Turkey has a rich culinary culture that has been evolving for centuries, and today's chefs and restaurants are taking Turkish cuisine to new heights. From traditional dishes with modern twists to innovative fusion cuisine, Turkey has a lot to offer foodies from around the world. Here are some of the top chefs and restaurants in Turkey, known for their innovative approaches to Turkish cuisine.
A pioneer in the field of contemporary Turkish cuisine, Mehmet Gürs is the owner and head chef of Istanbul's famous Mikla Restaurant. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative presentation, Gürs has earned Mikla a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.
Mikla Restaurant address: Asmalı Mescit, The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Number: (0212) 293 56 56
Known for his dedication to preserving traditional Turkish cuisine, Musa Dağdeviren is the owner and head chef of the restaurants Çiya Sofrası and Çiya Kebap in Istanbul. Dağdeviren is a leading authority on regional Turkish cooking, and his restaurants are renowned for their authentic flavors and dishes.
Çiya Sofrası address: Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Number: (0216) 418 51 15
With a massive following on social media, Chef CZN Burak has become one of the most famous chefs in Turkey and around the world. His restaurant, Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası, in Istanbul serves traditional dishes from the Hatay region with a modern twist.
Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası addres: Nisbetiye, Nisbetiye Cd No:18, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Number: (0212) 325 31 31
Better known as 'Salt Bae,' Nusret Gökçe is a chef and restaurateur with several locations in Turkey and around the world. His signature style of flamboyant seasoning and tableside carving has made him a social media sensation, and his restaurants are popular among celebrities and foodies alike.
Nusr-et address: Etiler, Nisbetiye Cd No:87, 34337 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Number: (0212) 568 77 38
The owner and head chef of Istanbul's Neolokal restaurant, Maksut Aşkar is known for his innovative approach to Turkish cuisine. Aşkar takes traditional flavors and ingredients and transforms them into creative, modern dishes that surprise and delight diners.
Neolokal Restauran address: Arapcamii Mahı, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Number: 0551 447 45 45
The owner of the famous Hamdi Restaurant in Istanbul, Hamdi Arpacı is known for his traditional Turkish dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant's signature dish is the Iskender kebab, made with tender slices of lamb served over a bed of pita bread and topped with tomato sauce and yogurt.
Hamdi Restaurant addres: EMİNÖNÜ. Tahmis Cad. Kalçın Sokak No:11 Eminönü - İstanbul.
Number: +90 533 658 80 11
The owner and head chef of Ali Ocakbaşı in Istanbul, Ali Ronay is known for his traditional Turkish meat dishes cooked over an open flame. The restaurant's cozy, casual atmosphere and delicious food have made it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Ali Ocakbaşı address: Grifin Han, Tersane Caddesi, Kardeşim Sk. D:No:45, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Number: (0212) 293 10 11
The owner and head chef of Istanbul's Kantin restaurant, Şemsa Denizsel is known for her inventive, modern approach to Turkish cuisine. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a commitment to sustainability, Denizsel has earned Kantin a reputation