
Neolokal
A fine dining gem in Istanbul, Neolokal reinterprets traditional Anatolian cuisine with a modern, sustainable approach, offering spectacular views.

Highlights
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Neolokal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fine dining gem in Istanbul, Neolokal reinterprets traditional Anatolian cuisine with a modern, sustainable approach, offering spectacular views.
"An unforgettable journey through modern Turkish gastronomy with breathtaking views and impeccable service."
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, particularly for special occasions or during busy tourist periods.
Tasting Menu Recommended
Opt for the tasting menu to fully explore the chef's innovative culinary creations.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Turkish
Price
$$$
Phone
+90 551 447 45 45
Address
Mahı, Arap Cami, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Website
neolokal.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Istanbul Views
Dine with breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul's iconic skyline, especially magical at sunset and nighttime.

Modern Anatolian Cuisine
Experience a creative reinvention of traditional Turkish flavors using local, seasonal ingredients with an innovative touch.

Michelin-Starred Excellence
Savor artfully presented dishes from a chef recognized for culinary innovation and a commitment to sustainability.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, particularly for special occasions or during busy tourist periods.
Tasting Menu Recommended
Opt for the tasting menu to fully explore the chef's innovative culinary creations.
Sunset Dining
Visit during sunset for spectacular views of Istanbul as the city lights up.
Dietary Needs
Inform your server about any dietary restrictions for a personalized dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, particularly for special occasions or during busy tourist periods.
Tasting Menu Recommended
Opt for the tasting menu to fully explore the chef's innovative culinary creations.
Sunset Dining
Visit during sunset for spectacular views of Istanbul as the city lights up.
Dietary Needs
Inform your server about any dietary restrictions for a personalized dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Neolokal is celebrated for its stunning views of Istanbul, innovative modern Turkish cuisine rooted in Anatolian traditions, and impeccable service. Diners often praise the creative tasting menus, local wine pairings, and the overall elegant ambiance. However, some experiences have fallen short, with occasional complaints about service inconsistencies and flavor profiles not meeting high expectations for a Michelin-starred establishment.
"I visited this restaurant with my husband back in March and just realized I hadn’t left a review. The service was outstanding, the ambiance was perfect, and the wine pairing experience was truly exceptional. The combination of flavors and the presentation of each dish were a solid 10/10. Also, the night view is absolutely beautiful. Highly recommended!"
Lu Serrano
"Dining at Neolokal was an unforgettable journey through modern Turkish gastronomy. Each dish in the tasting menu was beautifully presented, creative, and full of delicate flavors that celebrated Anatolian traditions in a contemporary way. From the amuse bouches to the lamb, fish, and exquisite desserts, everything was prepared with precision and artistry.
The wine pairing was also excellent, elevating the flavors of each course and making the whole experience even more memorable. The restaurant’s ambiance was elegant yet warm, with breathtaking views and music that created the perfect atmosphere for dinner.
Most importantly, the service was impeccable – attentive, professional, and genuinely hospitable, making us feel very well cared for throughout the evening.
Neolokal is not just a restaurant, it’s a culinary story of heritage and innovation. Although the price is on the higher side, it is absolutely worth it for such a unique and world-class fine dining experience."
Eric Lao
"Unfortunately, our experience at Neolokal fell far below expectations. As guests who also work professionally in the industry, we felt a clear lack of care on both the service and kitchen sides. I share this feedback mindfully and with full awareness of the standards such establishments should meet.
Firstly, the quality of service was notably poor. It was disturbing to hear staff members using foul language and openly voicing their dissatisfaction with their work in the background. This seriously undermined the overall atmosphere and professionalism of the venue.
The wine pairings were not served in harmony with the dishes—wines were brought out before the courses were finished, and there was no satisfactory explanation about the pairing or what kind of flavor profile to expect. In general, only the name and type of wine were mentioned—something I could have read from the label myself.
While a few dishes were technically interesting, the presentation and storytelling fell short. The sea bass dish in particular was very disappointing—completely bland, with no salt or discernible flavor. It overshadowed anything I might have enjoyed up to that point and left me with a negative overall impression.
From a restaurant of this level, I expected a far more coherent, professional, and thoughtful experience. Sadly, the value for money was also underwhelming.
I strongly believe that every guest deserves the same level of care and attention in a place like this. Unfortunately, our experience failed to reflect that standard."
Nazlı A’
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Neolokal is known for its modern interpretation of traditional Anatolian cuisine, its stunning views of Istanbul, and its commitment to sustainability.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for special occasions or during peak times.
The restaurant serves modern Turkish cuisine with a strong emphasis on Anatolian flavors and local, seasonal ingredients.
