Karaköy sits right along the Bosphorus, full of old buildings and new cafes. This neighborhood has that classic Istanbul mix - old meets new everywhere you look. Mürver Restaurant hangs out on the top floor of the Novotel hotel here. The place opened back in 2017 and got some serious recognition from Michelin. Chef Mevlüt Özkaya runs the kitchen and won a Young Chef award from Michelin too. Fire cooking is basically their whole thing.

Key highlights:
- Amazing views of the Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque from the terrace
- Open fire cooking with wood-fired grills, smokers, and ovens right in the kitchen
- Michelin recognition with focus on Turkish flavors and modern techniques

PROFILE

This restaurant sits way up high with crazy good views of Istanbul. The team here really knows their stuff about Turkish food but makes it feel modern. Chef Mevlüt Özkaya came up through the ranks and now leads the kitchen. Mehmet Gürs helps out with consulting - he's the guy behind Mikla restaurant. They opened in 2017 and have been making waves since. The whole concept revolves around cooking with fire, which you can actually see happening.

AMBIENCE

The space feels pretty chill but fancy at the same time. Big windows show off the city views, and you can watch the kitchen action too. There's this marble chef's counter where six people can sit and watch everything happen. The terrace outside is where most people want to be though. The lighting works well for dinner time. You get that romantic vibe without it being too stuffy or formal. Everything looks clean and modern. The open kitchen with the big fire becomes like the main attraction.

MUST-TRY

The grilled octopus with charred vegetables is one of their signature dishes. They serve it with dry cacık, which is that Turkish yogurt thing. Slow roasted lamb shoulder comes with freekeh pilaf and gets rave reviews. This dish has been on the menu since they opened. The burnt rice pudding for dessert is something people talk about. It's got that smoky flavor from the fire cooking. Their 28-day aged ribeye is another winner. The meat gets aged and dried right in the restaurant.

FOOD

Everything gets cooked over open flames or in their brick oven. The menu changes with the seasons, so you might find different stuff depending on when you go. The flavors are bold and often spicy. They use lots of regional ingredients from around Turkey. Some dishes work better than others according to reviews. The octopus can be a bit tough sometimes, and portion sizes vary. The kitchen does daily fish and seafood from the local fish market. They also age, dry, and smoke their own meats in-house.

SERVICE

The service can be hit or miss based on what people say. Some nights the staff is super attentive, other times not so much. The servers know the menu pretty well and can explain the dishes. They're good at wine recommendations too since they have about 400 bottles. Wait times can get long, especially when they're busy. Some people complain about getting their courses way apart from each other. The reservation system seems to have some issues. A few reviews mention problems with booking and table assignments.

PRICING

This place is expensive - like really expensive. Reviews mention it's reached 'Galataport level' prices, which means super high. Expect to pay around $74 per person, but that can go way up with drinks and multiple courses. Turkish prices have gone up a lot recently. The wine list has local and international options at different price points. The wine director curates about 400 selections. For a Michelin-rated place, some people think it's worth it. Others feel like you're paying mostly for the view and location.

SUMMARY

Mürver delivers on the views and the fire cooking concept. The location alone makes it worth checking out if you're in Istanbul. The food quality is generally good but can be inconsistent. When they nail it, the dishes are really memorable. Service needs work, and the prices are steep. But if you want that special dinner with amazing views, this place does it. The fire cooking thing isn't just for show - it actually makes the food taste different. Just be ready to spend some serious cash.

FAQs

Do I need reservations for Mürver Restaurant?
Yes, you definitely need reservations. The restaurant gets busy, especially on weekends. Some people have complained about reservation issues, so call ahead or book online.

What's the dress code at Mürver?
The restaurant has a upscale casual vibe. You don't need a suit, but clean jeans and a nice shirt work fine. Most people dress up a bit since it's a special occasion type place.

Can I just go for drinks without eating?
They have a cocktail bar area where you can start with drinks. But since it's primarily a restaurant, they probably expect you to order food too, especially during busy dinner hours.