Araka

The story

Araka Istanbul: Michelin-Starred Modern Turkish Dining in Yeniköy

Araka is a modern Turkish restaurant at Bakkal Sokak No:8 in Yeniköy, Sarıyer, Istanbul, and it holds one Michelin star, awarded in 2026. Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir built the menu around seasonal vegetables and herbs, with fish or meat appearing only occasionally.

Chef and cooking style

Chef Taşdemir opened Araka in 2018 after working in several of Turkey's leading kitchens. Her approach to Turkish cooking is simple: vegetables and herbs carry the plate, and each ingredient is handled lightly so its own flavour comes through.

The garden and the wine list

A kitchen garden now supplies fresh herbs, greens and some aromatic plants used on the plates. The wine list records vintages and grape varieties and includes independent Turkish producers, and Gault&Millau scored the restaurant 15.5 in 2026. Guests with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free needs are asked to mention them when booking.