Araka — Restaurant in Sarıyer

Went several times when it first opened and yesterday and sadly it has not gotten any better (rather worse!) menu, taste or service wise. The fish on the menu was not seasonal although claimed otherwise. Amuse bouche was quite ordinary. The small wine menu is well curated. Isabelle grape sorbet was the only highlight of our dinner. Our clumsy waiter kept running into the back of our chairs while serving tables next to ours. The sulking chef was all the time going around kissing her not so cute dog in her arms, could not help hoping she washes her hands and changes her clothes before cooking and serving. She can also for a change try putting on a smile for her customers and ask how they like the food while she is serving the main dishes to the tables or rather not serve at all herself! Latest update dated Dec. 2022 - Michelin star did not make much of a difference if I do feel correctly from the state of the current reviews. They still don’t seem to have a proper online reservation system and on top of that they are rude to people who call to make a reservation - how...

I absolutely loved my Araka dining experience! From the appetizers to the main dish, each bite was a delightful culinary trip. Some of the flavor pairings were quite unusual and I was initially a bit skeptical, but my skepticism immediately disappeared with the first bite. I was blown away by the creativity and the skillful execution of the dishes. The food was exciting, playful, and exquisite. Very familiar foods were transformed in such a way that they were still recognizable, but so deliciously redefined. The wait staff were so attentive and charming that I enjoyed them almost as much as the food. The restaurant’s atmosphere is modest and rustic (but very clean), which I personally liked because it feels homey. I love the idea of a fine dining experience which is accessible and comfortable. That being said, if you’re looking for architectural glamour and shine, this really might not be the restaurant for you. But the food speaks for itself and provides all the Michelin-level glamour. Trust me on that....

I was traveling to Istanbul from the USA, and I was looking for a high-end dining experience for a romantic date. This place had lots of great reviews and photos, and the vibe was great, but that's the extent of it. After trying 5 dishes (~165$ USD), we were deeply disappointed. For the price and the level this restaurant positions itself, the food was too simple. We started with their signature artichoke, which was nothing more than an artichoke. The scallops wrapped in prosciutto was a very wrong culinary choice, because you can't taste the delicate tender taste of scallops over strong salty flavor of prosciutto. The other dishes (I don't remember them all), were on the same level - well cooked but nothing extraordinary. Simple flavors, nothing more. I would not recommend this place to anyone who truly wants a good flavorful dinner. I had more flavors eating street food or in normal restaurants. Not sure why it has a Michelin star, it makes me question the guide nowadays....