Tables by the window offer the best views of the Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline.
Yes, Neolokal offers a tasting menu that provides a comprehensive culinary experience.
Yes, Neolokal has been recognized with a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to social sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
While not strictly enforced, smart casual attire is generally recommended for this fine dining establishment.
Yes, they can accommodate dietary restrictions. It's best to inform them when making your reservation.
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Located in Salt Galata, one of the city’s most beautifully renovated buildings housing a gallery and library, Neolokal is all about the reinterpretation of the traditional Anatolian tastes. With floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the full Istanbul view to flood in, the restaurant follows the rules of farm-to-table with main ingredients sourced from only the best local producers. The more than 20 dishes travel from the Black Sea to Izmir and beyond, with classics such as borani, completely reinvented and deconstructed for a brand new taste experience.
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More edible art can be experienced inside the former Ottoman Bank, where Neolokal looks out over the Old City, serving creative dishes inspired by tradition as well as one of the city’s most comprehensive Turkish wine lists.
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Within the avant-garde walls and balustrades of the SALT Galata modern art complex, Neolokal turns ingredients from a farm in nearby Gümüşdere into an ever-evolving series of contemporary plates paying homage to Mother Earth. In a space boasting spectacular views of the Golden Horn waterway through floor-to-ceiling windows, the real magic is in the kitchen, where Chef Maksut Aşkar and his Michelin-starred team reinvent Turkish classics with inventive flair. Ashure, a thick porridge pudding teeming with slow-cooked grains and nuts dating back thousands of years, is brought into the 21st century with a swirl of pistachio cream, while succulent slow-cooked lamb, traditionally served on vast platters with little regard to presentation, glistens on a pristine porcelain plate adorned with dots of green herb oil and vibrant orange swirls.
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Definitely one of the most popular and well-known chefs to come out of Istanbul in recent years for taking a modern twist on Turkish cuisine, Maksut Aşkar is the chef behind Neolokal, a restaurant in Salt Galata with spectacular views of the Golden Horn. Aşkar also has a cooking show on 24 Kitchen. His culinary background includes ventures such as Nupera and the prestigious Hillside Club chain and has served as consultant for the menus at Hillside Beach Club Fethiye, Sofa Otel and the paparazzi magnet Bodrum Maça Kızı Otel.
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Renowned for its contemporary interpretation of traditional Turkish dishes, neolokal offers a unique culinary experience. Chef Makuts Askar and his team are committed to sustainable practices, using fresh ingredients and innovative methods to reinvent traditional recipes. With a strong emphasis on preserving culinary heritage, the restaurant offers dishes that are not only influenced by the land and local traditions, but also strive to pass these traditions on to future generations.
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Located in Istanbul's historic Salt Galata building, Neolokal is a fine dining restaurant that offers contemporary interpretations of traditional Turkish dishes. The restaurant's chef, Maksut Aşkar, is known for his innovative approach to Turkish cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients to create unique and memorable dishes. Some of the standout dishes at Neolokal include the lamb belly with pumpkin, the quince and goat cheese salad, and the black mullet with fava beans.
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Inspired by Nature, Chef Maksut Aşkar and his talented Neolokal kitchen team reimagine traditional Turkish ingredients in contemporary and global dishes. The restaurant, located within Istanbul’s SALT Galata cultural center, boasts stunning views of the Golden Horn through its large windows. Neolokal sources its ingredients from a sustainably farmed farm in Gümüşdere and Chef Aşkar, who believes in sharing knowledge, makes his recipes freely available online.
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Famed for its modern take on traditional Turkish cuisine, Neolokal offers a unique dining experience. Chef Maksut Askar and his team are dedicated to sustainable practices, using fresh ingredients and modern techniques to reinterpret age-old recipes. With a focus on preserving culinary heritage, the restaurant serves dishes that are not only inspired by the earth and traditions but also aim to carry these traditions forward for future generations.
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Geleneksel Türk mutfağını modern teknikler ve yenilikçi bakış açısı ile birleştirerek ortaya rafine ve yeni bir algı çıkaran Neolokal; dürüst yemeği toprak anadan ilham, geleneklerinden örnek alarak tasarlayıp misafirlerine sunmayı amaçlıyor. Bunu yaparken de geleneksel tarifleri ince ayrıntıları ile inceleyerek, tüketilmediği için yok olmaya yüz tutmuş ürünlerle harmanlıyor. Genç ve meraklı ekibin başında ise şef Maksut Aşkar yer alıyor.
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Nestled in the heart of Karaköy, within the culturally rich Salt Galata, Neolokal is where Chef Maksut Aşkar and his enthusiastic team honour and reinvent their culinary heritage, crafting an engaging gastronomic narrative that connects past and future. The Neolokal team aims to serve its visitors genuine food inspired by mother earth and modelled and designed from traditions. One of the 1 Michelin starred restaurants in Istanbul.
