Culinary Heritage Certification Arrives in Istanbul: No1 Culinaria Leads the Way

Certification Inspector Araz Aknam and the team at No1 Culinaria had a nice exchange of knowledge and skills

We are thrilled to announce that No1 Culinaria in Zekeriyaköy, Istanbul, has officially become the first certified restaurant in the Istanbul area under the Culinary Heritage Certification System. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the national rollout of our certification initiative in Türkiye, following the dynamic launch earlier this May in Alanya and the broader Antalya region.

The certification assessment at No1 Culinaria was conducted by Culinary Heritage Certification Inspector Araz Aknam, whose expert evaluation confirmed the restaurant's outstanding alignment with our values: authenticity, quality, sustainability, and innovation grounded in tradition.

From Alanya to Istanbul – Growing Interest and Professional Recognition

The Culinary Heritage Certification System has quickly gained attention both on social media and within professional hospitality circles, thanks to its transparent methodology, high standards, and constructive approach. Restaurants and food producers are not only evaluated—but guided.

Each participating business receives:

• A pre-assessment manual, helping them prepare thoroughly

• An on-site visit and tasting by a qualified Certification Inspector

• A comprehensive feedback report detailing strengths and areas for improvement

• And for those who meet the standard, official certification and network membership

Spotlight: No1 Culinaria – A Model for the Future

Set amid the green tranquility of Zekeriyaköy, No1 Culinaria represents a new generation of gastronomy in Istanbul. With a kitchen that bridges Anatolian tradition and contemporary culinary expression, their menu features house-made dishes that evolve with the seasons.

Whether it’s a traditional Pöç Soup or a pizza inspired by Naples but grounded in Turkish ingredients, the restaurant shows how local sourcing, culinary craftsmanship, and community engagement can come together to form a powerful dining experience.

As noted in the assessment, No1 Culinaria stands out for:

• Sustainability practices, including composting, ingredient reuse, and minimized packaging

• Community outreach, such as workshops and seasonal events

• Operational integrity, where environmental values influence daily routines

And while the restaurant already holds a distinct culinary identity, the feedback also offered creative suggestions for deepening its regional storytelling and guest engagement.

Türkiye's Certification Journey Continues

This summer, the Culinary Heritage Certification team will continue assessments across Türkiye. With a growing list of ambitious and high-quality restaurants ready to participate, we look forward to welcoming more certified members into our global family.

For restaurants interested in aligning with Culinary Heritage values—and receiving insights that help grow both brand and business—we invite you to sign up for our assessment interest list at:

👉 https://www.culinaryheritage.net/copy-of-certification

Together, we celebrate local food culture, support culinary excellence, and build a global standard rooted in regional authenticity.