In recent years, Karaköy has become one of Istanbul’s most vibrant culinary destinations — not only for its historical charm but also for the cosmopolitan energy it brings to the city’s gastronomy scene. This lively neighborhood blends sophisticated international cuisines with the rich flavors of Anatolia, often on the very same street.
The rise of chef-driven restaurants has turned Karaköy into a must-visit destination on Istanbul’s gourmet map. From fresh seafood to open-fire cooking, creative cocktails to desserts with a modern twist, the district offers an exciting variety of flavors.
Karaköy is more than just a place to eat — it’s a cultural experience. Every new restaurant, café, and cocktail bar adds another layer to its cosmopolitan identity, making the neighborhood a living, breathing story of Istanbul’s evolving food culture. For locals and travelers alike, Karaköy is the perfect place to discover the city’s most up-to-date culinary narratives.
Neolokal: A Michelin-Starred Tribute to Anatolian Heritage
Located inside Salt Galata, Neolokal is one of Istanbul’s most celebrated fine-dining restaurants. Led by chef Maksut Aşkar, the restaurant builds its menu around the philosophy of “honest food”.
In 2023, Neolokal became one of the first restaurants in Türkiye to receive a Michelin Star, and it also earned the country’s first and only Michelin Green Star for its zero-waste, sustainability-focused approach.
Chef Maksut Aşkar draws inspiration from forgotten recipes, family traditions, and the rich culinary heritage of Anatolia. By reinterpreting dishes passed down from previous generations, Neolokal aims to preserve these flavors for the future while presenting them in a contemporary, creative way.
The result is a timeless dining experience that blends tradition with innovation, offering guests a unique and sustainable fine-dining journey that connects the past, present, and future of Turkish cuisine.
Mürver: A Fire-Inspired Culinary Journey with a Bosphorus View
Perched on the top floor of Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus, Mürver offers one of the most creative and contemporary dining experiences in Karaköy. The restaurant is guided by a unique philosophy centered on the element of fire, which burns continuously — summer or winter — as the heart of the open kitchen.
Chef Mevlüt Özkaya, who takes inspiration from his grandmother’s cooking, crafts a menu where local ingredients and traditional techniques meet modern culinary creativity. The dishes celebrate the bounty of the sea, the richness of the soil, and the produce of Anatolia, enhanced with the aromas of carefully selected local herbs.
Mürver is not only about the food — it’s about the entire experience. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine list and a creative cocktail menu, making it an ideal destination for food lovers who want to pair their meal with exceptional drinks while enjoying stunning Bosphorus views.
GALLADA: Fatih Tutak’s Silk Road-Inspired Culinary Voyage
Türkiye’s first and only two-Michelin-starred chef, Fatih Tutak, opens the doors to two exceptional dining venues at The Peninsula Istanbul. At GALLADA, Tutak crafts a menu that follows the symbolic journey of The Peninsula Hotel — from its beginnings in 1928 overlooking Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to today on the shores of the Istanbul Bosphorus.
The menu is inspired by the Silk Road, featuring creative sharing plates and standout dumplings. Signature dishes range from Adana Kebab Mantı to items cooked over an open wood fire, blending flavors of the East and West in a contemporary way.
With its inventive menu, stylish setting, and stunning waterfront location, GALLADA offers one of the most distinctive culinary experiences in Istanbul for food lovers seeking something truly special.
Muutto: A Revolutionary Take on Anatolian Cuisine
Muutto brings a revolutionary approach to Istanbul’s culinary scene by turning the concept of a manifesto into its own “menu-festo.” The restaurant focuses on storytelling through food, creating a dining experience that is both meaningful and memorable.
Led by chef Umut Karakuş — a globally recognized name known for representing Anatolian cuisine in London — Muutto reinterprets the flavors of Anatolia in a tapas-style format, making shared plates the highlight of its menu. Forgotten recipes from past generations are reimagined with modern techniques and carried into the future.
Known for its street food and meze bar concept, Muutto is expanding rapidly, with four restaurants set to open across Istanbul. For food lovers looking for a social, vibrant, and contemporary way to experience Turkish cuisine, Muutto is an exciting addition to the city’s ever-evolving food scene.
Serica: Celebrating the Roots of Anatolian Flavors
Serica takes diners on a journey through the culinary heritage of Türkiye, crafting a seasonal menu that digs deep into the roots of the many cultures that have coexisted on these lands for centuries.
Chef Yiğit Alıcıoğlu focuses on turning geographically indicated local ingredients into the star of each plate. His approach highlights the entire journey of the ingredient — from the soil where it grows to its final presentation at the table.
Bringing together the flavors of the Aegean, Black Sea, Central Anatolia, and Southeastern Anatolia regions, Serica offers a fresh, modern interpretation of Türkiye’s diverse gastronomic traditions, resulting in a dining experience that is both rooted in history and forward-looking.
Octo: Local Seafood Meets a Panoramic Bosphorus View
Located on the ninth floor of JW Marriott Bosphorus, Octo offers a spectacular dining experience where the Bosphorus view meets a menu that celebrates local seafood.
Michelin inspectors describe chef Jorge Lavos Costa’s Portugal-inspired creations as natural, distinctive, and reflective of the spirit of the times. Once again featured in the Michelin Guide this year, Octo continues to evolve under the culinary direction of chef Murat Taşdemir, who blends world cuisine with Turkish culinary roots, guided by a philosophy of perfectionism.
Octo is also a proud recipient of multiple honors from the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, including recognition as a Luxury Seafood Restaurant and for having the Best Panoramic View — making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers and anyone seeking a refined Bosphorus dining experience.