Beyoğlu district in Istanbul buzzes with life and old-world charm. This historic neighborhood sits right in the heart of the city, where cobblestone streets wind past century-old buildings. Nicole Restaurant perches on top of Tomtom Suites like a hidden gem. The building itself tells quite a story - Franciscan nuns once called this place home back in 1901.

Key highlights:
- Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Turkish food with killer city views
- Located in a restored 1901 building that used to house nuns
- Seasonal tasting menus featuring local ingredients and Turkish wine pairings

PROFILE

The restaurant gets its name from Agnés Marthe Nicole, one of the nuns who lived here way back when. This building started life as the Soeurs Garde-Malades apartment where Franciscan sisters lived and worked. After years of different owners and some rough patches, the place got a major makeover in the early 2000s. Now it stands as one of Istanbul's coolest dining spots, mixing old-school history with modern style. The restaurant earned its Michelin star in 2023 as a new entry, which is pretty huge for Istanbul's food scene. Only five restaurants in the entire city got this honor when Michelin first came to town.

AMBIENCE

The top floor location gives you crazy good views of the Old Town and Bosphorus. You can sit inside surrounded by modern art or grab a spot on the terrace where the scenery steals the show. The building's restoration kept all the historic vibes while adding sleek touches everywhere. Walking through narrow lanes to get here feels like you're heading somewhere special. The dining room feels fancy but not stuffy. Staff moves around quietly, making sure everyone feels taken care of without being pushy about it. At sunset, the whole place lights up with golden colors reflecting off the water. Perfect timing if you want those Instagram-worthy shots.

MUST-TRY

The tasting menus change every six weeks to match what's fresh and in season. Two main options let you pick how hungry you're feeling - the longer one has more courses. Pastrami Egg with tarama and Ezine cheese hits different than regular breakfast food. This dish shows how the kitchen takes Turkish classics and makes them fancy. Lamb shoulder from Balıkesir gets cooked until it falls apart, served with keskek and lamb jus. One reviewer called it 'butter soft' and 'irresistible'. The Künefe dessert uses cheese from Antakya and pistachios from Gaziantep. Classic Turkish sweet gets the Nicole treatment here.

FOOD

Chef team led by Aylin and Kaan creates dishes that feel both familiar and surprising. They take traditional recipes from all over Turkey and add their own spin to everything. Ingredients come from dedicated Turkish farmers and producers who really care about quality. The kitchen focuses on natural, sustainable stuff that shows off what the country does best. Each dish looks like art on the plate. Colors and textures play together in ways that make you want to take photos before eating. The menu balances seafood, meat, and vegetarian options pretty well. Even picky eaters usually find something they love here.

SERVICE

Staff knows their stuff when it comes to explaining dishes and wine pairings. They're friendly without being fake, which can be hard to find at fancy places. One reviewer gave the service '20 out of 10' and felt totally looked after. The team pays attention to small details like clearing crumbs and fixing any little issues. The sommelier gets excited about showcasing Turkish wines. They know which bottles pair best with each course and can explain why. Sometimes the front-of-house team can push wine upsells a bit hard. But most people seem happy with how attentive everyone is throughout the meal.

PRICING

The longer tasting menu costs 5200 Turkish Lira per person, while the shorter option runs 4800 TL. Wine pairings add another 3750 TL or 3150 TL depending on which menu you pick. All prices include local taxes but they tack on an extra 12% service charge. For fancy dining in Istanbul, most people think it's pretty fair value. One reviewer paid about €250 per head including service and wine, calling it 'excellent value' compared to similar places worldwide. That's roughly what you'd expect for Michelin-starred food. The price might seem steep for Turkey, but you're paying for top-quality ingredients and serious cooking skills. Plus that view doesn't come free.

SUMMARY

Nicole delivers on its promise of modern Turkish food in a stunning setting. The Michelin star feels well-earned based on the creativity and technique shown in every dish. The historic building adds character that newer restaurants can't match. Sitting on that terrace watching the sun set over Istanbul creates memories that stick with you. Some small service hiccups happen here and there, but the overall experience usually makes up for any bumps. Most diners leave planning their next visit before they even finish dessert. If you're celebrating something special in Istanbul, this place should definitely be on your list. Just make sure to book ahead because tables fill up fast.

FAQs

Do I need reservations at Nicole Restaurant?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended since the restaurant has limited seating and gets pretty busy. You can call them at +90 (212) 2924467 to book a table.

Can they accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions?
The restaurant can work with most food allergies if you tell them when making your reservation. They mention that their food may contain milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and alcohol. For vegetarian menus, you need to contact them ahead of time.

How long does the tasting menu experience take?
Plan on spending about 2-3 hours for the full tasting menu experience, especially if you add wine pairings. The kitchen paces everything nicely so you're not rushed, and the staff suggests the whole table picks the same menu for better timing.