Istanbul's Beyoğlu district buzzes with energy day and night. This historic area sits right in the heart of the city, packed with culture and amazing food spots. Mikla Restaurant sits high above all the action on the 18th floor of Marmara Pera Hotel. The place opened back in 2005 and quickly became one of Istanbul's top dining spots.

Key highlights:
- Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views of Istanbul
- Chef Mehmet Gürs creates modern Turkish cuisine with Scandinavian influences
- Located on rooftop of Marmara Pera Hotel in trendy Beyoğlu area

PROFILE

Chef Mehmet Gürs runs this show and he's pretty famous in Istanbul's food scene. He moved to the city back in 1996 and started changing how people think about Turkish food. The guy has Turkish-Scandinavian roots which shows up in his cooking style. Mikla got its Michelin star for good reason. The restaurant focuses on what they call 'New Anatolian Kitchen' which basically means taking old Turkish recipes and making them fresh again. They work with local producers and use ingredients from all over Turkey. The place only opens for dinner from Monday to Saturday. They're closed on Sundays which is kinda weird but that's how they roll.

AMBIENCE

The views from up here are absolutely crazy good. You can see the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and pretty much all of Istanbul spread out below you. It's like being on top of the world. The interior feels fancy but not stuffy. They've got floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to let fresh air in when weather's nice. The design mixes modern touches with some Turkish elements. Most tables face the windows so everyone gets a good view. Solo diners might not get the best spots though - seems like they save the prime real estate for bigger groups. The lighting gets really nice around sunset time.

MUST-TRY

The tasting menu seems to be what most people go for. It runs about 3,300-3,400 Turkish Lira and includes six courses plus some small bites to start. That's roughly $140 which isn't cheap but you're paying for the experience too. The lamb dishes get mentioned a lot in reviews. There's also something called 'Antep Birds*** Pistachio' which has a funny name but apparently tastes amazing. The octopus also shows up on many people's favorite lists. They always have a vegan tasting menu available too. Not many fancy restaurants do that so it's cool they think about different dietary needs. The desserts seem to be hit or miss based on what people say online.

FOOD

The cooking style mixes traditional Turkish flavors with modern techniques. Everything uses fresh local ingredients and the presentation looks really good. Each dish tells a story about Turkish food culture but with a twist. Some reviewers say the food is good but not mind-blowing for the price. Others think it's totally worth it. The small tasting dishes at the start seem to impress people more than the main courses sometimes. Portion sizes are decent for fine dining standards. You won't leave hungry but don't expect huge plates either. The flavors tend to be clean and balanced rather than super bold and spicy. They've got an extensive wine list with Turkish wines alongside international bottles. The wine pairings cost extra but people say they're well chosen to match the food.

SERVICE

Service quality seems to vary quite a bit based on reviews. Some people had great experiences with attentive staff who made them feel special. Others complained about slow or inattentive service. The restaurant gets busy and sometimes staff seems overwhelmed. If you're dining alone, you might not get as much attention as larger groups. That's pretty common at high-end places though. They do add a 12% service charge to your bill automatically. Some people don't like that but it's standard practice at many upscale Istanbul restaurants. The staff speaks English well since they get lots of international visitors.

PRICING

This place is expensive by Istanbul standards but probably normal for a Michelin-starred restaurant anywhere else. The tasting menu costs around 3,300-3,400 TL plus service charge and drinks. That adds up quickly. You can also order from their regular menu which might be more affordable. But most people seem to go for the full tasting experience since that's what Mikla is known for. Wine pairings cost extra and can double your bill easily. For the money, you're getting the food, the view, and the whole experience. Whether that's worth it depends on your budget and what you value. Some think it's overpriced while others say it's reasonable for what you get.

SUMMARY

Mikla delivers on the promise of great views and innovative Turkish cuisine. The location alone makes it worth considering if you're looking for a special dinner in Istanbul. Chef Gürs has created something unique that showcases Turkish ingredients in new ways. The service can be inconsistent and the prices are high. But if you want to try modern Turkish cooking at its finest, this is probably your best bet in the city. Just make sure to book ahead - this place stays busy. Whether you'll love it or just think it's okay seems to depend on your expectations. Go in knowing you're paying for more than just food and you'll probably have a good time.

FAQs

Do I need reservations for Mikla?
Yes, absolutely. This place is popular with both locals and tourists so it books up fast. You should try to reserve well in advance, especially if you want a good table with views.

What's the dress code at Mikla?
They list it as 'smart casual' which means no shorts or flip-flops but you don't need a suit either. Think nice jeans or pants with a decent shirt. Most people dress up a bit since it's a special occasion kind of place.

Is Mikla good for vegetarians?
Yes, they always offer a vegan tasting menu alongside their regular menu. The chef takes plant-based dining seriously and creates dishes specifically for vegans rather than just removing meat from regular dishes.