Arkestra Restaurant
Modern Artistic Trendy
Restaurant Editor's Pick
Araka
Vegetable-forward contemporary cuisine
Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed June 2026
Chef Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir's personal vision comes alive at Araka, where vegetables take center stage without sacrificing sophistication. The Michelin-starred restaurant in Yeniköy showcases the incredible diversity of Anatolian produce through creative, visually stunning preparations.
Editor's Tip
1 Michelin star. Vegetable-focused fine dining that will change how you think about produce.
Insider Guide
Must Order
Seasonal tasting menuWhatever vegetable is in peak season
Best Table
Garden table with Bosphorus glimpse
Pro Tips
- Main courses 1,500-1,800 TRY - excellent value for Michelin quality
- Even meat lovers will be impressed by the vegetable preparations
- Garden seating is magical in summer evenings
Ask For
Chefs recommendations on seasonal highlights
Reviews and critic notes
All reviews and visit notesFood and drink
- Araka describes its cooking as modern Turkish cuisine focused on local, seasonal produce, especially vegetables and herbs.
- From the venue: Araka Istanbul
Atmosphere and noise
- Sarısu described the small two-storey Yeniköy restaurant as a simple, welcoming dining room.
- Critic’s note: Müdavim · Author: Serhat Bora Sarısu · Published:
Booking and seating
- Araka provides an official reservation link and asks large parties to contact the restaurant by email.
- From the venue: Araka Istanbul
Critic and guide sources
- MICHELIN Guide
- Müdavim
Author: Serhat Bora SarısuPublished:
Guest perspectives
Read individual guest reviews on the linked source websites.
Venue pages
1 Michelin Star
Pioneer of vegetable-forward fine dining in Turkey Leading modern restaurant in Istanbul At a Glance
- Established
- 2016
- Capacity
- 40 · intimate
- Chef
- Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir
- Cuisine
- turkish modern, mediterranean
- Average Spend
- 2,200 TRY / per person
- View
- Garden View, Bosphorus Partial
Signature Dishes
- Seasonal vegetable tasting courses
- Creative root vegetable preparations
- Foraged ingredient dishes
- Garden-to-table presentations
Signature Drinks
- Natural wines
- Vegetable-based cocktails
Insider Tips
Must Order
Seasonal tasting menuWhatever vegetable is in peak season
Pro Tips
- Main courses 1,500-1,800 TRY - excellent value for Michelin quality
- Even meat lovers will be impressed by the vegetable preparations
- Garden seating is magical in summer evenings
- Ask Chef Zeynep about the day's special foraged ingredients
Best Table
Garden table with Bosphorus glimpse
- Main courses 1,500-1,800 TRY - excellent value for Michelin quality
- Even meat lovers will be impressed by the vegetable preparations
- Garden seating is magical in summer evenings
- Ask Chef Zeynep about the day's special foraged ingredients
Best Table: Garden table with Bosphorus glimpse
Ask For: Chefs recommendations on seasonal highlights
Must Order:
Seasonal tasting menuWhatever vegetable is in peak season
Pricing Guide
Per Person
2,200 TRY
Range: 1,500 - 3,500
Couples Dinner
5,000 TRY
Range: 3,000 - 8,000
Group of Four
10,000 TRY
Range: 6,000 - 16,000
Service charge: Not included | Tipping: expected 10 15
Budget Calculator
Party Size
Food & drinks –
Total –
Atmosphere
Music
ambient
Subtle background creating cozy garden atmosphere
Volume Level
Quiet
Conversation friendly
Capacity
40 guests
intimate venue
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Relaxed elegance
Ambiance: warm lighting, modern minimalist & bohemian style
Views & Setting
View Type
Garden View, Bosphorus Partial
View Quality
Good
Indoor Terrace Garden
Rain covered | Garden seating April-October
Food & Drinks
Cuisine
turkish modern, mediterranean
Food Quality
*****/5
Chef: Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir
Bar Program
craft cocktails
sommelier curated wine list
Must-Try Dishes
- Seasonal vegetable tasting courses
- Creative root vegetable preparations
- Foraged ingredient dishes
- Garden-to-table presentations
Signature Drinks
- Natural wines
- Vegetable-based cocktails
Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten-Free Available
Reservations
Policy
Essential
Weekday
1 week recommended
Weekend
2 weeks recommended
Special table: 2-3 weeks for garden tables
phoneinstagram
Tip: Vegetarians will be in heaven. Garden tables are coveted in warm months.
