The 9 best Asian restaurants in Istanbul: Japanese, Thai and Cantonese

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The best Asian restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul, a gastronomic paradise, is home to a sensational lineup of restaurants that elevate traditional Far Eastern flavours with contemporary flair. Here are some of our favourites.

Top Asian restaurants in Istanbul

1. Roka

Roka's Istanbul outpost ranks among the city's finest Japanese restaurants, its open robata grill the undisputed star. The sesame miso-glazed charred eggplant and ribeye with wasabi ponzu are smoky standouts, all served against stunning Bosphorus views from a terrace open year-round.

2. Çok Çok Thai

For authentic Thai food cooked by a chef who once worked for Thailand's royal family, book a table at Çok Çok Thai. Helmed by Chef Khun Nuch since 2006, this beloved Pera institution has twice earned a Michelin Guide nod — start with crispy spring rolls, then test your spice tolerance with a rich coconut curry.

3. Hakkasan

Michelin-starred global giant Hakkasan has landed at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, its second Türkiye location after Bodrum. Specialising in Cantonese cuisine, it serves signature dishes that push Chinese cooking's boundaries — the crispy duck salad with grapefruit, pine nuts and pomegranate is a must.

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4. Sankai by Nagaya

Led by Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, this one-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant sits on the third floor of the Bebek Hotel overlooking the Bosphorus. With just 24 seats, it offers an intimate blend of Edomae-style sushi and kaiseki, each dish a work of art made from seasonal local ingredients.

5. Isokyo

Tucked inside the Raffles Hotel at Zorlu Centre, Isokyo is a pan-Asian spot spanning Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean cooking with a modern twist — from expert sushi to wok-fried lobster.

6. Zuma

Zuma's Istanbul branch inside Istinye Park elevates mall dining to a whole new level, offering elevated izakaya-style plates of sushi, robata-grilled seafood and seasonal chef specials.

7. Ioki Nau

This fantastic fusion spot combines Japanese and Peruvian cooking (nikkei cuisine) — try the Sakura roll, tuna ceviche or Beef Sando — and moonlights as a listening bar by night.

8. Inari Omakase

A long-standing sushi favourite since 2012, Inari has expanded from Kuruçeşme to Vadistanbul and Etiler. Beyond sushi, the Half Duck with orange truffle sauce is highly recommended.

9. Nobu

Experience Nobu's renowned flavours without leaving Istanbul. Co-owned by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Bobby D, Nobu pairs its iconic dishes with Istanbul-exclusive creations against a breathtaking Bosphorus panorama.