Foxy Nişantaşı is a contemporary Turkish restaurant in Şişli co-founded in 2019 by chef Maksut Aşkar and wine expert Levon Bağış, focusing on natural Turkish wines and innovative dishes inspired by Anatolian cuisine. The name comes from the musky flavour of the Concord grape, and suits the casual, playful spirit of the spot – where you might notice the house cat wandering around.
Recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking, Foxy draws wine lovers and food enthusiasts who come for the thoughtfully curated wine list and refined small plates. The lengthy wine list celebrates native Anatolian grapes, and the small plates reflect Istanbul’s mosaic of cultures.
Quick Facts
| Address | Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Cad. No:1 D, 34365 Şişli, Istanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
|---|---|
| District | Şişli |
| Metro | Osmanbey (M2, 10 min walk west) Nişantaşı (M2, 5 min walk) |
| Best time to visit | Visit Tuesday to Thursday for a more relaxed atmosphere and easier table access. Friday and Saturday evenings are busiest – arrive early (by 19:00) or book well ahead. Lunchtime offers quieter service and a shorter menu but is less crowded. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Summer evenings are pleasant; the outdoor terrace is most enjoyable in spring and autumn. Winter is quieter but still charming. |
| Recommended duration | 1–2 hours |
| Cuisine | Contemporary Turkish |
| Reservations | Reservations strongly recommended, especially Thursday to Saturday and during evening hours. Walk-ins accepted depending on table availability. Call +90 531 484 38 91 or check the official website to book ahead. |
| Website | followthefoxy.com |
| Operating status confirmed | October 2026 |
Reservations and Ordering at Foxy Nişantaşı
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours. Booking ahead is strongly advised for Thursday to Saturday evenings. Foxy Nişantaşı offers outdoor seating for guests to enjoy. Phone +90 531 484 38 91 during opening hours or use the official website to reserve. Walk-ins are accepted when tables are available, though you may face a wait during busy periods. The restaurant does not offer delivery or takeaway. The menu is more extensive in the evening than at lunchtime.
Why Visit Foxy Nişantaşı?
Chef Maksut Aşkar of the Michelin-starred Neolokal and wine specialist Levon Bağış have appointed a team that understands their philosophy of sampling wonderful Turkish wines – from natural wines to classic appellations – and savouring a fresh, modern and sophisticated take on traditional local cuisine.
This relaxed wine bar highlights locally grown grapes and natural methods, and with its cozy setting and thoughtful menu, it’s an inviting place to enjoy good wine in a laid-back atmosphere.
Highlights of Foxy Nişantaşı
Natural Turkish Wines
Foxy features only local grapes and is recognized as the first natural wine bar in Turkey. The wine list includes both natural wines and classic appellations, with knowledgeable staff ready to explain the story and characteristics of each bottle. The venue celebrates Turkey's winemaking heritage by showcasing small producers and traditional methods.
Tip: Ask staff for wine pairing recommendations; the team knows each wine intimately and can match it perfectly to your dishes or suggest tasting pours to sample multiple bottles.
Bottarga Spaghetti
The bottarga spaghetti is like a rich fish roe carbonara. This signature dish combines fresh pasta with the umami punch of bottarga (dried mullet roe), creating a dish that is both elegant and deeply satisfying. It exemplifies the kitchen's ability to elevate traditional ingredients.
Tip: Order this as a shared plate to taste alongside other dishes – the rich flavour pairs beautifully with lighter wines and other meze.
Topik
Topik is a pastry that looks like it was stuffed with beef but is actually chickpeas and caramelized onions. This reinterpretation of a traditional Turkish street snack shows the kitchen's playful approach to familiar flavours. The contrast between the crispy pastry and the sweet, savoury filling is addictive.
Tip: Don't skip this one – it's a small plate that reveals the restaurant's philosophy of surprising and delighting diners with unexpected twists on heritage dishes.
Sea Bass Tartare
Sea bass tartare is served with tangy mayonnaise, croutons, bottarga, paprika, and smoked beetroot. Cured tuna fillet, lightly salted and served raw, is accompanied by julienned red onion, pickled spring onion and beetroot, creating a powerful contrast. These raw fish dishes showcase the kitchen's precision and respect for ingredient quality.
Tip: Try these early in your meal with a crisp natural wine to set the tone for the evening – the fresh, clean flavours prepare your palate for richer dishes to follow.
