Yeni Lokanta

We came here for our first honeymoon dinner after a friend recommended. It was incredible. Off a busy street on a Monday night it is an oasis of calm and cool. We had the 9 course tasting menu: every course a wonder - especially the meat courses (although my wife said the vegetable courses edged it for her) and the goats cheese with walnut honey. The service was excellent - quiet and constantly attentive without being intrusive. We’d recommend trying the local Turkish wines- they added something different and tasty to the experience. 10/10

Incredible food, classy interior and professionally charismatic service from our great waiter Orhan! We did the 7 course tasting menu and loved everything, the lamb, dessert and dumplings stood out as favorites. Pricey but worth it, a real culinary experience in a fun part of Istanbul.

The restaurant is a gem in Istanbul! The food is modern, comforting, delicious, high-quality and a delightful experience. The wine selection is a perfectly curated example of amazing wines at decent prices. My visit was perfect in every way. The atmosphere of the restaurant was immediately welcoming and relaxing. I loved the lighting, which was low, but strategically placed lights made sure I could see my friends and the food. We did not sit at the bar, but it was a beautiful design. We did sample a cocktail, which was expertly made. The servers were knowledgeable and extremely respectful and polite. I had a marvellous time and will look to visiting again when I return to Istanbul. In the meantime, I am planning a trip to the London restaurant.

Sometimes well-reviewed restaurants are simply over-hyped and underwhelming. Yeni Lokanta deserves every bit of the attention...and more. I ate at several amazing restaurants in Istanbul, yet this is the only one that made me stop in the middle of my meal to begin a review! Let me start by giving a shout-out to the absolutely delightful service from beginning to end. Nevin was my server, and she made the evening special from beginning to end. I also need stress that the space and vibe is anything but pretentious. It's adorable - the kind of place that makes you want to stay a while. It's not a big place - small enough to be intimate and yet large enough to fit about 10 tables plus bar seating. There's soft music blending into the background, just below the level of friends having fun conversation over incredible food. The front door remains open on a beautiful late summer night, which provides a fresh breeze through the restaurant. And while it is located in the very popular Beyoglu, Yeni tucked away on a little side street. It's...perfect. I opted for the seven course tasting menu, and the restaurant was nice enough to accommodate one modification for me due to not eating prawns. I ordered a glass (and soon to be two!) of an amazing 2024 Kavaklidere Cotes d' Avanos Sauvignon Blanc wine...and that has me searching the US wine distributors already. A delicious, freshly baked round açma pastry began the night with garlic butter, and then the first course was a beef manti (Turkish dumpling) in the most delicious, flavor-packed sauce. Wow. I wanted to dive into that bowl! The second course combined morel mushrooms with hummus, capers and pieces of crispy maraș tarhana (a fermented wheat cracker). Absolutely delicious. Next was an incredible salad (substitution) comprised of green apples, plums, arugula and almonds, tossed perfectly in a vibrant lemon and olive oil dressing and sweet chili sprinkled throughout. Oh...My... And when it couldn't get any better, my 7 course meal became an 8 course meal! Navine really wanted me to try this beautifully balanced and unique blend of artichokes, strawberries, peas, mint and pureed fava beans. It was so flavorful yet light and refreshing.👌 Next up was a plate of stewed tomatoes with watermelon and a sour cherry puree. While I am not the biggest fan of tomatoes, this dish was playful and bold - using the similar colors of all three main ingredients that very different flavors, blended together in a refreshing twist! Next was a really interesting balance of textures and flavors: a warm eggplant, tulum cheese, dried figs and almonds with some sort of sauce underneath that I don't know. I was worried the strength of the cheese would overpower the eggplant, but it did not. It worked! The crunchiness of the almonds also added depth to the dish unexpectedly. Well done! And the star of the show: a slow (perfectly) cooked lamb neck with sea beans (a long,thin green vegetable that was new to me) and oyster mushrooms in a tarhana soup (based in yogurt and flour with spices). This was superb. The three pieces of baklava did not make me decline the final dessert course, a katmer (flaky pastry) with pistachio and coconut ice cream. Just enough sweetness to creat the final sense of balance to an absolutely wonderful meal. And now I need a nap. :) If you're traveling to Istanbul and need a special dinner that doesn't completely break the bank (a 7 course meal, without drinks, for under $100) and remains vibrant, this is your spot. Don't hesitate for one minute!