Best Time to Visit
Spring Summer Autumn
Garden terrace is the highlight - visit in warmer months
Weather Dependency: moderate
Best Times to Visit
Best Days
Friday, Saturday
Best Time for Dinner
19:00-20:00
Avoid: Monday and Tuesday - closed
The Crowd
Age Range
28-50
Vibe
creative casual
Mix
65% Locals, 20% Tourists
couplesyoung professionalsartists
Instagram Worthiness: *****/5
Best spots: Garden setting, Plated courses, Natural light
Perfect For
Date Night Anniversary Birthday Celebration
Max group size: 8 people
Kids: tolerated - Better suited for adults
Recognition & Quality
Michelin one star
Awards
- Pioneer of vegetable-forward fine dining in Turkey
Consistency
reliable
Value for Money
*****/5
Local Opinion
hidden gem
Established 2016 | independent
Getting There
Parking
street, valet
Difficulty: moderate
Transport
Taxi: convenient
Bus connections to Sarıyer
Tell your driver: Yeniköy waterfront area
Wheelchair Accessible Amex Accepted
Staff speaks: Turkish, English
Service style: friendly casual , leisurely pace
Vibe
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Araka, reservations, hours, dress code, and price range.
Where is Araka?
Araka is located in Yeniköy, Istanbul, Kapalı Bakkal Sokak No:8, Yeniköy.
How do I make a reservation at Araka?
Reservations at Araka are essential. We recommend booking 1 week recommended in advance for weekdays and 2 weeks recommended for weekends. Reservation channels: phone, instagram.
What are the opening hours of Araka?
Araka is open 13:00 - 00:00 (Tue-Sun).
What is the dress code at Araka?
The dress code at Araka is smart casual. Relaxed elegance
What type of cuisine does Araka serve?
Araka serves turkish modern, mediterranean cuisine.
How much does Araka cost?
The average spend per person at Araka is around 2200 TRY. Prices typically range from 1500 to 3500 TRY.
What should I order at Araka?
Signature dishes to try at Araka include Seasonal vegetable tasting courses, Creative root vegetable preparations, Foraged ingredient dishes, Garden-to-table presentations.
What is Araka best for?
Araka is especially popular for Date Night, Celebration, Friends.
Spotted something wrong on this page? Report incorrect info
You May Also Like
Discover other places in the neighborhood
Same category
Same category
FENZ Istanbul Restaurant
See & Be Seen Modern Waterfront
Same category
Chilai Restaurant
Editor's Pick
Restaurant Trendy See & Be Seen Modern
Chilai
Bebek
$$$$
Three-story culinary destination with Bosphorus views and art gallery
Same category
Basta Neo Bistro Restaurant
Editor's Pick
Restaurant Trendy Modern Artistic
Basta Neo Bistro
Bağdat Caddesi
$$$$
Michelin Guide bistro with European-Turkish fusion
Same category
TURK Fatih Tutak Restaurant
Editor's Pick
Restaurant Modern See & Be Seen Artistic
Same category
Neolokal Restaurant
Editor's Pick
Restaurant Classic Artistic Modern
What's Nearby
3 Bar, 1 Restaurant, 1 Hotel · 5 places nearby, by straight-line distance
Distances are approximate straight lines, not walking routes. Check directions between stops.