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At stylish Neolokal, Chef Maksut Aşkar cooks Anatolian dishes with a modern interpretation. The restaurant, appreciated for its sustainability approach in the kitchen, was granted the “Green” Michelin star, awarded to restaurants working with an environmentally friendly approach to gastronomy. Traditions and lost cultures are the main sources of inspiration for Chef Maksut Aşkar at Neolokal, which defines itself as timeless.
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At Neolokal in Salt Galata in the Beyoglu district, you can enjoy traditional Anatolian food with the use of brave techniques and culinary innovation. With this innovative soul, Neolokal is awarded one-star in Michelin Guide İstanbul 2023. Dishes are created to bridge tradition and modernity, such as the spicy "cupcakes" with bulgur and chicken, topped with a creamy sauce, a seasoned chicken demi-glace, and crispy potatoes.
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Across the Golden Horn waterway over the Galata Köprüsü is Neolokal, an inventive, elegant, highly refined rooftop restaurant. Jeremy King famously once said “show me a restaurant with a view and I’ll show you a boring restaurant.” Not so in Istanbul. The city’s rooftop culture is as much a part of the restaurant scene as its street food vendors, with dozens of elevated dining rooms serving food well worth the ascension.
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Neolokal is one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey. Practicing the premise of farm-to-table, the restaurant serves a seasonally changing tasting menu with the ingredients it supplies, and it draws attention with its pioneering approach to sustainable gastronomy. Chef Maksut Aşkar and his young crew use their creative cuisines to preserve their culinary legacy while also shaping the trends.
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Neolokal ekibi, dürüst yemeği toprak anadan ilham, geleneklerinden örnek alarak tasarlayıp misafirlerine sunmayı amaçlıyor. Bunu yaparken de geleneksel tarifleri ince ayrıntıları ile inceleyerek, tüketilmediği için yok olmaya yüz tutmuş ürünlerle harmanlıyor. Genç ve meraklı ekibin başındaki şef maksut aşkar, “biz sahip çıkmazsak, gelecek neslin sahip olacağı bir şey kalmayacak ellerinde” diyor.
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NEOLOKAL is a bridge between the old and the new, with respect for Turkish culinary traditions at the helm. Inspired by Mother Earth, Chef Maksut Aşkar and his young team preserve culinary heritage and lead it into the future with their exciting cuisine, putting a stamp on authentic recipes with a quirky finesse. NEOLOKAL was awarded its first Michelin star in 2023 for its high-quality cuisine.
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Neolokal, run by accomplished chef Maksut Aşkar, is one of Istanbul’s finest restaurants and it’s situated in Salt Galata. It provides a cozy yet sophisticated setting, perfect for a romantic meal with lovely views of Istanbul. The cuisine at Neolokal highlights tradition and deep respect for the land, with a focus on traditional dishes prepared using ingredients sourced from local producers.
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Set inside the 19th Century Art Nouveau building and modern art gallery Salt Galata, Neolokal looks out to a spectacular view of the Historical Peninsula and the Golden Horn. From the kitchen emerge contemporary dishes based on flavors engrained in tradition. For Chef Maksut Aşkar, embracing the past and finding inspiration in nature are vital in moving forward.
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Neolokal, kurucusu ve şefi Maksut Aşkar önderliğinde Anadolu'nun yemek geleneklerini modern dokunuşlarla tabaklara taşıyor. Salt Galata'da misafirlerini ağırlayan Neolokal, Michelin Rehberi'nde olduğu gibi sürdürülebilir gastronomiyi ön plana çıkardığı için Michelin Yeşil Yıldızı da sahibi. Türk mutfak mirasının korunması için de her detaya dikkat ediliyor.
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Neolokal is a modern Turkish restaurant located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is considered a high-end luxury restaurant in Istanbul is known for its contemporary take on traditional Turkish cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced and organic ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing the best of Turkish culinary heritage with a modern touch.
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Seçkide yer alan restoranlardan 10’u Bib Gourmand ile 4 restoran ise Bir MICHELIN Yıldızı ile ödüllendirildi. Neolokal, sürdürülebilir gastronomiye yönelik öncü yaklaşımından dolayı Kırmızı Yıldızına bir de MICHELIN Yeşil Yıldız ekledi. Son olarak TURK Fatih Tutak, sıra dışı mutfağı için İki MICHELIN Yıldızı ile MICHELIN Rehberi’nde görücüye çıktı.
