Michelin Guide Istanbul: Bib Gourmand

Michelin Guide Istanbul

Discover and book 10 restaurants selected by the MICHELIN Guide

Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

Cuma

• Firuzağa Mahallesi, Çukur Cuma Caddesi No:53/A, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, 34425, Türkiye
• ₺ · Mediterranean Cuisine

A stroll through the trendy Çukurcuma district, famous for its antique shops, should certainly include a visit to Cuma. At this cosy establishment with a fabulous terrace at the front you can enjoy both a traditional Turkish breakfast and a Mediterranean-inspired lunch or dinner. Seasonal produce is shown off to its best advantage in tapas such as sea bass ceviche, in richly garnished pizzettas, tasty pasta dishes etc. Everyone is sure to find something to their liking here, and it’s all very good value.

Karaköy Lokantası

• Kemankeş Mahallesi, Kemankeş Caddesi No:57, Karaköy/Beyoğlu, Istanbul, 34425, Türkiye
• ₺₺ · Turkish Cuisine

Beautifully light hummus and tzatziki, crispy dumplings with yoghurt sauce, lamb börek… With a selection of 80 mezze, a whole host of sharing platters and other traditional dishes, you’re spoilt for choice. This is understandably a popular place, where the quiet terrace and sea blue tiled wall are a feast for the eyes. Delicious food and great value for money!

Aheste

• Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Caddesi No:107/F, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, 34430, Türkiye
• ₺₺ · Turkish Cuisine

Leave the Pera district behind as you step into this trendy bistro, then head to the romantic dining space under the vaults. This restaurant has plenty of character and will immediately win you over with its modern take on mezze. On the menu are Turkish specialities, including grilled lamb heart, and in-vogue (also vegetarian) options, such as an original creation based on four preparations of rice.

Tershane

• Arap Cami Mahallesi, Tersane Caddesi No:24, Karaköy/Beyoğlu, Hotel Momento 8th Floor (8. kat), Istanbul, 34420, Türkiye
• ₺₺ · Turkish Cuisine

Fancy experiencing the contemporary version of Istanbul? Then head to the eighth floor of Hotel Momento. Its large windows afford views of the city’s historic skyline, and the sexy decor shimmers around you. Everything here revolves around mezze, kebabs and grilled lamb. Thanks to the open kitchen, you can see before your very eyes how these taste sensations are expertly prepared. Generous, spicy, creamy, robust: a true Turkish feast.

Pandeli

• Rüstempaşa Mahallesi, Balık Pazarı Kapısı Sokağı No:1/2, Mısır Çarşısı İçi 1 D:2, Eminönü/Fatih, Istanbul, 34116, Türkiye
• ₺ · Turkish, Traditional Cuisine

Take the stairs to the first floor above the Egyptian bazaar and marvel at the characteristically Turkish decor with its blue mosaics on the walls and historical cachet. The chef resolutely sticks to traditional Turkish dishes: think grilled aubergine salad, wood-fired spicy chicken, roast lamb with rice, to name but a few. A firm favourite!

SADE Beş Denizler Mutfağı

• Teşvikiye Mahallesi, Akkavak Sokak No:36, Şişli, Istanbul, 34365, Türkiye
• ₺ · Traditional Cuisine

The never-ending hustle and bustle of the lively Nişantaşı neighbourhood is what characterises this cosy establishment. Locals and international diners come here for either a quick bite or a substantial dinner with friends. Genuine Turkish hospitality and great value for money are the biggest draws of SADE Beş Denizler Mutfağı. Anatolian delicacies such as spicy beef tongue salad with chilli and manti (Turkish ravioli) served with potato, kokoretsi meat and yoghurt are celebrated here with the generosity you would expect. No fuss, just rich flavours you won’t be able to get enough of.

Giritli

• Yenigüvey Sokak No:9, Cankurtaran/Fatih, Istanbul, 34122, Türkiye
• ₺₺ · Turkish, Traditional Cuisine

In summer, Giritli welcomes you to its atmospheric terrace, where the kitchen is also located. If the weather lets you down, you can always cross the street to the Mediterranean-style restaurant. Be sure to try the enticing mezze menu (drinks included), which inventively showcases traditional flavours. Fresh produce, seasoned to perfection, is generously proportioned… a real feast!

Alaf

• Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme Caddesi No:19, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, 34345, Türkiye
• ₺₺ · Turkish, Modern Cuisine

Alaf is a vibrant restaurant with a great cocktail bar on the roof terrace. Chef Deniz cooks up cuisine with various influences: sometimes it is inspired by the Yörük, sometimes it is Anatolian, the list goes on. Courtesy of the wood-fired oven he enthusiastically melds authenticity with modern techniques. A diverse journey of discovery for your taste buds!

Aman da Bravo

• Bebek Mahallesi, Bebeköy Sokak No:5, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, 34342, Türkiye
• ₺₺ · Modern Cuisine, Contemporary

The laid-back, upscale atmosphere and trendy terrace give Aman da Bravo a certain Côte d’Azur feel. This is the place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover Turkiye’s answer to modern bistronomy. The dishes are based on local produce, international influences and a handful of ingredients that pack a punch. Think locally caught horse mackerel fillet, seared to perfection and topped with an oyster sauce that gets an extra kick from the addition of fish stock, accompanied by a cauliflower puree made with coconut milk for optimum creaminess. Intensity at its finest!

Calipso Fish

• Küçükyalı Sahil, Cumhuriyet Caddesi No:2, Küçükyalı/Maltepe, Istanbul, 34840, Türkiye
• ₺₺ · Seafood

Istanbul residents come to this sun-drenched restaurant to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The waiters give expert advice on the wide selection of mezze in the display fridge – the salads are beautifully fragrant! And that’s just the beginning, because the traditional preparation methods accentuate the rich flavours of super fresh fish and seafood shellfish.

Are you ready for an adventure filled with amazing destinations and flavors that will make your journey unforgettable? Breathtaking landscapes, historical riches, and unique cultures from all around the world are waiting for you. If you’re a culinary enthusiast, get ready to explore exquisite flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From vibrant street markets to meticulously crafted restaurants, a diverse array of tastes from global cuisines awaits you. Every moment, every dish tells a story. Are you ready to hit the road? Because this journey will not only take you to fantastic places but also provide an unforgettable feast for your palate. If you’re ready, let’s start exploring and embark on this magnificent journey together!