Mikla

O Lai★★★★★★★★★★5.02 months ago

Mikla is definitely one of the go to places for western dining in Istanbul ! Food, presentation & service were excellent and exceeded our expectations. The restaurant is on the top level of the Hotel Pera 77, and commands a lovely view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. We booked online and was lucky to get a table on the Ramadan weekend. To start, service was impeccable. Our server was the one of the chefs and was able to explain the menu in details. There is a 3 courses set and a 6 courses tasting menu to choose from. We opted for the 3 courses which was definitely the right choice as there were starters on the house, and the portions were relatively large for fine dining. Our starters- mushroom soup - was oozing with the flavors of mushroom and absolutely perfect for a cold rainy night. The octopus was crunchy fresh and was topped with a refreshing sauce. Both were very well seasoned prepared. The main courses - we ordered dry aged beef, and grilled swordfish which was cooked to perfection! Up to this point, every thing was so delicious. Dessert - We had berries ice cream, and saffron ice cream. not sure if we were too full, or we had equally high expectations, could be better. One was too sour, and the other too sweet. Overall, we were quite pleased with the dinner- although it was slightly on the pricey side . On departure, we noticed it has just been awarded with a Michelin one star. Congrats!

Karan AF★★★★★★★★★★5.07 months ago

Dining at Mikla in Istanbul was a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience — the kind that stays with you long after the evening ends. As a Michelin-recognized restaurant, expectations were high, but Mikla exceeded every single one of them with grace and brilliance. The moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed into an atmosphere that radiates sophistication and charm. The panoramic view over Istanbul — especially as the sun sets and the city lights begin to sparkle — creates an absolutely magical backdrop. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between modern luxury and warm intimacy, making it ideal for a special occasion or simply celebrating the joy of great food. Speaking of food — every dish was a masterpiece. The tasting menu was meticulously curated, offering innovative flavors inspired by Anatolian heritage while maintaining a refined, contemporary approach. Each plate looked like art and tasted even better — layered, balanced, and bursting with creativity. You can truly sense the passion and expertise behind every element. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a culinary journey. The wine selection deserves special praise. The list is thoughtfully built, showcasing both exceptional local wines and impressive international labels. With knowledgeable guidance, each pairing elevated the dishes beautifully and added depth to the experience. But what truly made our dinner extraordinary was the impeccable service. Every member of the team was attentive, gracious, and genuinely passionate about what they do. A heartfelt thank you to the tall gentleman with the white beard who took such wonderful care of us throughout the evening. His warm presence, expertise, and personal touches made us feel so welcomed and transformed a superb meal into an unforgettable celebration. Mikla is the definition of fine dining done right — breathtaking atmosphere, extraordinary cuisine, exceptional wine, and world-class hospitality. It is without question one of the best dining experiences in Istanbul, and we cannot wait to return. For those seeking something truly special, Mikla is an absolute must!

Felix Jacobsen★★★★★★★★★★3.03 months ago

Last night, my father and I dined at Makla, recently recognized in the Michelin Guide 2026, and the evening proved to be a mix of impressive highs and notable disappointments. We began with two strong starters. I chose the lamb heart, which was beautifully prepared — tender, deeply flavorful, and handled with the kind of precision that shows real respect for the ingredient. My father’s octopus was equally successful: perfectly cooked, with a balanced texture and clean, focused flavors. Both dishes reflected real technical skill and confidence in the kitchen. For the main course, I had the delicately prepared ribs, which were excellent and among the highlights of the evening — succulent, refined, and thoughtfully composed. My father opted for the grilled lamb, which was enjoyable and well-executed, though not quite as memorable — a solid 4 out of 5. Dessert, however, was where the experience faltered. The “Burned Hazelnut Halva” sounded intriguing on paper but felt confused on the palate. The flavors lacked harmony, and the concept did not fully translate into pleasure. This was unfortunately the weakest course of the night (2 out of 5). The final disappointment came after dinner. We were interested in enjoying the live jazz performance in the bar, but were informed there was an additional charge of 900 lira per person — despite having just dined at the Michelin restaurant. While policies are policies, the lack of consideration for restaurant guests left a slightly sour aftertaste and diminished the overall sense of hospitality. In summary, the food showed real craftsmanship and moments of excellence, but inconsistencies and the post-dinner experience prevented the evening from feeling complete.

Dave Kaye★★★★★★★★★★4.06 months ago

Overall good experience. Phenomenal views, great service, good cocktails, food for the most part was impeccable as well. The one hiccup was the dry aged steak for 2. We ordered it medium but it was def rare / medium rare. But they immediately fixed it and apologized. In hindsight I wish I ordered their lamb. The steak was HUGE and compared to other Michelin places they give you a lot of food. The star were the porcini mushroom dishes - to die for 😋. They were also continuously bringing us delicious extras.

Ayşen Saltan★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

Michelin-starred restaurant with an amazing Istanbul view and really delicious food. Everything tastes great, and the view is incredible. For dessert, just ask the waiter — the ones we tried are still on our minds ..