Fried Cauliflower with Pomegranate Molasses
Fried cauliflower with pomegranate molasses is a simple vegetable dish elevated through technique and acidity. The fried cauliflower is slightly acidic with complex spices. It's approachable for all diners and demonstrates how Foxy treats vegetables with the same care as proteins.
Tip: This is an ideal dish for sharing or for those preferring vegetable-forward plates – it pairs well with both natural and classic Turkish wines.
Hummus
The hummus is hailed as some of the best in Turkey, with bold yet balanced spices. What might seem like a simple chickpea dip is instead a carefully balanced dish that anchors the menu. The creamy texture and depth of flavour set the standard for everything else served.
Tip: Order this early and use it to pace your meal – it's rich and comforting, perfect as a base before moving to more intensely flavoured dishes.
What to Order
- Bottarga spaghetti
- Topik (chickpea and caramelized onion pastry)
- Sea bass tartare
- Fried cauliflower with pomegranate molasses
- Hummus
Atmosphere
The restaurant has a casual, playful spirit – you might notice the house cat wandering around. The atmosphere is lively and casual – perfect for groups of friends catching up or a relaxed date night. It’s full of hip young Turks enjoying a weekday dinner over wine.
The modest atmosphere and relaxed, friendly service promise a local and genuine gastronomic experience. The space balances sophistication with informality – you’ll feel comfortable in your everyday clothes yet treated with attentiveness. The place is known for its excellent service and friendly English-speaking staff.
History of Foxy Nişantaşı
Foxy was founded in 2019 as a partnership between renowned chef Maksut Aşkar and Levon Bağış, one of Türkiye’s top wine professionals. The restaurant emerged from a conversation between friends – a casual idea that became a serious commitment. In 2021, just a year after its launch, Foxy earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide, highlighting the establishment’s dedication to offering exceptional quality food and wine at good value.
Maksut Aşkar, the chef behind the Michelin-starred Neolokal, brought his refined approach to contemporary Turkish cuisine, while Levon Bağış, a wine writer and expert, curated a focused selection of natural and traditional Turkish wines. Their collaboration aimed to celebrate Turkey’s winemaking heritage and Anatolian culinary traditions at a relaxed, unpretentious venue – a deliberate contrast to fine dining’s formality.
The venue offers exclusive Turkish wine samples that respect traditional production methods, and the creative menu features thoughtful and complex dishes served with simple presentations. Since opening, Foxy has become a destination for both locals seeking authentic modern Turkish food and travellers wanting to experience contemporary Turkish gastronomy without the pretension or premium prices of formal restaurants.
How to Get to Foxy Nişantaşı
By Metro: The nearest metro stations are Nişantaşı and Osmanbey on the M2 line. From Nişantaşı station, exit and walk east on Rumeli Caddesi, then turn onto Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi; the restaurant is about 5 minutes away. From Osmanbey, walk south and east for about 10 minutes. Both stations serve the restaurant well depending on which direction you’re coming from.
By Taxi or Rideshare: Use the address “Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Cad. No:1 D, Şişli” when requesting a ride. The location is in the fashionable Nişantaşı neighbourhood, easily accessible from central Beyoğlu or the sultanate districts.
On Foot: Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi is a tree-lined street in a residential shopping area. The restaurant’s entrance is marked by its name; look for the ground-floor venue on the avenue.
Accessibility
The restaurant is ground-floor with direct street access, making it suitable for wheelchair users. Table placement in the compact dining area may vary; call ahead if you need specific seating. Toilets are indoor; accessibility details are not published on the official site, so phone to confirm facilities before visiting.
Food Nearby
The Nişantaşı neighbourhood around Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi is filled with small shops, bakeries, and cafes. You'll find pastry shops, coffee bars, and casual lunch spots nearby, though options are more limited on Sundays and Mondays when many close. Larger eating and shopping options are 10 minutes away on Rumeli Caddesi toward Taksim.
What to Bring
No special items are needed. In summer, sunscreen and a light layer are useful if sitting on the terrace. The restaurant has no specific dress code – casual to smart casual is appropriate. No bags or security searches are required; keep valuables secure as in any busy urban restaurant.
Photography Rules
Photography is not restricted at your table. The restaurant's warm interior lighting and thoughtful plating make dishes photogenic. Ask permission before photographing other guests. Tripods and professional equipment should be arranged in advance if needed.
