The Red Balloon Restoran & Bar

Restaurant · Asmali Mescit ·

The Red Balloon Restoran & Bar

Restaurant · Asmali Mescit ·

Michelin-recognized chef blends Asian, French, Aegean, Mediterranean flavors

Information

General Yazgan Sok, Asmalı Mescit, Giriş katı No: 6/1, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

₺2,000+

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

Türkiye: The Award-Winning Kitchen of a Young Chef, Ulaş Durmaz and The Red Balloon

"A restaurant in Istanbul where Chef Ulaş Durmaz showcases his creativity with dishes that blend Asian techniques with French methods and modernize classic Aegean and Mediterranean flavors. Known for its innovative fusion cuisine and commitment to sustainability, The Red Balloon offers a unique culinary experience." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/the-award-winning-kitchen-of-a-young-chef-ulas-durmaz-and-the-red-balloon

The Red Balloon Restoran & Bar

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"Chef Ulaş Durmaz sources ingredients as locally as possible to create Mediterranean dishes with a North Aegean twist. For example, he roasts squid from Babakale rendering it intensely aromatic, and he makes his mark by finishing the bold jus with fruity, crisp notes of tangerine. His creative approach and youthful enthusiasm give familiar flavours a new lease of life." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/istanbul-province/istanbul/restaurant/the-red-balloon

The Red Balloon restoran &Bar

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

The culinary scenes of İzmir and Bodrum make a brilliant entry in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide İstanbul, İzmir, Bodrum

"In conclusion, the MICHELIN Young Chef Award – in recognition of a promising young talent – goes to Ulaş Durmaz of the Bib Gourmand restaurant The Red Balloon in İstanbul." - MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/the-culinary-scenes-of-izmir-and-bodrum-make-a-brilliant-entry-in-the-2024-michelin-guide-istanbul-izmir-bodrum

The Red Balloon restoran &Bar

Ансар К.

Google

Yesterday I have tried the tasting menu and its steel on my tongue, incredible flavours and taste. Chef Kaan Acar is very kind and talented in creating new flavours, the atmosphere is amazing and very friendly. Loved vine pairing. The octopus and lamb liver on the menu is my favourites, such an amazing experience to taste new combinations in flavours. Highly recommended !

Oz S.

Google

We had the Tasting Menu (regular, there are also Vegan and Vegetarian). We also ordered the wine pairing. We were not disappointed! Each dish was packed with tiny explosions of flavor! The presentation was impeccable and very imaginative. As any good tasting menu, they took the time to explain each dish, explaining the flavor intricacies with care. I had the lamb sausage and lamb side, with the rice pudding. Well done!! PS- I forgot to take a photo of the menu!

Travel_leisures M.

Google

I never imagined we could have such an incredible experience in Istanbul. Everyone should discover this place and indulge in the amazing gourmet food available here. The chef is truly brilliant! Thank you for the wonderful and flavorful moments. We had the tasting menu, and every bite was exceptional.

kaya K.

Google

At this beautiful restaurant, we had the pleasure of experiencing the unique flavors of Istanbul and Türkiye in a truly flawless and professional manner. Through the tasting menus and carefully selected wine pairings, we explored exceptional flavors in a remarkable setting where a perfect atmosphere meets culinary excellence. I can sincerely say that the flavors you experience here will remain on your palate—and in your memory—for a lifetime. The chefs and the owners demonstrate outstanding professionalism, offering impeccable service while treating every guest with equal care and attention. The ambiance of the venue is nothing short of exceptional. This Michelin-listed restaurant is one I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul, and it is an experience you should absolutely make time for every time you are in the city. We would especially like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Pınar and the Red Balloon team for creating such a flawless dining experience. We wish this outstanding restaurant continued success and the same exceptional quality for all its guests.

Mr A.

Google

Plus: overall, food experience was awesome. Great atmosphere. It was very silent and loved it. The waitress who served us was very friendly. Minus: the lamb dish was very gamey, pungent and strong from the lamb odour which horrible for me as lamb lover. The dumpling gave me also extremely bitter taste, as if i bit lime seed directly. It was not pleasant. Besides, the other waitress looked very confused the whole time: confused as we arrived as guests like shocked, wasnt felt really welcome. Then he gave us non english menu tho we have spoken in english, furthermore, he gave us an empty bill box when we wanted to pay. He should get some rest to clear his mind.

Alessandro A.

Google

The Red Balloon has a stylish vibe and clearly puts effort into presentation and atmosphere. I really enjoyed the carpaccio—it was fresh and well-prepared. However, the calamari felt a bit stale, which took away from the overall experience. Also, while I appreciate the fine-dining approach, the portion sizes were a bit too minimal for my taste. Still, I see strong potential here and would consider coming back to try other dishes.

tara B.

Google

Very delicious fine dining experience. There is a tasting menu with matched wine selections. Beautifully served and explained each meal. I recommend the experience.

Sera İrvül P.

Google

The Red Balloon is a hidden gem in the bustling city of Istanbul, offering a serene and elegant dining experience in a lush garden setting. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a North Aegean twist, using fresh and local ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. The menu changes seasonally, but some of the highlights remain the same. The portions are generous and the presentation is impeccable, making every dish a feast for the eyes and the palate. The service is attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy and romantic. We came here with three girls for a night, and we had a wonderful time. The restaurant was full of couples and families, and the mood was festive and warm. Thank you!

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

Türkiye: The Award-Winning Kitchen of a Young Chef, Ulaş Durmaz and The Red Balloon

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/the-award-winning-kitchen-of-a-young-chef-ulas-durmaz-and-the-red-balloon

The Red Balloon Restoran & Bar

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

https://guide.michelin.com/en/istanbul-province/istanbul/restaurant/the-red-balloon

The Red Balloon restoran &Bar

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

The culinary scenes of İzmir and Bodrum make a brilliant entry in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide İstanbul, İzmir, Bodrum

"In conclusion, the MICHELIN Young Chef Award – in recognition of a promising young talent – goes to Ulaş Durmaz of the Bib Gourmand restaurant The Red Balloon in İstanbul." - MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/the-culinary-scenes-of-izmir-and-bodrum-make-a-brilliant-entry-in-the-2024-michelin-guide-istanbul-izmir-bodrum

The Red Balloon restoran &Bar

Ансар К.

Google

Oz S.

Google

Travel_leisures M.

Google

kaya K.

Google

Mr A.

Google

Alessandro A.

Google

tara B.

Google

Very delicious fine dining experience. There is a tasting menu with matched wine selections. Beautifully served and explained each meal. I recommend the experience.

Sera İrvül P.

Google

The Red Balloon Restoran & Bar

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Postcards

Media

Türkiye: The Award-Winning Kitchen of a Young Chef, Ulaş Durmaz and The Red Balloon

The culinary scenes of İzmir and Bodrum make a brilliant entry in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide İstanbul, İzmir, Bodrum

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Türkiye: The Award-Winning Kitchen of a Young Chef, Ulaş Durmaz and The Red Balloon

The culinary scenes of İzmir and Bodrum make a brilliant entry in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide İstanbul, İzmir, Bodrum