The best asian restaurants in Istanbul

With branches all around the globe, Roka's Istanbul address stands as one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the city. The open robata grill, an essential fixture in all Roka establishments, is the true star of the show. We couldn’t get enough of the smoky deliciousness of dishes like the sesame miso-glazed charred eggplant and the ribeye with wasabi ponzu sauce. Boasting stunning views of the Bosphorus and a spacious terrace that’s open year-round, Roka Istanbul is the place to be for those looking to indulge in an authentic yet contemporary Japanese menu.

If you’re craving an authentic, no-nonsense Thai meal cooked by a chef who was previously employed by the Thai royal family (no big deal), secure a table at Çok Çok Thai. With Chef Khun Nuch at the helm ever since their inception in 2006, the beloved Pera institution has twice earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. Delight in classic dishes like crispy vegetable spring rolls dipped in sweet and sour sauce before putting your spice tolerance to the test and filling up on a yummy coconut curry.

The Michelin-star studded, global restaurant giant Hakkasan has opened its doors inside the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus hotel, marking its second location in Türkiye after Bodrum. Hakkasan specializes in Cantonese cuisine with a delectable menu featuring expertly curated signature dishes that push the boundaries of traditional Chinese cooking. The refreshing yet indulgent crispy duck salad served with grapefruit, pine nuts and pomegranate is a must-try. Don’t forget to treat yourself to one of their delicious cocktails ahead of your meal.

Led by Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, this one Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant is nestled inside the third floor of the iconic Bebek Hotel overlooking the Bosphorus. The dishes, best described as edible works of art, are meticulously prepared with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients and the freshest catch of the day. With a mere 24 available seats, Sankai offers an intimate dining experience that combines Edomae-style sushi and Kaiseki cuisine.

Tucked away in the Raffles Hotel at Zorlu Centre, Isokyo is a Pan-asian restaurant with a diverse menu that features Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean recipes with a modern twist. Feast on everything from expertly made sushi to a succulent plate of wok fried lobster for the ultimate culinary journey across Asia. Each dish arrives with a presentation that pays homage to its cultural roots, a detail that earns Isokyo top marks for both taste and authenticity.

With locations stretching from London to Hong Kong, Zuma’s Istanbul branch inside the Istinye Park shopping centre takes mall food to a whole new level. Offering an elevated izakaya style of informal dining, Zuma’s menu showcases an authentic yet refreshingly innovative assembly of plates including sushi, seafood from the robata grill as well as a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. While the menu is full of unwavering classics, the chefs at Zuma shake things up with exciting new dishes on a seasonal basis.

Next on the list is a fantastic fusion restaurant which combines Japanese and Peruvian elements of cooking, otherwise known as nikkei cuisine. Some of our favourite menu picks include the Sakura roll, Tuna ceviche, Lagos Miso Yaki and Beef Sando. The venue moonlights as a listening bar at night, serving up delicious cocktails alongside groovy tunes spun by some of the best DJ’s in town.

When it comes to sushi, Inari has stood the test of time as one of our favourite spots in the city. After breathing new life into Istanbul’s culinary scene in 2012 with its Kuruçeşme location, Inari has expanded with new branches in Vadistanbul and Etiler. The restaurant's modern decor, subtly infused with authentic elements, sets the perfect atmosphere for a delicious, sushi-packed meal. But that’s not all that’s on the menu; the Half Duck With Orange Truffle Sauce prepared with white truffle cream infused with Mediterranean-inspired orange aromas is highly recommended.

No need to jet off to New York, LA, Dubai, or to any of the other 50+ locations of this next celeb hot-spot—you can now experience the renowned flavours of Nobu right here in Istanbul. Co-owned by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the one and only Bobby D, Nobu is the epitome of high-quality Japanese dining. To ensure that Nobu’s signature dishes uphold their exceptional quality, each new location, including Istanbul, undergoes an extensive preparatory period. The menu, crafted by the brand’s corporate chef Hervé Courtot, showcases both Nobu’s iconic dishes and delicious new creations exclusive to the Istanbul branch. What truly distinguishes Nobu Istanbul is its breathtaking panoramic view of, you guessed it, the gorgeous Bosphorus seascape, providing a unique backdrop to an unparalleled dining experience.