Istanbul · Izakaya · a la carte
Itsumi Japanese Restaurant
Traditional JapaneseIchiju sansaiYakitoriMichelin Guide listedJapanese-owned
Run by Japanese chef-owner Shunichi Horikoshi and his wife Pinar, Itsumi is a Michelin-listed Istanbul institution that recreates authentic Japanese home-style cooking – from yakitori and cold somen to seasonal sukiyaki – using locally sourced Turkish ingredients shaped by Japanese technique.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- 4. Levent (Beşiktaş)
- Chef
- Shunichi Horikoshi
- Owner
- Shunichi Horikoshi; Pinar Acilan Horikoshi
Plate № 32
About
Tucked inside the Levent İş Kuleleri tower complex, Itsumi was born from chef Shunichi Horikoshi's desire to offer Japanese expatriates in Istanbul a genuine taste of home. Over the years, the restaurant has evolved into a beloved destination for Turkish food enthusiasts drawn to its ichiju sansai meals, yakitori skewers, handmade soba, and cold somen served only in summer. Chef Horikoshi – who received recognition at the official Consul General of Japan's award ceremony in Istanbul – has painstakingly recreated traditional Japanese flavours using the finest Turkish ingredients, a process he describes as building a bridge between both culinary cultures. Listed in the MICHELIN Guide Türkiye for 2025 and 2026, Itsumi remains one of the very few authentically Japanese-owned restaurants in the city.
Neighborhood & visiting
Itsumi Japanese Restaurant sits in 4. Levent (Beşiktaş), one of Istanbul's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- One of Istanbul's rare genuinely Japanese-owned restaurants – chef Horikoshi is from Japan and lives in Istanbul.
- MICHELIN Guide Türkiye listed two years running, validating its consistent authentic quality.
- Seasonal Japanese menu with dishes like cold somen (summer only) and sukiyaki rarely found elsewhere in Turkey.
- Honoured at the Consul General of Japan's ceremony in Istanbul for preserving authentic Japanese culinary culture abroad.
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Frequently asked
About Itsumi Japanese Restaurant
- Is Itsumi Japanese Restaurant an authentic traditional japanese restaurant in Istanbul?
- Yes — Itsumi Japanese Restaurant is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for traditional japanese in Istanbul: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Itsumi Japanese Restaurant located?
- Itsumi Japanese Restaurant is located at İş Kuleleri Kule 2, No:43, 4. Levent, 34330 Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey in the 4. Levent (Beşiktaş) neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Itsumi Japanese Restaurant?
- Itsumi Japanese Restaurant does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Istanbul we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Itsumi Japanese Restaurant?
- Itsumi Japanese Restaurant sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for traditional japanese of this format in Istanbul.
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