The food was impeccable and we loved every bite. It was everything I was hoping for, the flavour combos were exciting. Our waitress didn’t speak great English but we connected with her over the Turkish wine which she was passionate about. The wines were fantastic. My only notes would be that our welcome was luke warm (but maybe that’s just European hospitality…?) and they allowed smokers just outside the front door which was wide open. However this kind of also added to the Istanbul vibe….when in Rome etc etc. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our 7 course menu at Yeni

Brilliant fine dining experience in Beyoglu, offering a great take on Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. We had the 7 course tasting menu and found every dish to be exquisite, levelling up the traditional Turkish flavours and ingredients, the Lamb being a particular favourite. The Turkish wine (dry white, can't remember the bottle) was also very good, rivalling any decent bottle of white from France/NZ, etc. Staff were extremely knowledgeable and welcoming, and were very accommodating to our delay due to transport issues. A fantastic experience, whilst visiting from the UK, which left such a good impression, we will definitely try their restaurant in London. Highly recommended!

An unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Istanbul! Yeni Lokanta truly lives up to its Michelin reputation. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with warm, elegant decor and a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and incredibly welcoming. Every dish we tried was a beautiful fusion of traditional Turkish flavors with a modern twist. The presentation was flawless, and the taste—absolutely divine. The appetizers alone could be a meal, and the cocktails? Easily some of the best in the city. Make sure to reserve ahead—this gem fills up quickly, especially in the evening. A perfect spot for a romantic night out, a special celebration, or simply treating yourself to something memorable. Can't wait to return. Bravo to the entire Yeni Lokanta team!

WOW. I never, ever give 5 star reviews but this place knocked me out of my seat. Amazing food from start to finish. Seriously unfaultable. Experimental, fresh, delicious - I’ll be thinking about these dishes for a while.

Best manti ever, im trying the testing menu awesome! Also the services and staff very kind.

Loved the drinks, the service, the atmosphere, the food! Love the name... ;) Great for a date and a gathering with friends. Great for just about any life event. Treat yourself to their fabulous drinks and explore the menu. I'll definite be back.

Great good and presentations. Great ambience and friendly servers. Service was good. Recommend it!!

Yeni Lokanta, located just off the popular İstiklal Street, offers modernized Turkish cuisine with a creative twist. The service was excellent--attentive to every detail, from wiping crumbs to refilling water. The sommelier also gave a fantastic wine recommendation, which perfectly complemented the meal. The appetizer courses were the highlight of the meal. The manti stood out with its beefy, umami-packed filling and delicious sauce. I also loved the morel mushroom dish, the components worked together perfectly and the capers were a great touch for a burst of flavor. The mains were also very creative, though at times I felt like there was too much going on. The eggplant course, for example, had too many strong flavors competing on the plate. For the final main, the lamb was delicious, it was perfectly cooked and I loved the hedgehog mushrooms. Though, I would have preferred a leaner cut since all of the courses were very creamy and rich. Finally, the desserts were ok, perhaps just not for my palate. I didn't really like the taste of the tonka-flavored rice pudding. Overall, it was a great dinner that did a good job of highlighting traditional flavors in an elevated way. Would definitely recommend!

We had a reservation for 8pm but were late due to a road closing and they didn't give us any issues about getting our table. We were seated at the table next to the window directly to the left of the front door. I wanted to try the tasting menu but the entire table has to do it and my friends wanted to split some items instead. All our food items were delightful and this restaurant had certainly earned its Michelin bib gourmand designation! The inside of the restaurant has a nice cozy ambiance. I would definitely go back to try their tasting menu if I was back in Istanbul!

Simply, a tourist trap. Cannot remember the last time I was ripped off to this magnitude. We had the nine course tasting menu and it came out to about 3,300 Turkish lira or about $130 per person. That's not an outrageous price for a tasting menu, but the food here should have cost a third of the price. In retrospect, the first course epitomized the entire experience. It was one dumpling (pelmeni/manti) with some tahini sauce. This was the kind of dumpling you can buy a two pounds for about $10 in New York. I joked to my wife that it was the most expensive pelmeni we've ever had. It's now clear the joke was on me. I've experimented many times putting various sauces on dumpings at home. Does that qualify me as a fine dining chef? Admittedly, I've never put tahini sauce on pelmeni. Interesting idea? Sure. Not the level of ingenuity I'd expect at this price point. It's the creativity I'd expect from a street vendor selling a entire bowl filled with dumplings for $5-10. Overall, if the food was priced properly, I'd rate it four stars. All the food was good, but the meal was overshadowed by the unreasonable cost. Service was attentive, but I would have greatly appreciated some hint that we should have considered items in lieu of the tasting menu. Atmosphere was modern and casual; however, it was not a fine dining location. There were two gendered, single occupancy restrooms. Accepts credit cards.

