Araka

Araka’s Michelin star came as a surprise to not only the food industry but the chef herself. While I believe there are other contemporary restaurants on Araka’s level and perhaps beyond, this place still is the perfect location for a fancy but intimate date.

The food is not a modernisation of classic Turkish cooking but rather a contemporary approach to the using local produce. The plates are aesthetic and almost always three dimensional structures. I can’t recall a specific dish here, but it’s one of those places where the menu is in a universal language. Hence everyone can order what they think they would enjoy.

 

Bu gönderiyi Instagram'da gör

 

Araka🌿 (@araka.istanbul)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi

Both the inside and the outside seating areas are tiny. Yeniköy is already a calmer part of the city, but being in a small side street makes Araka’s vibe even calmer and more intimate. Must be difficult to get a reservation now, book ahead.

 

Bu gönderiyi Instagram'da gör

 

Araka🌿 (@araka.istanbul)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi