Three Istanbul restaurants that made an impression on our inspectors

"Set in the historic former National Ottoman Bank building—now home to the Salt Galata cultural institution—this vibrant restaurant bridges old and new with early Art Nouveau details preserved and respectfully brought into the 21st century. We were greeted by the buzz of a state-of-the-art kitchen before ascending a wooden staircase to a minimalist upper dining room enlivened by a colorful bar. A table on the spacious terrace is an absolute must, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views over Galata’s rooftops and the minarets of Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, offering a serene sense of remove from the bustle. On the plate, an original medley of old recipes highlights a commitment to sustainability and local suppliers, letting Istanbul put its best foot forward." - MICHELIN Guide