Istanbul's Şişli district buzzes with modern energy and old-world charm. Hidden among the towering buildings sits something special - TURK Fatih Tutak, Turkey's first two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Fatih Tutak came home after years cooking around the world. He opened this place in 2019 to show everyone what Turkish food can really be. The restaurant sits in the Now Bomonti area. It's not touristy, which makes it feel more real.

Key highlights:
- Turkey's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant
- 12-course tasting menu changes with micro-seasons
- Chef's table experience with kitchen views

PROFILE

Chef Fatih Tutak spent years working in top kitchens across Asia before returning home. His time at three-starred Ryugin in Tokyo really shaped his cooking style. Now he takes old Turkish recipes and makes them new again. The restaurant only seats 30 people each night. You can't order individual dishes - everyone gets the same 12-course journey. This keeps things focused and lets the kitchen really shine.

AMBIENCE

The space feels clean and modern without being cold. Glass cabinets filled with colorful jars line the walls instead of paintings. These jars hold all the fermented and preserved ingredients that make the food special. You start in AVLU, the courtyard area with city views. Then you move to the main dining room where you can watch the chefs work. For dessert, they actually invite you into the kitchen itself. The whole experience takes about three hours. It's not rushed, which is nice when you're spending this much money.

MUST-TRY

The manti (Turkish dumplings) with smoked cream will blow your mind. They take this simple comfort food and make it fancy without losing what makes it good. The lamb with fermented vegetable sauce shows off the chef's skill with bold flavors. Don't skip the bread and honey course. It sounds basic but the trabzon butter and bitlis hizan honey combo is incredible. The dry-aged tomato tartare with caviar sounds weird but totally works. The Turkish wine list deserves attention too. The Blanc de Noir Karasi 2021 pairs perfectly with the food.

FOOD

Every dish tells a story about Turkish history and ingredients. The chef uses lots of fermentation and smoking to add depth. You'll taste flavors you didn't know existed in Turkish cooking. The menu changes based on what's available each day. This means no two visits are exactly the same. The kitchen team sources everything from small Turkish farms that use good practices. Presentation looks fancy but never feels show-offy. Each plate makes sense and tastes even better than it looks. The portions are just right - you'll be full but not stuffed.

SERVICE

The staff knows their stuff without being snobby about it. They explain each dish clearly and can answer questions about ingredients or techniques. The pacing between courses feels natural. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead. They can't accommodate vegans or people with celiac disease because of how they prepare everything. But they'll work with other allergies if you give them notice. The team clearly cares about what they're doing. You can see it in how they present each course and talk about the food.

PRICING

The tasting menu costs 9900 Turkish Lira per person. Wine pairing adds another 6500 TL. That's expensive even by Istanbul standards. But you're paying for Turkey's best restaurant experience. The ingredients are top quality and the technique is world-class. When you compare it to similar places in Paris or New York, it's actually reasonable. They only take groups up to 5 people at one table. Reservations are required and can be hard to get.

SUMMARY

TURK Fatih Tutak isn't just dinner - it's a whole experience. Chef Tutak has created something that honors Turkish traditions while pushing boundaries. The food is technically perfect but still feels soulful. This place proves Turkish cuisine can compete with the best in the world. If you love food and want to see what modern Turkish cooking can be, this is worth the splurge. Just make sure to book way ahead.

FAQs

Can they accommodate dietary restrictions?
They can't do vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free menus because of their daily micro-seasonal ingredients. Call ahead for other allergies and they'll try to work with you.

How long does the meal take?
The full experience lasts about 3 hours. You start in the courtyard, move to the dining room, and finish in the kitchen for dessert.

Is it worth the price?
If you're into fine dining, absolutely. It's Turkey's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant and the quality matches places in major food cities worldwide.