Foxy Nişantaşı

The story

Foxy Nişantaşı: Natural Wine & Turkish Contemporary in Istanbul

The Story Behind Foxy

Foxy Nişantaşı began as a long-held dream between Levon Bağış and chef Maksut. For years they talked about opening their own wine bar, where Levon would select the wines and Maksut would cook alongside. The idea became a running joke—until a February 2019 evening over drinks turned into a pact: open within a year or never speak of it again. That challenge set them in motion, and by September they had found the right space in Nişantaşı.

The name Foxy comes from a term used to describe a characteristic of the Concord grape—a heavy, fur-like aroma and cherry-candy taste that some consider a flaw. Levon and Maksut embrace imperfection: they believe flaws make wine unique and authentic. “We love wines with their mistakes,” Levon writes. The bar’s name reflects their rejection of mass-produced, cookie-cutter wines in favor of something genuine.

Wine Philosophy and Local Grapes

Foxy’s heart is its wine list, built around natural wines and native Anatolian grapes. The team works directly with producers, even encouraging the creation of specific natural wines for the bar. Their mission is twofold: revive traditional winemaking methods and increase awareness of Turkey’s diminishing local grape varieties. “Knowing that these lands are the birthplace of wine,” says Levon, “we wanted to bring traditional production methods back to light.”

The result is a curated selection that changes often, featuring wines that express their terroir without heavy oak or fruit bombs. For those curious about Turkey’s 8,000-year wine history, Foxy offers a direct taste of that heritage.

The Food and Drink

Chef Maksut prepares food to accompany the wines, offering a contemporary Turkish menu that changes with the seasons. The kitchen serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, always with the same philosophy: simple, honest cooking that lets ingredients speak. The bar keeps its cocktail list deliberately short—only Negroni, which Levon considers the king of cocktails. A few carefully chosen craft beers are also available.

Recognition

In 2026, Foxy Nişantaşı received a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, recognizing its good quality cooking at a good value. The award confirms what regulars already know: this is a place where passion for natural wine and Turkish cuisine meet, without pretense. Whether you come for a glass of local Narince or a full meal, Foxy feels like a genuine discovery in the heart of Istanbul.