So yes, as you might have guessed, today’s focus is on Michelin-starred restaurants in Türkiye. The Michelin Guide continues to expand its coverage across the country year by year. What began in Istanbul has grown steadily, and following İzmir and Bodrum, the 2026 selection now embraces Cappadocia as well, adding its captivating landscape to the guide’s map. According to the newly announced 2026 results, the total number of restaurants included in the guide across Türkiye has reached 170. The number of starred restaurants has risen to 17, while İzmir is celebrating a milestone of its own, hosting its first two-Michelin-star restaurant.
First: The meaning of a Michelin Star
The Michelin Guide, which holds a highly significant place in the world of gastronomy, is a prestigious evaluation system with specific criteria, awarding stars only to restaurants that meet these standards. In other words, restaurants must fulfill many requirements to earn a Michelin star. Michelin Guide inspectors visit restaurants anonymously, posing as regular customers, and leave only after evaluating both the food and the establishment.
The origin of the Michelin Guide
The prestigious Michelin Guide was originally launched around 1889, part of an effort by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin to promote automobile travel and thereby their eponymous tire company. Initially free, the modest booklet provided route maps as well as listings for mechanics, petrol stations, restaurants and accommodations. In 1920, the Guide, available for a small fee, was revamped to include restaurant listings according to specific categories. In 1926, the Michelin brothers created their restaurant inspection team, known as ‘mystery diners’, who visited and reviewed restaurants anonymously and awarded stars per a three-stage evaluation process.
The meaning and the essence of the stars
Michelin Guide stars are awarded according to the category served by the restaurant and its performance, with a possible maximum of three stars. According to the Michelin Guide:
“One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavors are prepared to a consistently high standard.
Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired.
Three MICHELIN Stars is our highest award, given for the superlative cooking of chefs at the peak of their profession; their cooking is elevated to an art form and some of their dishes are destined to become classics.”
Michelin-starred restaurants in Türkiye
Now it’s time for the list we are most excited about: Michelin-starred restaurants in Türkiye. In the recently announced Istanbul selections of the Michelin Guide, there are outstanding restaurants that showcase truly exceptional flavors. Here is the list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Türkiye.
Two-Michelin-star restaurants: Two leading names
With the 2026 selection, Türkiye has doubled the number of restaurants holding two Michelin stars, bringing the total to two. Following Istanbul’s success, İzmir has now added its name to this prestigious summit of the gastronomic world.
TURK Fatih Tutak – Istanbul
Guided by a philosophy rooted in respect for origins, traditions, and the produce of its geography, TURK Fatih Tutak continues to hold its place among Michelin-starred restaurants in Türkiye, with two Michelin stars. Offering a refined, understated dining experience shaped by Chef Fatih Tutak’s elegant interpretations, TURK was also awarded the “Green Star” in 2026 in recognition of its commitment to a sustainable kitchen.
Given the number of Michelin stars awarded, planning a trip around an Istanbul flight to experience TURK would be a wise move. Drawing on Anatolia’s cultural heritage, the restaurant is truly worth visiting for its attention to detail, close relationships with local producers, and its ability to present simplicity at its most delicious.
Vino Locale – İzmir
Here comes the biggest surprise of 2026! Vino Locale, which entered the list with one star last year, has doubled its success and become İzmir’s first and only two-Michelin-star restaurant. This enchanting Urla restaurant, run by Ozan and Seray Kumbasar, earned top marks from inspectors for its deep respect for local ingredients and its sophisticated menus.
Blending inspirations from Thai and Italian cuisines with Turkish terroir, Vino Locale stands out not only for its food but also for its warm yet flawless service. If you are planning a trip to Urla in İzmir, your route is clear for a romantic, high-end gastronomic experience set among the vineyards.
One-Michelin-Star Restaurants: New stars and timeless classics
This year, three new venues from Cappadocia, Istanbul, and Bodrum have joined the list of one Michelin-starred restaurants spread across Türkiye. Here are the stars of Türkiye:
Revithia – Cappadocia
Revithia is the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the Michelin Guide’s newest stop in Türkiye, marking Cappadocia’s debut on the star map. Located within Kayakapı Premium Caves in Ürgüp, the restaurant brings together Anatolia’s nearly forgotten recipes with modern techniques under the leadership of Chef Durhan Özdemir. Carrying the region’s mystical atmosphere onto the plate, Revithia offers an experience that truly crowns a journey through Cappadocia.
Mezra Yalıkavak – Bodrum
Bodrum’s new star, Mezra Yalıkavak, is led by Chef Serhat Doğramacı, who follows a “from soil to table” philosophy. More than just a restaurant, Mezra functions as a culinary laboratory, cooking ingredients harvested from its own garden over the deep-rooted fire of Anatolian cuisine. Where natural simplicity meets luxury, this venue stands out as one of the shining names in the 2026 selection.
