tarhana cream. You can also order Grilled Seabass, and Lamb and Chard Sarma. Neolokal is situated in Karakoy. The food is created using Turkish traditions and is inspired by nature. Neolokal also received a Michelin Green Star for its fantastic culinary work.

Nicole Restaurant – One star

Nicole Restaurant is in the Beyoglu district. Its name was inspired by Mother Agnes Marthe Nicole, who healed patients in the same historic building. The building was once used as a Franciscan monastery until the early 1900s. The menu is a mix of Middle Eastern spices and Turkish recipes. The chic restaurant offers guests an extensive wine list.

10 Bib Gourmand Restaurants Istanbul

• Aheste
• Alaf
• Aman da Bravo
• Calipso
• Cuma
• Giritli
• Karakoy Lokantası
• Pandeli
• SADE Bes Denizler Mutfagi
• Tershane

38 recommended Istanbul Restaurants

• 1924 Istanbul
• 29
• Aila
• AQUA
• Atolye
• Azur
• Balikci Kahraman
• Banyan
• Beyti
• Cok Cok Thai
• Deraliye
• Eleos Beyoglu
• Feriye
• Glens
• Inari Omakase Kurucesme
• Khorasani
• Kiss the frog
• Koco
• Kubbeli
• Kiyi
• Lokanta 1741
• Matbah
• Murver
• Nobu
• OCAK
• Octo
• Park Fora
• Rumelihisari Iskele
• Sans
• Seraf
• Sofyali 9
• Spago
• Regis Brasserie
• Sunset Grill & Bar
• Tatbak
• Topaz
• Tugra
• Zuma