Sankai by Nagaya

The story

Sankai by Nagaya: Michelin-Starred Omakase in Istanbul, Bebek

Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya’s Istanbul Outpost

Sankai by Nagaya is a 24-seat omakase restaurant in Bebek, Istanbul, curated in collaboration with Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, who holds three Michelin stars across his restaurants in Germany and Turkey. Born in Gifu, Japan, Nagaya learned traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine from masters before moving to Düsseldorf, where he earned his first Michelin star. His Istanbul venture, awarded a Michelin star in 2026, reflects three decades of Japanese culinary wisdom, now expressed through local Turkish seafood and produce.

At the sushi counter, Edo-mae sushi shokunin Hiroko Shibata brings a rare perspective. A former member of Japan’s maritime and air self-defense forces, she trained in prestigious Ginza restaurants and luxury hotels in Tokyo. At Sankai, she fuses fresh seasonal Turkish fish with the deep knowledge of Japanese cuisine culture, crafting nigiri in the traditional Edo-mae style—fish preserved and seasoned using techniques that originated in Tokyo Bay before refrigeration.

Two Seasonal Tasting Menus

Sankai offers two distinct omakase journeys, changing with the seasons. The Sankai Sushi menu leans into sushi, highlighting Hiroko Shibata’s Edo-mae craftsmanship. The Nagaya Signature menu tells the story of kaiseki cuisine—a multi-course haute cuisine that embodies harmony, balance, and craftsmanship, prepared with seasonal ingredients from both land and sea. All guests at a table share the same menu, selected at booking, ensuring a focused, cohesive experience.

A Sophisticated Japanese Home on the Bosphorus

Designed by Geo-ID and partially owned by architect Mahmut Anlar, the space welcomes guests with a sophisticated, Japanese home-like atmosphere. The restaurant’s location in the heart of Bebek, overlooking the Bosphorus, sets the stage for an evening of exquisite hospitality—what the Japanese call omotenashi. A complimentary BMW i7 transfer is available within a 5 km radius (advance reservation required, limited availability), adding to the seamless arrival.