Neolokal

The story

Neolokal Istanbul – Michelin-Starred Modern Turkish Cuisine in Karaköy

A Bridge Between Old and New

At Neolokal in Istanbul’s Karaköy district, the team believes that those who preserve their traditions ensure a brighter future. The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for Anatolian heritage, which it shares by redefining the borders of taste. The name itself signals the mission: a modern take on local cuisine that remains timeless. As the restaurant states, “We are a bridge between the old and the new.”

Chef Maksut Aşkar and the Team

Leading the kitchen is Chef Maksut Aşkar, who guides a young, curious team with the understanding that they must protect Turkish food for future generations. The neolokal team examines traditional recipes to the finest detail, blending in endangered foods of the heritage. By combining modern techniques with innovative perspectives, they create a new, refined approach to local cuisine—earning the restaurant a Michelin star for high-quality cooking.

Tasting the Land

The menu is designed to offer dishes that allow diners to reminisce in traditions threatened by extinction. Each taste provides a glimpse of what the land has always offered. Neolokal strives to present a real, honest meal by sourcing every ingredient first-hand. The result is modern Turkish cuisine that feels both grounded and inventive, served within the historic walls of Salt Galata.