MICHELIN Guide adds Izmir and Bodrum to its Turkey map

MICHELIN Guide inspectors are scrutinizing Izmir and Bodrum, in addition to Istanbul, to include them in their prestigious guide.

The addition of these two iconic and touristic regions to the guide proves that Turkey is a rich and exciting gastronomic destination.

The restaurant selections for Izmir and Bodrum, along with the choices for Istanbul, will be announced at a ceremony in Istanbul on November 9, 2023.

Michelin is delighted to announce that Izmir and Bodrum are now part of its selection in Turkey. The restaurant selections for Izmir and Bodrum will be revealed at a special ceremony in Istanbul on November 9, 2023, alongside the second selection for Istanbul.

Izmir, which includes the charming Urla district, known for its wine routes and a blend of Aegean and Mediterranean culinary traditions, offers a wide range of gastronomic options. From gourmet and trendy restaurants to traditional and popular eateries, Izmir shines with its diverse food offerings. Many restaurants, run by young local chefs eager to reinterpret the past in a modern way, serve Aegean delicacies, fresh seafood, and rich meze varieties.

Bodrum, one of the most famous Turkish tourist destinations in Mugla province, boasts a wonderful mix of authentic Turkish restaurants showcasing seafood delicacies and popular cuisines like Asian and Italian. It also offers various selections from world cuisines. The luxurious holiday resorts in Bodrum not only display creativity but also provide top-notch dining experiences.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, stated, “Our inspectors are thrilled to include Izmir and Bodrum in their roadmaps after their first visits to Istanbul last year. These two locations not only offer unforgettable and unique cultural and touristic experiences but also boast a culinary culture worth discovering. Izmir and its surroundings have exciting restaurants that highlight local culture and showcase the top gastronomic talents of many young local chefs. On the other hand, Bodrum stands out with its traditional city-center restaurants, as well as innovative concepts in luxury resorts. By adding these two new regions to the MICHELIN Guide family, we genuinely hope to spread the message to the world that Turkey is an unmissable gastronomic destination.”

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, expressed his joy about Izmir and Bodrum’s recognition as leading “gastro-cities” after Istanbul. He emphasized that Turkey’s rich culinary culture, blending sustainability with the finest local produce and the talents of skillful chefs, could now be showcased to the world. He also highlighted the limitless possibilities awaiting visitors to Izmir and Bodrum, including the turquoise waters of Turkaegean, the deep historical heritage, the quality facilities, and the various options ranging from cruises to gulet tours (blue voyages). He believes that the inclusion of these two new regions in the MICHELIN Guide reflects the growing potential of Turkey in gastronomy tourism and looks forward to the addition of more cities in the coming years.

The MICHELIN Guide Istanbul, published for the first time in 2022, highlights the gastronomic potential and culinary diversity of the Turkish metropolis, recommending a total of 53 restaurants, including 5 Michelin-starred (1 Two Michelin Star, 4 One Michelin Star), 1 Michelin Green Star, and 10 Bib Gourmand establishments. The guide sheds light on various types of restaurants, from gourmet bistros to luxury dining venues and traditional eateries, as well as presenting seasonal specialties and unique flavors.

The MICHELIN Guide will use its historical and universal methodology to showcase the culinary culture of Izmir and Bodrum, just as it does for all destinations, and recommend the best restaurants they have to offer. The methodology is applied by the secret and independent Michelin inspectors, who are former industry professionals and now work full-time for the Michelin Group. It focuses solely on the quality of the dishes served and evaluates them based on five criteria:

• Quality of the products used
• Mastery of cooking techniques
• Harmony of flavors
• The personality of the chef as revealed through the dining experience
• Consistency, both over time and across the entire menu

The 2024 selection for MICHELIN Guide Istanbul, Izmir, and Bodrum will be announced during the MICHELIN Guide ceremony in Istanbul on November 9, 2023. The restaurants featured in the guide will be available on the MICHELIN Guide website and also through the free IOS and Android applications.

About Michelin:

As one of the leading companies in mobility, Michelin continues to develop its customers’ mobility in a sustainable manner. It strives to design and provide the most suitable tires, services, and solutions to meet customer needs, enriching journeys and turning them into unique experiences. Michelin also aims to develop high-tech materials for various industries, providing digital services, maps, and guides to customers. With 132,200 employees operating in 175 countries, Michelin operates 67 tire production facilities and has a production capacity of 167 million tires as of 2022. The company’s headquarters are located in Clermont-Ferrand, France (www.michelin.com).