Araka

Some of you might remember Cihan Kıpçak from the fine-dining restaurant Gile, as well as from the gastro-pub Akali, which he opened with his older brother Çağlar. Now the duo has changed course for Galata, where they’ve opened their new bistro named Araka. Located behind the concept store selfestate, Araka serves a daily menu that Cihan Kıpçak defines as “light dishes with modern touches.” The bistro doesn’t yet have a bread oven, so for the time being, all of the breads are transported from Akali and paired with fillers like turkey ham, Emmental cheese and the Tunisian hot chili pepper paste harissa.

But coming back to Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir, who was also named GQ’s Chef of the Year, and her Araka Restaurant in Istanbul’s Yeniköy – which is famous for serving dishes centered on seasonal produce and wild greens and herbs – opened in 2017. Araka offers a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the grander city and is one of those venues that is elegant in its simplicity. Pınar Taşdemir also has a cooking program called "Sakin," which airs on the digital platform GAIN, where she improvises dishes in natural surroundings in different villages she visits.

Yeniköy’de bulunan Araka, şehrin koşuşturmacasından uzakta sakin bir ortam sunuyor. Menüde mevsim sebzeleri ve şifalı otlara ağırlık veren şef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir, son derece kişisel ve cesur bir mutfak yaratmış durumda. Acılı, ekşili ve baharatlı tatlar, zahter ile tatlandırılmış, marine edilmiş sebzeler ve baharatlı sosta ılık zeytinlerle servis edilen balkabağı püresi gibi harika bir şekilde dengeleniyor ve birleşiyor.

Charming, simple, and elegant – chef/owner Pınar Taşdemir’s Araka in lovely Yeniköy is filled with a selection of art. The menu might include celery with sorrel and green apples, seabream ceviche in pomegranate juice, octopus with pumpkin muammara and shrimp bisque, pickled eggplant kebab with tarragon dressing, rock bass, chickpea and rocket spread and basil dressing. Address: Araka, Yeniköy, Kapalı Bakkal Sk.

Just north of central Istanbul, in the Yeniköy district, lies the quiet and unassuming façade of Araka. Although this cosy restaurant near the marina might be easy to miss when strolling around, the menu here is sure to capture your attention: certainly enough to earn its own Michelin star. Much of this is due to Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir’s unique and personal style when it comes to preparing her dishes.

Tucked away in the lush, serene district of Yeniköy in Istanbul’s northern reaches, Araka Restaurant is a heartening retreat from the city’s bustling pace. Araka restaurant has an amazing façade and welcomes its guests with Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir’s highly original style in its cozy, romantic interior and a rear terrace. One of the 1 Michelin starred restaurants in Istanbul.

Here, it’s simple to forget that you’re in Istanbul’s bustling metropolis. In fact, you are in the city’s northern Yeniköy neighborhood, just past the upscale marina you passed on the way. Moreover, behind its lovely exterior, a cozy, romantic interior and a terrace where you may escape the outside world await you in this rural-style restaurant.

The restaurant, which has a modest atmosphere, is on the axis of the chef owner’s identity and is a restaurant where the cuisine comes first. If you are looking for a boutiques places where mostly local people hang out, Araka is perfect for you. The restaurant serves seasonal delicacies made with the chef’s interpretation.

Araka Istanbul is a small, unassuming restaurant that quickly impresses with its exceptional cuisine. Unlike typical Turkish fare, the dishes are both flavorful and satisfying. In Sarıyer district, located in the north of Istanbul, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped away from the bustling city into a peaceful rural setting.

With fresh seasonal herbs and vegetables, chef Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir prepares a menu combining hot, sour and spicy flavours. For the Chef, preparing food is an exceptionally personal experience so everything she serves is a part of her identity.

Not only the perfect menu but also the refreshing atmosphere of the restaurant is attractive…. “A place that will make you forget that you are in Istanbul. It will take you to different lands with its comfortable and romantic interior design.

Araka provides service in a lovely rustic-chic setting in Yeniköy, one of İstanbul’s most beautiful seaside communities. Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir draws acclaim for her seasonal menus that highlight local and regional herbs and vegetables.

The architecture of the restaurant is only topped by the flavours on its menu. The atmosphere of Araka adds to the experience. Chef Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir makes mouth-watering meals in the cosy restaurant.

Araka, Mikla, Neolokal, and Nicole restaurants were awarded 1 Michelin Star each, while Turk Fatih Tutak's restaurant retained its 2 Michelin Stars in the Michelin Guide 2023.

Araka Restaurant is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Istanbul. The restaurant offers a unique blend of modern Turkish cuisine, stunning views, and impeccable service.

One of them is Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir’s Araka Restaurant which offers highly personal and audacious cuisine with a focus on seasonal vegetables and herbs.

Araka – You’ll easily forget you’re in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle at this Michelin-star city oasis.