Five Istanbul restaurants receive Michelin Stars for the very first time

Five Istanbul restaurants receive Michelin Stars for the very first time
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Update: 14 October 2022 02:17
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The first selection of the Michelin Guide Istanbul, spotlighted 53 restaurants

Michelin Guide, one of the most prestigious restaurant evaluation systems in the world, included Istanbul restaurants on its list for the very first time, awarding five eateries with Michelin Stars.

Turk Fatih Tutak won two Michelin Stars, while Araka, Mikla, Neolokal and Nicole restaurants were awarded one star, Euronews reported on Wednesday. 

The first selection of the Michelin Guide Istanbul, spotlighted 53 restaurants, it said. 

"Our selection of 53 restaurants sheds light on the diversity of this talented cuisine, which is proud of its identity and traditions, and is open to the world,” Michelin Guide's International Director, Gwendal Poullennec said during a ceremony held for the announcement of the selection. 

Emphasizing that Istanbul is an important cultural and touristic destination, “We hope to show that at the same time, it is an important gastronomic destination," Poullennec said. 

Ten restaurants also honoured with “the Bib Gourmand" award, which is given to “best value for money restaurants,” since 1997.

Pandeli, Karakoy Lokantası, Alaf, Aheste, Tershane, Cretan, Calipso, Cuma, Simple Five Seas Cuisine and Aman da Bravo were awarded with Bib Gourmand.

Neolokal received the Green Star as well as the Michelin Star for its pioneering approach to sustainable gastronomy, Euronews said.

While Mevlut Ozkaya from Murver Restaurant won the Michelin Young Chef award, the Michelin Service Award presented by Mastercard went to the Sunset Grill & Bar team.

Among the restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide were Zuma, Nobu, Inari Omakase Kurucesme, Very Very Thai, Banyan, Glens, 1924 Istanbul, Spago, St. Régis Brasserie, Azur, Khorasani, Deraliye, Octo, Ocak, New Restaurant, Eleos Beyoglu, Sofia 9, Domed Lounge, Restaurant 1741, Matbah, 1924 Istanbul, Atelier, Topaz, Tatbak, Aqua, Aila, Feriye, Seraf, Park Fora, Chance, 29, Beyti, Kiyi, Balikci Kahraman, Kiss the Frog, Tugra, Mürver and Rumelihisari Iskele.

No restaurants in Istanbul won three Michelin Stars, the highest ranking of the guide.