Focused on re-envisioned Turkish delicacies, lighter and more balanced than those on nearby Istikal Caddesi, Yeni Lokanta has found itself on many "lists" despite a casual approach that focuses on local Ingredients and traditional techniques. Conidered a "Tavern" in Beyoğlu, though the relaxed atmosphere still comes with great service, Chef Civan Er mans a wood-fired oven that produces plates focused mainly on Vegetables though Meats are also utilized across both a la carte and Tasting Menus. Offering mostly Anatolian Wines, a second location in London spreading Er's name and reputation, it is beginning with Bread that the 1,950 Lira journey progresses to traditional Mantı Dumplings followed by slow-cooked Beets with Cherries, Nuts and Cheese. Committed to seasonality with Eggplant, aged Port and Figs course four places housemade Lamb Sausage next to a dollop of smoky Yogurt balanced by Grapes and Molasses with just a hint of acid. Almost Italian with Fennel and Citrus Salad, a pair of Prawns to follow finding themselves amplified by Carrots and complex aromatics, Lamb Neck finishes savories with tender flesh plus crispy bits juxtaposing Mushrooms and Spinach kissed by Tamarind. Served complimentary Tea with Dessert, both portions and quality outpacing Michelin-starred neolocal or Mikla, Yeni Lokanta's Desserts include golden Phyllo with Pistachios plus Coconut Ice Cream and masterful Rice Pudding lent complexity by Raspberries, Nuts and Pismaniye.

The pairing menu was spectacular. The first plate with the manti was perfect. The second was something new....and it kept going from there. Great service and one of the best meals I've had in a long time.

Beautiful, soulful Turkish food simply yet elegantly prepared with a modern touch. Every dish was exquisite, with such a depth of flavors -- we truly savored our experience and will be sure to return when we are next in Istanbul. Thank you.

If you know anything about good food, not even specifically talking about fine dining here, but just good food, then this place is not for you. We've had some amazing meals in our lives, and some not so great as well, but I've never wanted to ask for my money (and calories) back after eating a meal like I did at this restaurant. This place failed in so many ways, it's not even funny. We decided to go for their "tasting menu" for two, which isn't anything like a true tasting menu you would expect at any other respectable restaurant. The menu consisted of 8 appetizer size dishes served on one plate to be shared by two people, except for the first one where we got literally two small plates with one tiny manti (Turkish ravioli) each, almost as an amuse-bouche. There were 2 desserts, also to be shared. I won't even go into too much detail about each dish mainly because there was nothing to rave about, but I will make notable mention of some of the ridiculous food we got served to highlight how badly they failed. First, there was absolutely nothing modern, refined, unique or creative about their food. In fact the flavors, ingredients and the ways they put those together on a plate were completely incongruent. They made too much use of fried ingredients, like for example the bland deep fried potato croquette containing an egg yolk, on top the steak tartar. Also, who deep fries stuffed grape leaves and thinks it's a good idea? or deep fries a slab of goat cheese and serves it as an actual dish? All of these dishes made no sense whatsoever. They didn't even taste good. It's almost like they were trying so hard to be creative and unique but failed at conceptualization. However, the icing on the cake was really the last dish of the evening, the single prawn dish. We literally got one miserable prawn (actually more like a medium sized shrimp) to be shared by two people! Who does that?! It was utterly unacceptable and actually kinda disrespectful to serve such a dish and expect this to be ok. At 680 TL for the meal, which is extremely pricey for Turkey, this was not a splurge, it was a total rip off. Additionally, for the prices they charge, the service was sub par. This whole experience was memorable but in all of the wrong ways and actually it will probably go down in the books as one of the worse meals (if not the worse) we've ever had. If this restaurant truly wants to offer anything remotely close to a fine dining experience, then they have a lot of work to do.

I love to experience fine dining abroad. While on holiday in Istanbul, I used Time Out Istanbul to navigate their culinary scene to discover this unique treasure in the district called Beyoglu off of famous Istiklal Caddessi. It is the European-isk avenue that spans from Taskim Square to Galata Tower. Hidden in a side street, it is not too far where you feel you are going into uncharted territory. We asked our concierge at the hotel we stayed in the Sultanamet if he could make reservations for us. We attempt once for an initial date, but couldn't get our first choice. Our second option was honored. Think of this place as elevated Turkish cuisine with modern flair. The romantic setting evokes a sexiness that helps wet the appetite for food to come. From my understanding, the menu is new everyday and food is sourced locally to capture to essence of Turkey. We enjoyed meze (3 small plated appetizers - see posted photos) and my spouse and I enjoyed an entree each. I am carnivorous, so I indulged in Lamb Shanks. The memorable parts of the meal were the profound bites of food that made this foodie quiver: the bite of sweet-bitter-fermented mint that accompanied the lamb shanks, the smooth texture of the hummus, the briny taste of the tamarind-pepper combo, and the consistent texture of the watercress salad. When asked by a local we met and chatted with about where to eat, they suggested this location. As a tourist, there is no greater praise to give a restaurant than that.

