Yeniköy is this quiet spot up north in Istanbul where fancy boats hang out at the marina. The Bosphorus flows right by, and you can take a ferry to get there if you want the full Turkish experience. Araka sits tucked away on a tiny street called Kapalı Bakkal Sokak. This place got a Michelin star, which is pretty cool for a restaurant that feels like someone's house.

Key highlights:
- Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on seasonal Turkish ingredients
- Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir creates modern takes on local flavors
- Small intimate setting with cozy terrace away from city noise

PROFILE

Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir opened Araka back in 2017. She's all about using fresh stuff from different parts of Turkey and making them taste amazing. The restaurant got its Michelin star recently, which made some people super excited. Others think it's overrated, but that's how it goes with fancy food places. Araka means 'in between' in Turkish, which makes sense since it sits between traditional and modern cooking. The chef really loves working with vegetables and herbs more than most places.

AMBIENCE

This place feels like you're eating at your rich friend's house. The inside is small and cozy with just a few tables, so it never gets too loud or crazy. There's a back terrace where you can sit outside and forget you're in a huge city like Istanbul. The decor is simple but nice, nothing too fancy or trying too hard. Some people say it's too dark inside, which makes it hard to see your food properly. But others love the romantic vibe, especially couples who come for special dinners.

MUST-TRY

The warm olive salad gets mentioned a lot in reviews. People seem to really dig how the chef makes something simple taste special. Cucumber sea bass ceviche is another dish that shows up on people's favorites list. The chef does interesting things with fish that aren't your typical Turkish preparation. The pumpkin puree with za'atar sounds weird but apparently works really well. It comes with pickled vegetables and warm olives in some kind of spicy sauce. Grilled baby squid with mustard sauce is something the reviews mention as being really good. Not everyone expects great seafood at a place that focuses on vegetables.

FOOD

The menu changes based on what's in season, which means you might not get the same thing twice. This can be good or bad depending on if you liked something specific. They only have about 6-7 starters, 3-4 main dishes, and 3 desserts. Some people think this is too limited for a Michelin place, but others like the focused approach. The portions are kind of small, which some reviewers complain about. But that's pretty normal for fancy restaurants where you pay more for the experience. Sometimes dishes aren't available, which can be annoying if you went there specifically for something. The fish comes from farms, not wild caught, which disappointed some people.

SERVICE

The service gets mixed reviews depending on who you ask. Some say the staff is super friendly and makes you feel special, especially for birthdays. Others complain that the service doesn't match Michelin standards. A few reviews mention staff acting like they don't want customers there, which is pretty bad. The English skills of some staff members need work according to international visitors. This can make the whole experience feel less smooth if you don't speak Turkish. When the service is good, people say it feels relaxed and not pushy. No one rushes you through your meal, which is nice for a romantic dinner.

PRICING

This place is expensive, like really expensive. Three people can easily spend 5000 Turkish lira for dinner with wine. The wine list is small and costs way more than what you'd pay at a regular restaurant. Some reviews say wines are marked up 8 times their normal price. For a Michelin-starred place, the prices aren't totally crazy, but you're definitely paying for the reputation. Some people think it's worth it, others feel ripped off. There's no tasting menu, so you order individual dishes which can add up fast. This is different from most high-end restaurants that push multi-course experiences.

SUMMARY

Araka is one of those places that people either love or hate. The Michelin star brings expectations that not everyone thinks the restaurant meets. If you like creative vegetable dishes and don't mind paying a lot for small portions, you might enjoy it. The atmosphere is definitely nice for special occasions. The location in Yeniköy is pretty and peaceful, which adds to the experience. Just don't expect perfection in every aspect of your visit. Some reviewers say it's one of the best meals they've had in Istanbul. Others call it a complete disappointment and waste of money.

FAQs

Do they have a tasting menu?
No, Araka doesn't offer a tasting menu. You order individual dishes from their small a la carte menu, which some people find limiting for a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Is it hard to get a reservation?
It depends on when you want to go. Some reviewers were surprised they could get weekend tables, while others suggest booking ahead. The restaurant is small so tables fill up quickly during peak times.

What's the dress code?
The restaurant doesn't specify a dress code, but since it's Michelin-starred and expensive, most people dress up a bit. The atmosphere is romantic and upscale, so casual nice clothes would work fine.