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Neolokal (Salt Galata, Bankalar Avenue, Karaköy): on his own merits, chef Maksut Askar has become the standard-bearer of the new Turkish cuisine. He serves it with creativity and truly impressive flavours in a glass restaurant, overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, which crowns what was once the headquarters of a financial institution.
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Neolokal is a fantastic restaurant with a team that’s all about embracing tradition and nature. Their goal is to take inspiration from mother nature and cook up delicious dishes using time-honored recipes. They’re all about preserving forgotten ingredients and giving them new life in their fresh and down-to-earth approach to cooking.
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Few restaurants in Istanbul have been blessed with a location more enviable or a chef more creative than Neolokal. Chef Maksut Aşkar’s creations are bold and contemporary, yet deeply rooted in Turkish tradition. He describes his mission as being a bridge between the old and the new, presenting dishes from the past in a modern way.
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Located on the floor of Salt Galata, a few hundred meters from the bridge, Neolokal has resolutely a chic and sophisticated atmosphere and cuisine. Moreover, it includes a roof top with outdoor space and a sublime view of course. Beside the professional service, you can find in your plate, very good products cooked with elegance.
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Figures such as Mehmet Gürs (Mikla), Maksut Aşkar (Neolokal), and more recently Fatih Tutak (Türk) have reinvented traditional dishes with modern techniques while highlighting forgotten ingredients from Anatolia. For example, Neolokal is renowned for its sustainability philosophy and its use of local and seasonal ingredients.
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Not far from Istanbul Modern, Neolokal has received a Michelin star for its high-quality cuisine, plus a Michelin green star for sustainability. Chef Maksut Aşkar and his team offer a modern take on several traditional Turkish dishes. Here, you can try chicken prepared in a creamy velouté sauce and spiced bulgur cupcakes.
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Maksut Aşkar is one of Turkey’s most famous chefs, so people come far and wide to sample his interpretation of traditional flavors. Aşkar has used the recipes cooked by his mother in his youth to inspire an accomplished menu. His aim is to champion recipes and ingredients that are at risk of being lost to modernity.
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At Neolokal, the culinary duo of Chef Maksut Aşkar and Erim Leblebicioğlu unveils a modernistic rendition of Turkish cuisine. With a menu that ebbs and flows with the seasons, Neolokal guarantees a fresh, high-quality culinary voyage. The in-house bar, a fusion of opulence and coziness, warrants a visit.
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Certainly, Neolokal is one of the best restaurants in Istanbul with its fresh, creative, and mystical food and service. As a result, this restaurant follows the motto of “from the earth,” which portrays its creativity and devotion to tradition. It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.
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Set in a grand bank building from 1892, which now houses the SALT cultural centre/library and modern art space, Neolokal promises traditional cuisine with a modern sensibility. Expect excellent views of the old historical area of Sultanahment, in which you’ll find the Hagia Sophia mosque.
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If you want something unique, then visit Neolokal for its signature dish, Katmer and Tirit, which combines pulled beef in duck juice, pistachio filo, yoghurts, and tarhana cream. You can also order Grilled Seabass, and Lamb and Chard Sarma. Neolokal is situated in Karakoy.
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Meet the magnificent business of Chef Maksut Askar and his business partner Erim Leblebicioglu. Neolokal Restaurant, which deserves its name, offers modernized Turkish cuisine in the best way. it keeps up with the change of nature with its menu that changes every season.
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Neolokal is a modern Turkish restaurant that pays tribute to the city’s culinary heritage. The name means “new local,” and the restaurant’s focus is on seasonal, regional ingredients. The menu changes frequently, but you can always expect fresh, inventive dishes.
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Neolokal is the only Michelin Star restaurant in Turkey to have a Green Star, by working with producers and farmers that practice clean, fair and traditional methods, collaborating with a kitchen garden and using kitchen waste as fertilizer.
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Serving under the management of Maksut Aşkar, Neolokal is located in Salt Galata. The place has a stylish ambience and a magnificent view. It makes our neolocal traditions sustainable by adapting them to today’s conditions.
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The restaurant, which acts as a bridge between the old and the new, blends the past with the present. Rooted flavors are the main focus here. Indulge yourself with these flavors blended with contemporary ideas.
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Neolokal Restaurant is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Istanbul. The restaurant's menu changes seasonally, but it always features a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Turkish cuisine.
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On the other hand, with a “daring techniques and culinary innovation” mission and promoting restaurants to more sustainable gastronomy, Neolokal has been selected for 2 Michelin Stars with Green Star.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by neolokal (@neolokal). Enjoy local Turkish food in a modern, fine dining atmosphere at Neolokal.
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Neolokal – For a dining experience that’s both classic and contemporary, Neolokal is the place to be, combining modern methods with lesser-known traditional dishes.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit