Türkiye’s Top Luxury Restaurants You Must Experience
For discerning travellers, Türkiye’s luxury dining scene offers a journey through taste, history, and innovation that captures the country’s rich culinary heritage, reimagined with contemporary flair.
In Istanbul, Turk Fatih Tutak is a must for culinary aficionados. This two-Michelin-starred establishment is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Turkish culture through the lens of modern gastronomy. Chef Fatih Tutak’s dishes tell stories of Türkiye’s diverse regions, and he draws from local, seasonal ingredients to craft each dish as an homage to Turkish traditions. The experience at Turk is as much about artistry as it is about taste, where the chef’s passion and dedication shine through every intricately presented plate. Diners are immersed in a culinary theatre, watching as the open kitchen brings an element of drama to each service, turning classic flavours into something utterly unexpected and memorable.
Also in Istanbul, Mikla offers a panoramic dining experience that pairs outstanding cuisine with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. Known for its “New Anatolian Kitchen” concept, Mikla’s Chef Mehmet Gürs is a pioneer in blending modern techniques with ancient Anatolian flavours. The restaurant’s tasting menu invites diners to sample the essence of Türkiye in dishes that are both innovative and authentic. From tangy fermented flavours to delicate spices, each course reveals a facet of Türkiye’s culinary past while pointing toward a modern, sustainable future. Dining at Mikla is as much about the atmosphere as the food, with the city’s skyline stretching before you in an unforgettable experience.
For a different kind of luxury, Istanbul’s Sunset Grill & Bar combines international elegance with Turkish charm. Located in Ulus Park, overlooking the Bosphorus, this sophisticated establishment brings Mediterranean, Turkish, and Japanese flavours together in a high-end setting. Known for its sleek interiors and impeccable service, Sunset offers a diverse menu featuring expertly crafted sushi alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes, making it a go-to for celebrities and dignitaries alike. The restaurant’s cellar is one of Türkiye’s best, with an impressive selection of wines that pair beautifully with the menu, further enhancing the luxurious experience.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Kadıköy, Çiya Sofrası is a celebration of Türkiye’s culinary heritage. Unlike the refined plates of Michelin-starred establishments, Çiya embraces the traditional dishes of Anatolia, showcasing Türkiye’s vibrant food culture in its simplest, purest form. Çiya’s chef and owner, Musa Dağdeviren, has made it his life’s mission to preserve Türkiye’s diverse culinary traditions, serving up hearty dishes from various regions in a rustic, unpretentious setting. This spot is beloved by locals and food critics alike for its authenticity, proving that luxury can be about immersion into the depth of tradition as much as polished finesse.
In Bodrum, Mandarin Oriental’s exclusive restaurant, Hakkasan, brings a unique flavour profile to the Turkish dining scene. Known for its modern Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan offers luxury in every detail, from the sophisticated decor to the world-class cocktails that accompany each meal. The experience is elevated by the restaurant’s idyllic location, with views of the Aegean Sea that set the perfect backdrop for an evening of indulgence. Known internationally for its meticulous attention to detail, Hakkasan is ideal for those seeking a luxurious escape with a taste of the exotic.
Then, there’s Titanic Mardan Palace’s in-house restaurant in Antalya, which embodies opulence. As one of Türkiye’s grandest resorts, Mardan Palace transports diners into a world of grandeur with its lavish interiors and Mediterranean-inspired menu. With an emphasis on locally-sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant celebrates the richness of the Mediterranean in a truly splendid setting, where every detail is carefully curated for an extravagant dining experience.
From Istanbul’s rooftop venues overlooking the Bosphorus to the scenic coasts of Bodrum and Antalya, Türkiye’s luxury restaurants are crafted for those who appreciate the finest in cuisine and ambiance. Each establishment offers its own take on Turkish flavours, whether through modern interpretations or deep-rooted traditional dishes. A visit to these culinary havens reveals the heart of Turkish hospitality—warm, innovative, and dedicated to unforgettable experiences. In a country where cuisine is an art form, Türkiye’s best restaurants invite guests to sit back and savour the journey.