Aila

The story

Aila, Modern Turkish Restaurant in Mecidiyeköy, Istanbul | Michelin Recommended

Aila is a modern Turkish restaurant inside Fairmont Quasar İstanbul, at Büyükdere Caddesi No:76/B in Mecidiyeköy, and the Michelin Guide lists it as Recommended for 2026. The kitchen cooks Anatolian food with traditional methods and a few updates.

Kemal Can Yurttaş and the Anatolian pantry

Chef Kemal Can Yurttaş sets the direction in the kitchen. The menu draws on geographically indicated products from across Anatolia, so the origin of an ingredient matters as much as the recipe. Gault&Millau gave Aila 13 points and one toque in 2026.

Mezze bar, rakı bar and ocakbaşı

The room is organized around three stations: a meze bar, a rakı bar and a central ocakbaşı grill. Hot and cold mezzes are made on the premises. Kebabs come off the ocakbaşı, and the menu also lists seabass and grilled lamb with side dishes. Desserts are made in house.

The Spice Library

Baharat Kütüphanesi, the Spice Library, is one of Aila's signature touches. It lets guests look at Turkish food culture through its spices. On sunny days, shaded outdoor seating is also available.