MICHELIN Set to Launch Its First Nationwide Restaurant Guide in Türkiye

Istanbul to host the unveiling of the 2027 edition on December 3. In a historic expansion beyond traditional tourist destinations, the guide will spotlight the diversity of local cuisines and strengthen Türkiye’s position as a culinary tourism destination.

Türkiye is preparing to enter a new chapter in culinary tourism, as the MICHELIN Guide announces plans to unveil its first comprehensive nationwide selection of restaurants across the country. The ceremony will take place on December 3, 2026, in Istanbul, opening the door for more local restaurants and culinary talents to reach a global audience of food enthusiasts.

The event will be held at Divan Kuruçeşme in Istanbul, where the MICHELIN Guide Türkiye 2027 selection will be announced. It will bring together leading chefs, restaurant owners and hospitality professionals, alongside the presentation of special awards recognising excellence and innovation in gastronomy.

The MICHELIN Guide first arrived in Türkiye in 2022, launching its inaugural selection in Istanbul before expanding its coverage to Izmir, Muğla and Cappadocia.

The move towards nationwide coverage marks a significant shift, allowing inspectors to explore regional cuisines, traditional restaurants and emerging destinations beyond the cities featured in previous editions.

The guide's inspectors, who conduct their visits independently and anonymously, continue to assess restaurants according to criteria that include the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, the chef's personality and consistency in quality.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, said Türkiye offers exceptional diversity, bringing together deeply rooted local traditions and innovative contemporary experiences.

He added: "The launch of the first comprehensive nationwide selection of the MICHELIN Guide Türkiye will help showcase this unique diversity and give travellers a broader picture of the country's outstanding culinary experiences."

The initiative carries significance beyond awarding stars to restaurants. It could help introduce visitors to lesser-known regions and encourage journeys centred on discovering local cuisine and the cultures associated with it.

The expansion is also expected to create further opportunities for independent restaurants and local chefs to strengthen their international presence, as interest in food-led travel continues to grow as an integral part of the tourism experience.

The full selection of restaurants will be published following the December 3 ceremony on the MICHELIN Guide's official website and app, providing a new reference for travellers wishing to discover Türkiye through its diverse culinary traditions.