How to Eat Extremely Well in Istanbul, According to a Michelin-Starred Chef
After interviewing several Michelin-starred chefs, I can confidently say this chef has the best recommendations in the city.
This week, we’re in Istanbul with Chef Cenk Debensason, co-founder and chef-patron of Michelin-starred Arkestra, widely regarded as one of the city’s top restaurants.
Before opening Arkestra, Cenk worked at some of the world’s leading restaurants. He opened his restaurant in 2022, and within a year Arkestra earned its first Michelin star. Praised by the Michelin Guide as “an experience you won’t soon forget,” it is today one of Istanbul’s most sought-after reservations.
On a personal level, I’ve interviewed several Michelin-starred chefs in Istanbul, but I never published those interviews because I didn’t think the recommendations were good enough. Cenk’s, on the other hand, are exceptional. These are the places he takes the world’s leading chefs whenever they visit Istanbul.
Inside, Chef Cenk shares:
His personal favorite restaurants in Istanbul, including the places he recommends to travelers
The best Turkish food products to bring home, from world-famous pistachios to pomegranate molasses, and where to buy them
The legendary baklava producer every chef visits before flying home—and how to visit the production facility
How he’d spend the perfect day in Istanbul to the city’s most beautiful historic hammam
How he’d plan a first trip to Istanbul and more
A Google Map with all of the mentioned locations is provided at the end of the interview.
Istanbul’s Must-Visit Restaurants
