Istanbul's Karaköy district buzzes with old-world charm and new-age culture. Right in the heart of this Turkish metropolis sits Neolokal, a restaurant that's turning heads worldwide. Chef Maksut Aşkar runs this place inside the SALT Galata building. The same building used to be the Ottoman Empire's central bank. Now it's home to some serious cooking magic.

Key highlights:
- Michelin-starred restaurant with both regular and green stars
- Floor-to-ceiling windows showing off Istanbul's skyline
- Modern Turkish food that respects old traditions

PROFILE

Neolokal opened with a simple goal - make Turkish food cool again. Chef Maksut Aşkar digs through his grandma's recipe books and gives them a modern twist. The restaurant sits on the upper floor of a cultural complex that used to guard the Ottoman State's treasure. The place got its first Michelin star and later earned a green star for sustainability. They ranked #91 in the World's 50 Best restaurants list. That's pretty big for a Turkish restaurant. Aşkar works with local farmers who use old-school farming methods. He even shares his recipes online for free because he thinks cooking knowledge should be open to everyone.

AMBIENCE

Walk into Neolokal and you'll see something special. The dining room has huge windows that show off the Golden Horn and old Istanbul. At night, the mosque lights twinkle like stars across the water. The restaurant design is super clean and minimal. It's weird seeing this modern space inside such an old building. The kitchen sits one floor below, and you can hear the quiet work happening downstairs. They don't use air conditioning - just natural temperature control. The space feels open and airy. You can even check out the old Ottoman Bank Museum in the basement before dinner.

MUST-TRY

The octopus roll is their star dish. Some people say it's the best cooked octopus they've ever eaten. The lamb neck with freekeh pilaf also gets tons of praise from diners. Don't skip the sorrel sorbet - it's a savory palate cleanser that surprises everyone. The morel mushroom dumplings come with a fancy iPad video presentation. Some think it's extra, but the dish tastes amazing. Their sourdough bread with parsley butter is simple but perfect. The burnt sheep yogurt pomegranate sorbet sounds weird but tastes incredible.

FOOD

Neolokal serves three different tasting menus. You can pick a 3-course menu where you choose each dish. There's also a 5-course vegetarian option and a 6-course fixed tasting menu. The food style mixes traditional Turkish ingredients with modern cooking tricks. Think hummus made fancy, or börek filled with chard and truffle mushrooms. Each dish tells a story about Turkish food history. Some dishes arrive lukewarm because the kitchen is downstairs. The staff has to carry everything up flights of stairs. But the flavors are bright and the presentation looks like art. The wine list focuses on Turkish wines, including some rare local grapes. They serve natural and orange wines too. The cocktails are creative and use Turkish spirits like raki.

SERVICE

Service at Neolokal is formal but friendly. The servers know their stuff and can explain each dish in detail. They suggest the order to eat things if you get multiple items at once. Some diners say the service feels a bit mechanical sometimes. The staff works hard but doesn't always bring the right silverware. They're professional but could be warmer. The whole meal takes about 2-3 hours. Make sure you have time to enjoy the experience. The servers are good at pacing the courses so you don't feel rushed.

PRICING

Neolokal isn't cheap, but it's not the most expensive fine dining in Istanbul. The tasting menus cost around $30-50 per person according to various sources. Wine pairings add extra cost. You need to make reservations way in advance - sometimes a week ahead. The restaurant only opens Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. They're closed on Sundays and Mondays. The price feels fair for what you get - Michelin-starred food with amazing views. It's special occasion dining, not your regular Tuesday night spot.

SUMMARY

Neolokal succeeds at making Turkish food feel fresh and exciting. The location is perfect, the views are stunning, and the food tells Turkish stories in new ways. Chef Aşkar's passion for local ingredients and traditions shows in every bite. The restaurant has some small issues - lukewarm dishes, formal service, and high prices. But the overall experience is memorable. It's one of the few places where you can eat world-class Turkish food while looking at one of the world's most beautiful cities. If you're visiting Istanbul and want to try something special, Neolokal delivers. Just book early and bring your appetite for adventure.

FAQs

Do I need reservations at Neolokal?
Yes, you need to book at least a week ahead. The restaurant is popular and only seats a limited number of people each night.

What's the dress code at Neolokal?
The restaurant doesn't mention a strict dress code, but it's fine dining so smart casual is probably best. Don't show up in shorts and flip-flops.

Are there vegetarian options at Neolokal?
Yes, they have a full 5-course vegetarian tasting menu. They also offer gluten-free, lactose-free, and nut-free options if you ask ahead.