Nicole

This restaurant is named after Agnés Marthe Nicole, one of the Franciscan nuns and owners who lived here in the early 20C. A series of narrow lanes leads to the building, which, as you will see, has undergone major renovations. At the entrance, you are greeted by works of modern art. On the top floor, the elegance and luxury of the place is taken up a notch – and the view of the old town from here is fabulous. Exquisite dishes and the well-heeled clientele show that this fine dining restaurant is of the highest calibre. The chef revamps traditional recipes from all over Turkey, adding delicate nuances, and he is clearly proud of his terroir. Shoulder of lamb sourced in Balikesir, for example, is cooked until butter soft in a keskek stew, with a patiently reduced jus that is simply irresistible. A vibrant blend of herbs and yoghurt, along with subtly spiced cooked grains, gives the dish a lively twist. Here, creativity is deployed with respect and a sense of purpose. This celebration of Turkey's rich bounty is complemented by a wine list showcasing local gems that will even surprise connoisseurs.

A Nun-Named Heritage on a Historic Building

• Nicole is named after nun Agnés Marthe Nicole, and the restaurant sits in a building that once served as the Soeurs Garde-Malades (Nursing Sisters) Apartment. The site later housed Levantine and Greek families, embedding a deep social-historical context.
• The building has been carefully restored to honor its origins, turning into Tomtom Suites’ cultural, artistic, entertainment and gourmet centerpiece.

A Table-Size Menu Policy for Harmonious Service

• For a harmonious service flow, the whole table selects the same length of menu, a not-so-common practice that shapes pacing and sharing.
• The restaurant highlights an autumn menu with a refreshed venue planned for reopening on September 23, 2025.

Dramatic Top-Floor Terrace with Istanbul’s Skyline

• Nicole is located on the top floor of Tomtom Suites, offering a chic terrace with a breathtaking view of Old Town, the Princes' Islands and beyond.
• The terrace dining complements the concept of blending Traditional Turkish Cuisine with a contemporary interpretation.

Signature Ingredients

• Monkfish: A centerpiece of Nicole's seafood-forward tasting experiences; singled out by guests as a featured dish in the Michelin-starred menu, representing the restaurant's modern Turkish interpretation of coastal flavors with refined plating and technique.
• Tuna: Mentioned among the seafood options on Nicole's menu and in guest reviews, illustrating the restaurant's emphasis on high-quality, seasonal fish as part of its degustation narrative.
• Sardine: Cited by visitors as part of Nicole's seafood repertoire, highlighting the chef's use of traditional Turkish coastal ingredients reimagined with contemporary presentation.