İncili Gastronomi Guide Awards Presented in a Magnificent Ceremony

The “İncili Gastronomi Guide,” Turkey’s first gastronomy rating system created with independent and unique criteria, honored outstanding restaurants once again this year. During a ceremony hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, restaurants that had undergone meticulous evaluations over an extended period received their 4 and 5 “Pearl” awards.

A Gathering Point for the Culinary World
Prepared in collaboration with Hürriyet Newspaper, Karaca, and Jumbo, the guide recognized restaurants that successfully passed more than a year of transparent and detailed assessments. The ceremony spotlighted not only top-rated establishments but also recipients of the “Centennial Venues,” “Menus of the Future Awards,” and “Project Team Honor Awards.”

Supported by Şölen, The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, and Unilever Food Solutions, the prestigious evening brought together industry leaders, media representatives, culinary professionals, and prominent chefs.

A Night Where Chefs and Restaurants Shined
During the event hosted by Elfin Yüksektepe and Murat Güloğlu, Müge Akgün—Hürriyet Kelebek columnist and coordinator of the guide—emphasized the impartiality of the evaluation process and the steady development of the guide over the years. Akgün noted that the guide expanded this year to include Marmaris and Fethiye in addition to Bodrum.

The “Project Team Honor Awards,” the “Centennial Venues” segment, and the sustainability-focused “Menus of the Future” category by Unilever Food Solutions were among the highlights of the night.

“We Are Carrying Turkey’s Culinary Heritage Into the Future”
Karaca Group CEO Fatih Karaca underlined that gastronomy is a powerful reflection of cultural memory and stressed the importance of carrying this culinary heritage into the future together with chefs. Elif Karacaoğlu, Human Resources Group President at Demirören Media, stated that the guide has become one of the key reference sources in the sector over the years.

“Gastronomy Awards Showcase a Nation’s Culinary Identity”
A. Tayfun Topal, Chief Advisor to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, pointed out that gastronomy guides serve a purpose beyond listing restaurants—they establish a system that encourages quality according to international standards. He added that Turkish cuisine has gained increased global recognition in recent years.

Awards for Future Chefs and Masters
In their speeches, Unilever Food Solutions Turkey Marketing Lead Eylül Er and Şölen CEO Erdoğan Çoban highlighted the guide’s contribution to Turkey’s culinary landscape. Çoban noted that the guide has now reached a reliability level comparable to international counterparts.

2025–2026 İncili Gastronomi Guide Awards
This year, 22 restaurants received 5 Pearls and 97 restaurants earned 4 Pearls, receiving their awards on stage. Additionally, “Centennial Venues”—establishments that have been operating for more than a century—were honored with special plaques. The “Project Team Honor Awards” and “Menus of the Future Awards” were also presented to the individuals and venues shaping the future of gastronomy.

 
5-Pearl Restaurants
7 Mehmet, Aheste, Alaf, Arkestra, Atilla Heilbronn Fine Dining Restaurant, Ayla by Aret Sahakyan, Casa Lavanda, Havuş, Herise İstanbul, Kitchen Bodrum by Osman Sezener, Lucca by the Sea, Maçakızı, Mikla, Neolokal, Nicole, OD Urla, Sankai by Nagaya, Seraf Vadi, Sunset Grill & Bar, Teruar Urla, TURK Fatih Tutak, Urla Vino Locale

4-Pearl Restaurants
Aila, Akira Back, Alma Table, Antiochia, Apartıman, Araka, Asmalı Cavit… (list continues as in the original)

Centennial Venues
Vefa Bozacısı (149 years), Katmerci Zekeriya Usta (100 years)

Project Team Honor Awards
Ali Akkaş, Cristina Bowerman, Dilistan Shipman, Fatma Şahin, Handan Kaygusuzer, Mehmet Yaşin, Sabiha Apaydın

Menus of the Future Awards
Afitap, Marlinda, Tola & 21 Masa, Zaaf