Mimolett

Sıraselviler Cd. No:55, Istanbul, Turkey

With a CV like Murat Bozok’s, you can see why the guy thinks he’s going to be the first chef in Turkey to win a Michelin star. Trained by the likes of Ramsay, Robuchon and Gagnaire – whose restaurants hold nine Michelin stars between them – he certainly has pedigree. Now, to much local excitement, Bozok has opened his own gourmet temple in his native city of Istanbul. Mimolett is a quirky, multi-levelled space, with an intimate ambience that makes you feel rather like you’re dining in a very eccentric friend’s well-appointed apartment. The Mediterranean-heavy menu is innovative but restrained – unlike many chefs first out on their own, Bozok is (thankfully) not trying to reinvent the wheel. Foie gras is sautéed to perfection, served with quince jam and brioche – seriously, this dish alone is worth the visit – and paired with a sticky Sicilian moscato, it makes a sublime starter. Beetroot and goat’s cheese salad and venison fillet with bitter chocolate sauce are also particular highlights. It has to be said, with food like this, a star can’t be too far off.