Don't think price, think divine food experience. It'll set you back $30-$50 per person for a most amazing culinary journey, including fine Turkish wines and dessert. A lot in Istanbul, but in any other city a steal for this level of experience. The tasting menu is a great introduction, but the real orgasmic surprises are ordering a la carte. The waitstaff is totally knowledgeable with spot-on level of service. The ambiance is unpretentious, quiet, jazz and soft light. A good place to connect to WiFi, if alone. A good place to stare into the eyes of your partner, if not. Can't go wrong.

We were thrilled with Yeni's tasting menu. So many courses offered. Just when we thought that nothing could top the last item, out came another unusually delicious dish. There were so many courses that kept us busy eating for two solid hours! The service was excellent and attentive and the ambience was elegant but not too formal.

A fine experience from reservation to the check. Had hummus, tamarind rice and pine nut stuffed oven roasted peppers, watercress salad, and aubergine dumplings in yogurt sauce. All worth ordering. Lovely fresh soda-ginger-apple-mint! Refreshing and lively. The bread would have been better grilled or fresh. Toasted as it was dried it a little too much for the fairly thick slices. Made enjoying the hummus a too big bite! The watercress salad was perfect. Would not alter anything about that. GREAT service, thank you Mr. Serkan K.

Great food for sure, no doubt there, unfortunately the worst possible service by far. We waited for an hour and a half...and for what they charge, unacceptable. Never again.

If this establishment were in San Francisco, there would be a line around the block every night of the week. We enjoyed the tasting menu for two, but one of us was vegetarian. The manager did not hesitate to make an accommodation. The staff was superb, and the wine selection was brilliant. Oh, and the tastes. Across all dishes, the subtleties of spices and textures were exciting and delicious. We were lucky to have found this gem on the hill.

This place is a must-stop if you're a foodie looking for a more refined dining experience in Istanbul. We ate here half way through our trip so it was a perfectly timed break from very traditional Turkish cuisine. Service was excellent. Servers spoke great English - not that it is required, but it does make a meal like this more pleasant since you're together for a few hours and the dishes often can use some explaining. Highlights... the dumpling. Dear Lord, it was in the most amazing savory sauce. Mmmmmm. Octopus was also excellent. Everything overall was good. We shared a nice bottle of Turkish wine as well. Bill was about $90USD per person including our wine, excluding tip. It felt like an appropriate price for the meal.

We really enjoyed the food in Turkey, and this restaurant was the best place we ate in Istanbul. Comparatively, this place is a bit of a splurge but well worth it. (Much better than Mikla) The food had a slightly modern twist and the service was excellent. The phone apps can give you very odd directions, but it is essentially just off istikal, down a steep side street just a few steps.

Found this through Spotted by Locals app recommendation. Absolutely excellent dishes, amazing service, lovely ambience. Modernized Turkish dishes with increased level of elegance. A great dining experience. Upscale with good prices.

Yeni Lokanta was on my list of places to go for a long time. I tried calling a bunch of times and they were booked for 2 weeks ahead of time. Finally the star's aligned and I got a reservation. Man was I not disappointed. Great set menu with food galore. Elegant, great service and amazing food. Though pricey for two people (not sure why YELP has it as only two dollar signs) it was well worth it. I will go back again, and definitely bring guest's that are visiting Istanbul to this great establishment.

Unique foodie destination - modern Turkish food, refined, fresh baked bread. Loved the wine. Portions were large. Highlight was the bass. Too many smoked items for my tastes. I felt slightly rushed. This would do very well in SF.

The worst food ever. Small portions prices outside are different from what you pay. Never again the washrooms extremely dirty with no water. Absolute rubbish

This is an excellent place to taste modernised Turkish cuisine. Reservation is a must. I have eaten many different kinds of food and they were all full of surprises and excellent. I highly suggest it. It was recently selected as the best new restaurant in town by a newspaper.

This can easily be our favorite restaurant in Istanbul. Great food, fresh ingredients, nice ambience, good service... Every time we go there, we leave fully satisfied. 5 star!

Truly I had not understood the epicure's delight before dining at yeni lokanta, but it upraised me to previously unfathomable heights of hedonism. I left the place knowing neither what I ate nor drank, yet I knew ineffable satisfaction.

This place is amazing. You do need a reservation because it is small and located in a very popular neighborhood. The drinks are great, particularly a cocktail with vodka, apple and mint... Mezes are delicious and good for sharing. Very enjoyable and the service was extraordinary!

Fantastic. The menu apparently changes somewhat regularly, but everything we tried (party of 4 and sharing dishes) was great. Amazing selection of first plates. The sausage was especially tasty. We struggled to find room for desert, but so glad we did. The 'rice pudding' isn't your standard texture but well worth the experience. Highly recommended.

Amazing food, amazing service. Ordered the Meza plate w a variety of everything! Needed reservations even on a Monday. Must stop for great Turkish food.