Nobu – Istanbul

Nobu – Istanbul

Nobu’s new restaurant in Istanbul continues the chain’s replication of its successful format offering Japanese fusion from renowned chef and restaurateur Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. A bit pricey by local standards but Nobu sets menu prices substantially the same from country to country, continent to continent. The chef’s signature dish, the black cod in miso is priced about the same in Istanbul as it is in Los Angeles (about US$40).

Nusr-et Steakhouse – Sandal Bedestini

Nusr-et Steakhouse – Sandal Bedestini

Turkish chef, Nusret Gökçe, turned his Turkish-based steakhouse, Nusr-et, into an international restaurant dynasty with locations from Dubai to London. The steaks are pricey, but undoubtedly the best bet for a slab of grilled beef in Istanbul. The décor in all of the locations is upscale. The two locations most accessible to visitors to Istanbul are the location in Fatih’s Grand Bazaar and the newly opened location in the prestigious Grand Hyatt Maçka Palas in Nişantaşı.

Nusr-et Steakhouse – Sandal Bedestini

Nusr-et Steakhouse – Maçka Palas

Turkish chef, Nusret Gökçe, turned his Turkish-based steakhouse, Nusr-et, into an international restaurant dynasty with locations from Dubai to London. The steaks are pricey, but undoubtedly the best bet for a slab of grilled beef in Istanbul. The décor in all of the locations is upscale. The two locations most accessible to visitors to Istanbul are the location in Fatih’s Grand Bazaar and the newly opened location in the prestigious Grand Hyatt Maçka Palas in Nişantaşı.

Ali Ocakbaşı  – Karakoy

Ali Ocakbaşı – Karakoy

Self-described as a purveryor of fireside cuisine, restaurant Ali Ocakbasi offers a slightly elevated presentation of classic Anatolian cuisine with a modern personality, with an emphasis on grilled meat and fish. All their locations, in Istanbul’s most iconic neighborhoods, are tastefully decorated and boast areas for open air dining with fantastic views of the Bosphorus or Golden Horn.

Ali Ocakbaşı  – Karakoy

Ali Ocakbaşı – Gümüşsuyu

Self-described as a purveryor of fireside cuisine, restaurant Ali Ocakbasi offers a slightly elevated presentation of classic Anatolian cuisine with a modern personality, with an emphasis on grilled meat and fish. All their locations, in Istanbul’s most iconic neighborhoods, are tastefully decorated and boast areas for open air dining with fantastic views of the Bosphorus or Golden Horn.

Develi Nişantaşı

Develi Nişantaşı

Restaurant chain Develi, with a dozen restaurants located throughout Turkey, mostly in affluent suburbs, has built the city’s most successful restaurant dynasty. Develi has made its mark by serving traditional Turkish cuisine in an upscale ambience, albeit one that’s a bit tacky and gaudy by western standards.