Saturday 21st March 2026 • Promotional Content


Te Travel Guide


Istanbul: the ultimate gastro city for food-lovers


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DINNER ALONG THE BOSPHORUS


Istanbul is one of the world’s great gastro cities, offering a culinary scene as layered and dynamic as its many neighbourhoods. From tradi- tional kitchens in the Old City and refined Anatolian tasting menus in Beyoglu and Bomonti to the fresh- est seafood along the Bosphorus, the city presents an endlessly rewarding journey for dedicated gourmands. As the meeting point of two con-


tinents, Istanbul brings together the full spectrum of Türkiye’s regional cuisines in one city. Traditional and modern, humble and refined, exper- imental and deeply rooted, its kitch- ens tell stories shaped by history, geography and seasonality. Whether resurrecting palace


recipes, cele-


brating zero-waste home cooking or reinterpreting Anatolian flavours through modern techniques, Is- tanbul offers visitors an immersive way to taste the country’s rich culi- nary identity. Te Old City: a maze of timeless flavours. Start your culinary journey in the


city at Sultanahmet, the Old City and its most important food market: Mısır Çarsısı (Spice Bazaar). Tis


covered market has been flourish- ing since its inception in 1664 with its iconic mounds of spices in a full spectrum of colours, its traditional sweets, dried fruits and nuts. Street food stalls and corners are plentiful in the Old City, where one can find stalls selling fish sandwiches in Em- inönü, as well as simit (round shaped sesame seed covered pastry), kestane kebap (grilled chestnuts) and közde mısır (roasted corn).


NEW TURKISH CUISINE ON THE RISE Walking across the Galata Bridge, with its iconic fishermen, is like going on a journey through time, because once one arrives in Karaköy and con- tinues up into Beyoglu, and later on Bomonti, the city’s modern gastro- nomic scene unfolds with splendour. Some of Istanbul’s best fine-dining venues await


in these charming


neighbourhoods with their carefully selected tasting menus. Tese menus increasingly reflect a new generation of restaurants that have a strong commitment to seasonality, sustain- ability and locally sourced produce.


A FEAST ALONG THE IDYLLIC BOĞAZIÇI Despite its constant transforma- tion, one relationship remains un- changed — Istanbul’s enduring connection with the Bosphorus. Tis natural strait continues to sup- ply the city with fresh fish, while its tree-lined shores offer a welcome retreat from urban life. Neighbour- hoods such as Arnavutköy, Bebek, Rumelihisarı, Yeniköy and Anadolu Hisarı are known for their cafes and restaurants that serve classic Turk- ish breakfasts — a generous spread of egg dishes like menemen, cured meats, regional cheeses, olives, homemade jams, fresh bread and sesame-crusted simit. Along the waterfront, fish restau-


rants follow a simple philosophy: respect the ingredient. Meze selec- tions are extensive, while the daily catch is typically grilled or baked and served with little more than ol- ive oil and lemon. A glass of Turkish white wine or chilled rakı often ac- companies the meal.


IN SEARCH OF THE SIMPLE CULINARY PLEASURES Istanbul’s food culture is equally defined by its everyday dining tra- ditions. Esnaf


lokantaları (trades-


men restaurants) serve comforting home-style dishes, ocakbası grills offer kebabs cooked over open fires, and meyhanes provide long tables of mezes enjoyed over conversation and music. Tese places are as much social


spaces as they are dining


rooms, where meals unfold slowly, stories are shared and regulars are often greeted by name. Across the Bosphorus, Moda


THE BOSPHORUS (ISTANBUL STRAIT)


in Kadıköy offers a more relaxed, neighbourhood-driven atmosphere. Its coastal parks, cafes, pubs and street food spots attract a younger crowd, while the historic Kadıköy Market


remains one of most vibrant food hubs. the city’s


The Michelin Guide Istanbul 2026 at a glance:


• The two-Michelin-starred restaurant: TURK Fatih Tutak • One-Michelin-starred restaurants: Arkestra, Sankai by Nagaya, Araka, Nicole, Mikla, Neolokal, Araf and Casa Lavanda • 17 Bib Gourmand restaurants • 63 selected restaurants • Five Michelin Green star restaurants


TURKISH BREAKFAST


FISH PLATE


SIMIT


Discover the beauty of Türkiye. Plan your unforgettable journey today at goturkiye.com or scan the QR code


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