Bebek sits pretty on the Bosphorus, one of Istanbul's swankiest neighborhoods. This spot screams old money vibes with fancy hotels and waterfront views that make you forget you're in a huge city. Sankai by Nagaya calls the third floor of Bebek Hotel home. The place is tiny - just 24 seats max. Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya brought his Japanese magic here after winning stars in Germany. His buddy Chef Hiroko Shibata handles the sushi bar like a boss.

Key highlights:
- Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant with only 24 seats
- Two seasonal menus mixing sushi and kaiseki styles
- Free BMW i7 rides to and from the restaurant

PROFILE

This isn't your average sushi joint. Sankai grabbed a Michelin star and 3 Gault & Millau Toques right out of the gate. Chef Nagaya has been collecting stars like Pokemon cards - three restaurants, three stars. He moved from Japan to Germany, then landed in Istanbul because he fell hard for Turkish energy and seafood. The whole concept mixes traditional Japanese techniques with local Turkish fish. Think of it as Japanese skills meeting Turkish ingredients on your plate.

AMBIENCE

The space feels more like someone's fancy apartment than a restaurant. Dark wood, low ceilings, and that minimalist Japanese thing going on. You get Bosphorus views through some windows, which is pretty sweet. The chef's table lets six people watch the action up close. Some people say it feels cramped and claustrophobic though. The smoking balcony is basically a tiny outdoor space where you squeeze past other diners. The whole vibe tries to transport you to Japan. Whether that works depends on how much you're into the whole zen thing.

MUST-TRY

The veal cheeks get cooked for 48 hours until they're basically candy. They serve it with beans, ponzu mayo, and sesame seeds that somehow all work together. Chef Shibata's sushi comes out perfectly warm and sticky. She uses local Turkish fish instead of flying stuff in from Japan, which is actually pretty smart. The seasonal menus change based on what's good right now. Sankai Sushi focuses more on raw fish while Nagaya Signature goes full kaiseki with multiple courses. Both menus force everyone at your table to eat the same thing. No mixing and matching allowed, which some people hate.

FOOD

The kaiseki courses tell a story about sea and mountain flavors. Root vegetables get paired with seafood to represent earth meeting water. Reviews are all over the place though. Some people rave about the wagyu and fresh ingredients. Others call the food completely tasteless and boring. Multiple reviews use the exact word 'tasteless' which is pretty harsh for a Michelin spot. The wasabi gets grated fresh at your table but apparently has zero kick. That's either refined or disappointing depending on your taste.

SERVICE

The staff tries hard to be welcoming and friendly. They explain each dish as it comes out, though some diners find this repetitive and annoying. One server handles the whole dining room with help from a bartender and an intern. That seems like not enough people for a place this fancy. The omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) concept is big here. Whether the execution matches the intention is debatable based on reviews. Service timing gets wonky sometimes - some plates disappear while your dining partner is still eating. Not exactly fine dining protocol.

PRICING

This place costs serious money. Multiple reviews mention being shocked by the bill. The omakase menus are the only options, so you're locked into whatever they're charging that night. No a la carte escapes. The complimentary BMW rides are nice but probably built into those high prices anyway. Nothing's really free in restaurants like this. You're paying for the Michelin star, the intimate setting, and the chef's reputation. Whether that's worth it is totally up to you and your wallet.

SUMMARY

Sankai by Nagaya splits people right down the middle. The credentials look amazing on paper - Michelin star, famous chef, fancy location. But the reality doesn't match the hype for quite a few diners. The food disappoints some people so badly they question the whole Michelin system. The space feels cramped and hotel-like rather than restaurant-like. Service struggles with the small staff trying to handle fine dining expectations. If you're curious about high-end Japanese food in Istanbul, this is one of the few starred options. Just manage your expectations and prepare your credit card.

FAQs

Do couples have to order the same menu?
Yes, everyone at the same table must choose the same tasting menu. You can't mix the sushi menu with the kaiseki menu even if you're just two people. This policy annoys many diners who want different options.

How much does dinner cost at Sankai by Nagaya?
The restaurant doesn't publish prices online, but reviews consistently mention it being very expensive. Expect to pay premium prices for the Michelin-starred omakase experience with no cheaper alternatives available.

Is the BMW transfer service really free?
Yes, they provide complimentary rides in a BMW i7 with a private driver. You need to book this service in advance through the restaurant. The electric car service works for both pickup and drop-off anywhere in Istanbul.