Soaring Over Cappadocia: Hot Air Balloons at Sunrise and Michelin-Starred Dining

Food enthusiasts exploring Türkiye’s vibrant culinary landscape are in for a treat, with exceptional dining experiences extending beyond bustling cities like Istanbul and Izmir. The Michelin Guide has recently expanded its coverage in Türkiye, adding the enchanting region of Cappadocia to its prestigious list, alongside Istanbul, Izmir, and Muğla.

Cappadocia is globally celebrated for its mesmerizing hot air balloon rides over Goreme at sunrise, distinctive cave hotels, and otherworldly fairy chimneys. Yet, its rich food culture, deeply rooted in local traditions, is now gaining the spotlight it deserves.

“Cappadocia’s culinary identity is a testament to its local agriculture and time-honored ingredients,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. “This region has captivated our inspectors and deserves recognition as both a gastronomic and historical gem.”

Cappadocia will officially join the Michelin Guide with its 2026 restaurant selections, to be revealed at a grand ceremony in Istanbul this December. Since its debut in Türkiye in 2022, the Michelin Guide has become a beacon for food lovers navigating the country’s culinary scene.

The Michelin Guide currently highlights 14 Michelin-starred restaurants across Istanbul, Izmir, and Muğla. Despite past criticism for excluding major cities like Ankara and Antalya, it remains a trusted resource for discovering Türkiye’s top chefs.

Leading the pack is Turk Fatih Tutak in Istanbul, a two-Michelin-starred gem offering just 30 seats nightly for its exquisite multi-course tasting menu. Rooted in traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist, the restaurant sources all ingredients locally from farmers and butchers daily.

If reservations at Turk Fatih Tutak are elusive, one-Michelin-starred Araka in Yeniköy and Nicole in Beyoğlu offer stellar alternatives, showcasing modern Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish flair.

Surprisingly, Istanbul also boasts a Michelin Green Star restaurant, Telezzüz in Üsküdar. This fully vegan, zero-waste kitchen redefines plant-based dining with creative, contemporary dishes that delight even the most curious foodies.