Araf Istanbul – Istanbul
Istanbul’s new star, Araf, is taking Turkish cuisine beyond borders under the leadership of Chef Kenan Çetinkaya and Chef Pınar Korgan Çetinkaya. Reinterpreting traditional flavors with a bold, creative perspective, Araf has been recognized as one of the freshest voices on Istanbul’s gastronomic scene.
Neolokal – Istanbul
Neolokal, the restaurant of Chef Maksut Aşkar, continues to retain its star while bringing Anatolian cuisine to the table through a contemporary lens. Praised for its sustainability-driven approach and holding a “Green Star,” Neolokal also crowned its success this year with a Michelin Sommelier Award. For timeless dishes rooted in tradition and served with views of the Historic Peninsula, Neolokal is the place to be.
Od Urla – İzmir
Located in a family mansion in İzmir’s Od Urla, the restaurant, led by Chef Osman Sezener, continues to retain both its Michelin star and Green Star status. Set among the olive trees of the Aegean, the restaurant offers one of the finest expressions of the “from field to table” concept. With its open kitchen and wood-fired flavors, Od Urla remains a gastronomic anchor of Urla.
Arkestra – Istanbul
Arkestra, the restaurant of Chef Cenk Debensason, continues to shine with its star through original interpretations of modern European cuisine. Located in Etiler, the restaurant stands out as one of Istanbul’s most stylish venues, thanks to its refined atmosphere, curated music selections, and creative plates shaped by the chef’s international experience.
Kitchen – Bodrum
Following the success of Od Urla, Chef Osman Sezener and his team continue to hold their star at Kitchen in Bodrum. With Aegean and Mediterranean herbs, fresh seafood, and charcoal fire taking center stage, Kitchen offers a sensory feast with views of a deep blue bay.
Maçakızı – Bodrum
Bodrum’s legendary Maçakızı retained its star in 2026, thanks to an atmosphere that seamlessly blends luxury and flavor. Under Chef Aret Sahakyan’s leadership, the kitchen combines Aegean flavors with modern techniques, delivering an unforgettable dining experience.
Teruar Urla – İzmir
Enchanting for its vineyard setting and valley views, Teruar Urla continues to hold its star under the vision of Chef Osman Serdaroğlu and has also become a new recipient of the Green Star this year. In addition, Ezgi Serdaroğlu from the restaurant’s service team was awarded the Michelin Service Award. Minimalist plates inspired by Italian and Aegean influences embody a form of gastronomy rooted in respect for nature.
Sankai by Nagaya – Istanbul
This special restaurant in Bebek, by Japanese chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, continues to retain its star by pairing the Japanese omakase experience with Bosphorus views. Where European techniques meet Japanese precision, Sankai stands out as a key address in Istanbul for those seeking a refined sushi and kaiseki experience.
Nicole – Istanbul
Led by Chef Serkan Aksoy, Nicole continues to hold its star in its historic Beyoğlu building. Presenting traditional Turkish recipes through highly refined and surprising techniques, Nicole further cements its place among Istanbul’s modern classics through both its flavors and its view.
Mikla Restaurant – Istanbul
Founded by Chef Mehmet Gürs and regarded as a pioneer of the “New Anatolian Cuisine,” Mikla continues to bear its star. Under the leadership of Chef Cihan Çetinkaya, the kitchen transforms ingredients sourced from the most remote corners of Anatolia using modern techniques, serving them against one of Istanbul’s most iconic views.
Araka – Istanbul
In the tranquil setting of Yeniköy, Araka remains among those retaining their star, thanks to Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir’s character-driven, vegetable- and herb-focused menu. Centered on spices, fresh herbs, and seasonal produce, this intimate restaurant is a haven for gourmets seeking to escape Istanbul’s pace.
The Green Star and Bib Gourmand lists continue to grow
Michelin’s focus extends beyond flavor to a respect for the future. In the 2026 selection, the number of sustainability-focused Green Stars rose to 13. New additions include TURK Fatih Tutak from Istanbul, Teruar Urla from İzmir, Orfoz from Muğla, and Babayan Evi from Cappadocia.
The Bib Gourmand list, which highlights high-quality food at accessible prices, expanded to 39 restaurants with the addition of 16 new entries. Here are the restaurants newly included in the 2026 selection:
• Istanbul: Casius Antioch Kitchen, Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası, Mutfakkoz, Parvus Kalamış, Mahir Lokantası, Ahmet Ustam Ocakbaşı.
• İzmir: Partal Kardeşler Balık Restaurant, Kemal’in Yeri.
• Cappadocia: Babayan Evi Restaurant, Old Greek House, Aravan Evi, Happena, Tabal Gastronomievi (Niğde).
• Muğla: Mezegi, Bağarası, Mandalya.
A promise for the future: A nationwide Michelin selection
The Michelin Guide announced another exciting change at the 2026 ceremony. Starting next year, regional distinctions will be eliminated, and the Michelin Guide will present a national selection covering all of Türkiye. This means Anatolia’s long-hidden culinary gems are poised to step onto the global stage.
Here’s to many delicious discoveries ahead!