Family Suitability
Foxy is family-friendly in atmosphere and welcomes children, though the small-plate, wine-focused format works best for older children and teens who can enjoy the tasting experience. Younger children may find limited familiar options on the seasonal menu. High chairs are not mentioned in official information; inquire when booking. The intimate, lively space suits families wanting to introduce children to sophisticated Turkish cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Book at least one week ahead for weekend dining, especially Saturday. Walk-ins on Friday and Saturday evening rarely find a table after 20:00.
- Ask your server for a wine pairing sequence rather than choosing wines individually – the staff excel at this and it reveals the menu's full potential.
- Arrive hungry with time to linger; small plates are meant for leisurely shared dining, not rushed meals. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours minimum.
- Order 3–4 dishes per person on average; portion sizes are intentionally modest to encourage tasting variety and pairing exploration.
- Visit on a weeknight (Tuesday–Thursday) if you prefer conversation over noise – Saturday evenings can be lively and crowded.
- The menu changes seasonally; if something you want is unavailable, ask what's new or let staff suggest alternatives – they know what works best right now.
Make an Outing of Your Visit to Foxy Nişantaşı
Foxy Nişantaşı is within walking distance of places that pair well with a meal. A simple way to build the outing:
Before or after your meal
Ihlamur Park – about 50 m away (~1 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours13 min on foot from Yıldız metro, Open 09:00–17:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall – about 1000 m away (~16 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hoursOpen 10:00–18:00, closed SunMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Maçka Park – about 1.0 km away (~17 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Time needed: plan about 5.5–9 hours for the whole outing, including the meal (roughly 1–1.5 hours), the places above and the walking between them.
Explore Nearby Foxy Nişantaşı
Metro stations near Foxy Nişantaşı
Yıldız – about 800 m away (~13 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Foxy Nişantaşı
Bi Nevi Deli – about 450 m away (~7 min walk)6 min on foot from Yıldız metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Govinda Istanbul – about 450 m away (~7 min walk)9 min on foot from Yıldız metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Lokanta Kru – about 550 m away (~9 min walk)Open 12:00–22:00, closed SunMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Healin Foods – about 650 m away (~10 min walk)Open 07:30–23:00, closed SunMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Foxy Nişantaşı
Sortie – about 750 m away (~12 min walk)Open daily 18:00–04:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The United Pubabout 850 m away (~14 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Foxy Nişantaşı
Beşiktaş Ferry Terminalabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Foxy Nişantaşı
Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Thursday–Saturday and dinner hours. Walk-ins are accepted if tables are free, but you may wait 30+ minutes or be turned away during peak times. Book online or call +90 531 484 38 91.
What makes Foxy different from other Istanbul restaurants?
Foxy focuses exclusively on natural and traditional Turkish wines paired with modern reinterpretations of Anatolian dishes. It is Turkey's first natural wine bar, curated by wine expert Levon Bağış. The menu is small, seasonal, and designed for sharing – not a la carte ordering.
Is the restaurant expensive?
Foxy holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, meaning it offers excellent quality and value. Prices are moderate for the calibre of food and wine curated; significantly less expensive than fine dining yet more refined than casual restaurants.
Can I eat here if I don't drink wine?
Yes. While wine is central to the experience, you can enjoy the food and non-alcoholic drinks. However, the menu is designed with wine pairing in mind, so the full experience is best enjoyed with wine or by asking staff for pairing guidance.
What are typical portion sizes?
Portions are intentionally small – tapas or meze-style sharing plates. Order 3–4 dishes per person to feel satisfied. This encourages tasting variety and wine pairings.
What day is the restaurant closed?
Foxy is closed Mondays. It opens at noon daily (except Monday) and closes at midnight Tuesday–Saturday, 22:00 on Sundays.
Is the chef Maksut Aşkar always in the kitchen?
Maksut Aşkar is a co-founder and oversees the kitchen, but as he also runs the Michelin-starred Neolokal, he is not present every service. The team operates with his philosophy and direct input on menu development.
Does Foxy have outdoor seating?
Yes, the restaurant has an outdoor terrace where guests can dine weather permitting – ideal for spring and autumn evenings. Reserve a terrace table when booking if weather is suitable.
Istanbul Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
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- Loving Hut (850 m) Google Maps
Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.
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