Nicole

The story

Nicole Istanbul: Modern Turkish Cuisine with a Michelin Star in Beyoğlu

Nicole

On the top floor of a meticulously restored 1901 building in Beyoğlu, Nicole Restaurant offers a dining experience rooted in history and lifted by a panoramic view of the Old Town, the Princes' Islands, and beyond. The building, originally built as the Soeurs Garde-Malades Apartment for Franciscan nuns, later housed Levantine and Greek families before falling into disrepair. Its restoration in the early 2000s brought it back as a cultural and gourmet anchor of the district. The restaurant takes its name from one of the building’s former owners, nun Agnés Marthe Nicole, and aims to blend the building’s historical past with modern reflections.

The kitchen focuses on a contemporary interpretation of traditional Turkish cuisine, presenting it through two tasting menus. Menu No.1, available until 8:30 PM, begins with amuse-bouches like Sweetbread Cream Caramel and Circassian Duck, then moves through dishes such as Snow Pea with clotted cream curd and pistachio, and a “Kumpir” reimagined with mezze, octopus salad, and potato foam. The “Trakya” Lamb Chops arrive with spring stew and lamb jus, and the meal closes with a Datça Almond dessert featuring bitter almond cookie and cezerye ice cream. Menu No.2, served after 9:00 PM, offers a slightly shorter sequence that includes a choice between the catch of the day or the lamb chops.

This commitment to refined, modern Turkish cuisine earned Nicole a Michelin star, recognizing the high quality of its cooking. The terrace, with its stylish setting and uninterrupted views, provides a fitting backdrop for the restaurant’s careful wine and beer pairings, which are offered alongside both menus. Whether you are drawn by the history, the view, or the food, Nicole delivers a precise and memorable evening in Istanbul.