This year, for the first time ever the Michelin company, home of the famed Michelin Stars, selected 53 Istanbul restaurants to makeup its Istanbul City Guide. This is a huge event for Istanbul and Turkey. Michelin recognises gastronomical achievement on a global scale and is recognised as the preeminent institution for fine dining. Among the larger recognition, of the 53 total restaurants included, there were some select restaurants that earned even more prestigious honours from Michelin.
The experts at Property Turkey, tend to believe that location is a particularly important criterion to consider when deciding where to spend a meal in this unbelievable city. They have paired those astounding meals with spellbinding vistas for your sense of sight.
10) Spago by Wolfgang Puck | Nisantasi – Sisli
The world-famous chef is not only great because of his high-level word cuisine, but also his high-level real estate prowess. Spago is no exception. Located in the heart of the European Side’s business/tourism centre, Spago is a perfect respite from the busy centre while drinking in some lovely Bosphorus views.
9) Azur | Yenikoy
Located right on the shore of the Bosphorus, Azur is so intimate and quiet you’ll be tempted to walk out and catch your dinner yourself. Rest assured though the delicious seafood will be provided along with a quiet corner in the heart of Istanbul. Azur is perfect for a quiet sunset over wine.
8) Atolye | Ritz-Carlton
Atolye offers guests a fresh taste of Turkish cuisine by way of their onsite vegetable garden. That satisfying spread combined with the reliability and impeccable global reputation of the Ritz-Carlton sets the foundation for an exquisite atmosphere. Atolye is nestled on the Bosphorus facing facade of the building and stretches panoramically in order to showcase the fabulous, mystical Istanbul skyline.
7) Topaz | Taksim
Topaz’s kitchen, dominated by contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, provides the bustling tourist centre of Taksim an oasis retreat. The beautiful aspect of Topaz’s views is its multi-faceted, layered angles. Depending on whether you’re enjoying cocktails in the lounge or dinner service in the main hall you’ll be soaking in any number of combinations of greens and blues.
6) 29 | Besiktas
When you go a bit deeper into the Bosphorus’ channel from Taksim you will find a modern paradox of Turkish cuisine. Very true to tradition while very adventurous in the most wonderful ways. Instead of offering a view of Istanbul from the outside-in, 29 will provide you the inside-out perspective of a local.
5) Eleos | Beyoglu
Eleos will take you back in time to a nostalgic mystical dream. From the depths of Beyoglu, Eleos opens its curtains to a view of Istanbul that can’t be obtained from tour boats and hotel windows.
4) Park Fora | Ortakoy
Park Fora truly will keep all five of your senses stimulated for hours. From your front row seat to the Bosphorus you will never be bored wistfully ushering all shapes and sizes of marine vessel in and out of your sight. The smell of sea breeze mixes with the world class cuisine on your table and the floral park adjacent to your table.
3) Octo | JW Marriott: Beyoglu
As quaint and charming many of these views may be, there is something different about a fine dining experience literally exquisitely framed by the entirety of Istanbul’s Bosphorus delta. Octo is the pinnacle of fine dining experience in this one-of-a-kind metropolis. It’s the panorama, it’s the amenities, it’s the location, it’s the seat of luxury for any traveller coming to Istanbul for the very first time.
2) Feriye | Besiktas
For many, the idea of the “best view” involves being suspended above the fray and set back adjacent to what it is to behold. For others the best view is right up close to the action. And for those people, Feriye provides the city’s best views. Set in the shadow of the Bosphorus Bridge, next door to the iconic Grand Mecidiye Mosque, Feriye is part of the post card.
1) Mikla | Beyoglu
Located on the roof top floor of the fashionable “The Marmara Pera” hotel, Mikla is urban, sleek, and stylish, and their food is ready to compete for your attention. And it will command it many, many times over. But with 360-degree views from the heart of the European side, the sheer beauty to try and internalise is astounding. We won’t blame you for double dipping at Mikla on your quest to experience each of Istanbul’s 53 masters.
