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Araka - Restaurant in Yenikoy, Istanbul
Restaurant Editor's Pick

Araka

Vegetable-forward contemporary cuisine

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Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed December 2025
Yenikoy |
$$$$ Mid-range for Restaurant
|
13:00 - 00:00 (Tue-Sun)
|
9.1 /10
| Last reviewed: Dec 2025

Chef Zeynep Pinar Tasdemir's personal vision comes alive at Araka, where vegetables take center stage without sacrificing sophistication. The Michelin-starred restaurant in Yenikoy 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.

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

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

2 people

Minimum

—

Typical

—

Maximum

—

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

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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: Yenikoy waterfront area

Wheelchair Accessible Amex Accepted

Staff speaks: Turkish, English

Service style: friendly casual , leisurely pace

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