Türkiye: Ancient Roads, Diverse Culinary Traditions at Lokanta 1741, Pandeli, Aheste

"Set within a historic cistern in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, this Bib Gourmand address has a reputation not only for its dishes but also for its cocktails and wine selection. Young chef Didem Çetin channels the city’s dynamic spirit, reinterpreting traditions with local ingredients—turning topik into a unique dish or uniting calamari and raki on a single plate—while blending experience from Spain and the USA with the Southeast Anatolian culinary culture inherited from her family. Her play with textures yields a minor symphony of crisp, crunchy sensations in every bite. Since 2015 the restaurant has embraced “innovation within permanence,” surprising guests yet prioritizing pleasure; joy in the atmosphere is palpable, and the space unfolds beyond its modest exterior with interconnected rooms. Inspired by the gastronomic heritage of İstanbul and Türkiye, the menu changes frequently with the seasons, appealing to food lovers seeking new culinary experiences." - Le Guide MICHELIN