Cappadocia included in the 2026 Michelin Guide, following in the footsteps of Istanbul, Izmir, and Mugla
Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey, has made history by being included in the prestigious 2026 Michelin Guide. This marks the fourth Turkish location to receive recognition from this globally renowned culinary rating system, joining Istanbul, Izmir, and Muğla.
The Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has played a strategic role in making Turkey's rich culinary heritage more visible on the global stage. Their efforts have been instrumental in showcasing the diverse and regionally distinct culinary landscapes of Türkiye, from bustling metropolitan centres to culturally historic regions like Cappadocia.
Cappadocia's inclusion in the Michelin Guide underscores Turkey's growing reputation as a culinary destination. The region's culinary identity is deeply rooted in local agriculture and traditional ingredients, offering a unique gastronomic experience that showcases the depth and innovation of Turkish and Anatolian cuisines.
Cappadocia's cuisine is characterised by local, seasonal ingredients and diverse cooking methods such as tandoor slow-cooking and fermentation-based dishes. Local specialties like tandir (pit-roasted meat), guvec (slow-cooked stews), and a range of traditional mezes are prominent in the region's culinary scene.
Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy made the announcement of Cappadocia's listing on his official social media account, confirming the region's evolution from a major tourism and UNESCO World Heritage site into an important gastronomic destination.
This development reflects Turkey's rising status in global gastronomy and culinary tourism. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, expressed satisfaction with Cappadocia's addition, noting that the cultural and gastronomic diversity of the region had left a strong impression on Michelin inspectors.
The official reveal of Cappadocia's listing in the Michelin Guide will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus in Istanbul on December 4, 2025. Alongside Cappadocia, listings from Istanbul, Izmir, and Mugla will also be revealed at the event.
Experiencing the cuisine of Cappadocia offers travelers a compelling reason to visit, further boosting Turkey's reputation as a varied and sophisticated culinary destination. The 2026 Michelin Guide will formally introduce Cappadocia in its restaurant selection, making it accessible through the Michelin Guide's official website and mobile applications. This recognition is a significant milestone for Cappadocia and Türkiye, highlighting the country's rich culinary heritage and its growing prominence on the global stage.
[1] Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister [2] Michelin's International Director [3] Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
- Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister, proudly announced Cappadocia's inclusion in the 2026 Michelin Guide on his official social media account.
- Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin's International Director, expressed satisfaction with Cappadocia's addition to the prestigious 2026 Michelin Guide, noting the region's rich cultural and gastronomic diversity.
- The Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has been instrumental in showcasing the diverse and regionally distinct culinary landscapes of Turkiye, including the unique gastronomic experience offered by Cappadocia's food-and-drink scene.
