Istanbul's Kuruçeşme district sits along the Bosphorus, where European and Asian cultures mix daily. The waterfront neighborhood buzzes with trendy spots and old Turkish charm. Inari Omakase opened here in 2016, bringing Japanese flavors to this historic area. Chef Aycan Akdağ wanted to create something different from regular sushi spots. The restaurant got noticed pretty fast. It made Turkey's top 10 list in 2020 and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024.

Key highlights:
- Modern Japanese restaurant with Turkish influences and Bosphorus views
- Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient with 20-course tasting menu option
- Four locations across Istanbul with different vibes and specialties

PROFILE

Aycan Akdağ studied in San Francisco before coming back to Turkey. He ate at tons of Asian restaurants during his time in America. That experience made him want to bring better Japanese food to Istanbul. He started with a fish restaurant in 2011, then opened Arşipel Sushi in 2012. After closing that place, he launched Inari Omakase with a fresh concept. The name comes from the Japanese fox deity associated with rice and prosperity. The restaurant now has four spots around Istanbul. Each location has its own personality and target crowd.

AMBIENCE

The Kuruçeşme location feels like two different restaurants. During the day, it's chill and quiet with natural light streaming in. At night, DJs spin music and the energy gets more clubby. The design mixes retro American diner vibes with modern Japanese touches. You'll see 1950s-style seating next to parasol-shaped lights. It sounds weird but somehow works. There's a small chef's table where you can watch the action. The regular dining room fits about 70 people after the 2023 renovation. Valet parking is available, which is nice in this busy area.

MUST-TRY

The ponzu-marinated salmon sashimi gets mentioned a lot in reviews. The tangy marinade gives the fish a different flavor than regular sashimi. Duck tataki with tofu purée is another favorite. The 20-course tasting menu at the chef's table is the full experience. It starts at $25, which is pretty reasonable for an omakase. Regular à la carte items average around $20 per person. Their cocktail program is strong too. The drinks menu has both classic and creative options. Some reviewers weren't impressed with certain cocktails, but most seem to enjoy them.

FOOD

The kitchen mixes traditional Japanese techniques with local Turkish ingredients. You'll find classic nigiri and sashimi alongside more creative fusion dishes. Tempura and teppanyaki are also on the menu. Quality seems to be hit or miss based on reviews. Some people call it the best sushi in Istanbul. Others complain about fabricated rolls and poor execution. The restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients when possible. They claim to focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Rice quality and fish freshness vary according to different diners' experiences. Some signature dishes include deep-fried squid rings with lime zest and wasabi mayo. Hot rolls are popular too. The menu changes seasonally to reflect available ingredients.

SERVICE

Service reviews are all over the place. Some diners praise the staff for being attentive and knowledgeable. Others complain about long waits between courses and attitude problems. One reviewer mentioned a 30-minute gap between dishes during their omakase. The operations manager eventually came over to explain the delay. That kind of timing issue can really mess up the flow of a meal. The restaurant takes reservations, which is smart since it gets busy. Walk-ins might have to wait, especially on weekends. Staff seems to know their stuff about the menu and can make recommendations.

PRICING

Prices are reasonable for fine dining in Istanbul. The average cost per person is around $20 for regular dining. The tasting menu starts at $25, which is a good deal for omakase. Some reviewers think the prices are too high for the quality they received. Others feel it's fair for the location and experience. Turkish fine dining can be expensive, so this falls in the middle range. The restaurant accepts major credit cards and cash. Tipping is expected but not mandatory. Most diners seem to think the value is decent if you order the right things.

SUMMARY

Inari Omakase is trying to do something different in Istanbul's dining scene. The concept of mixing Japanese and Turkish flavors is interesting. Execution seems inconsistent based on reviews. The location is great if you want Bosphorus views with your meal. The atmosphere changes throughout the day, so timing matters. If you like quieter dining, go for lunch. The restaurant has gotten some serious recognition from food guides. That suggests they're doing something right. But individual experiences vary quite a bit. Your mileage may vary depending on what you order and when you visit. It's worth trying if you're curious about Japanese-Turkish fusion.

FAQs

Do I need a reservation at Inari Omakase?
Yes, reservations are recommended especially for dinner service. The restaurant gets busy and walk-ins might face long waits. You can call them at +90 212 265 96 01 to book a table.

What's the difference between lunch and dinner service?
Lunch is quieter and more relaxed with natural lighting. Dinner service features live DJs and a more energetic atmosphere. The food menu is the same, but the vibe is completely different.

Is the omakase worth the price?
The 20-course tasting menu starts at $25, which is reasonable for omakase. Quality can be inconsistent based on reviews, so it depends on your expectations. The chef's table experience gives you the best view of the kitchen action.