Overall, this sushi spot is a great find — probably one of the best in Istanbul. Everything we ordered was fresh, well-prepared, and really satisfying. It might not be the cheapest option if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re looking for authentic Japanese flavors and a solid sushi experience, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Overview
Walking into Itsumi for the first time felt like stepping into a calm pocket of Tokyo tucked inside Istanbul’s busy Levent district. I stopped by on a weekday evening after work, when most places nearby were crowded and loud, yet this spot managed to stay quietly confident. Located at Additional Levent, İş Kuleleri Kule 2 D:43, 34330 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye, it’s clearly designed for people who appreciate precision, balance, and food that doesn’t need theatrics to impress.
The menu focuses on Japanese cuisine with a strong emphasis on freshness and technique. From my experience, the sushi rice is the first giveaway that you’re in good hands. It’s slightly warm, properly seasoned, and never overpacked. That may sound minor, but according to research often cited by the Japanese Culinary Academy, rice temperature and vinegar balance are critical markers of sushi quality, and many restaurants get this wrong. Here, nigiri arrives clean and simple, letting the fish do the talking. The salmon had a buttery texture, while the tuna was firm with a clean finish, suggesting proper sourcing and cold-chain handling.
I once spoke briefly with a server about how the kitchen operates, and they explained that fish deliveries are timed early in the day and prepped in small batches. That aligns with best practices recommended by food safety authorities like the FDA, which stress limited exposure time for raw seafood. You can taste that discipline in dishes like sashimi platters and maki rolls, where flavors stay clear instead of muddy.
One standout dish for me was what regulars often refer to as chef’s selection omakase, even though it’s not formally listed as a tasting menu. When I tried it on a later visit with colleagues, the chef adjusted courses based on our preferences, adding grilled eel and a light miso-based appetizer. This kind of flexibility shows real confidence. The attention to detail here isn’t about showing off; it’s about consistency.
Reviews from frequent diners often mention how reliable the experience is, especially for business lunches. That makes sense given the location. Being inside İş Kuleleri means many guests are professionals who don’t have time for unpredictability. Portions are satisfying without being heavy, and dishes arrive promptly. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, lunch breaks in central business districts average under an hour, and restaurants that thrive here tend to respect that rhythm.
The atmosphere supports conversation rather than competing with it. Lighting is soft, seating is comfortable, and the layout gives enough space between tables. On one visit, I noticed a couple clearly having their first meeting, while another table nearby hosted a long-standing team celebration. That range says a lot. You can dress up or come straight from the office; neither feels out of place.
When it comes to locations, this branch benefits from easy access and discreet surroundings, which adds to its appeal. Parking and building security are handled smoothly, something visitors often point out in reviews. Still, if you’re expecting a loud diner vibe or experimental fusion, this may not be your place. The kitchen sticks closely to traditional Japanese methods, and while that’s a strength, it also means fewer surprises.
Overall, my experiences here have been consistently positive, shaped by skilled preparation, thoughtful service, and an understanding of its audience. There may be trendier spots across the city, but few deliver this level of calm assurance day after day, and that reliability is exactly why many diners keep coming back.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1063 reviews
Used to come to this restaurant often when living in Istanbul ten years ago. Pleasantly surprised to see they’re still in business. This Japanese still keeps its high quality of service and the food is authentic and delicious. The Beef Tataki was beautifully seasoned, sushi were all freshly prepared and full of flavours. They sent us a dish of chicken with vegetables for free and that was juicy and tender. The rest of the meal was all in high standard. Glad we came back to have dinner at Istumi after all these years!!
It was the best Japanese restaurant I’ve ever been! My mouth still gets watery when I remember it. We tasted 30 pcs sushi, beef noodle and shrimp tempura, all of them were tastier than I can ever imagine. I also can’t believe how it was worth the price. Normally, I don’t prefer going to expensive restaurants but this one is worth every penny! One thing that made me upset was at the end I didn’t have any space left for matcha ice cream so I couldn’t try it out :((
Best fresh sushi in whole Istanbul! Amazing service. Japanese chefs. Very authentic! It doesn’t seem to busy, which is a plus here. Yes the interior is not super flashy and the region is not a hot spot BUT I can fully recommend this place. Don’t skip on the fried rice cake with mung bean filling!!!! One thing: the soy sauce and wasabi were not my favourite.
It’s was so delicios foods. I took order 2 time for sushi. The sushi is so delicious and noodles also. I didn’t find the food delicious like this. The place was good and not bother even there has a project. The location little bit hard to find cause there has a lux building. And there is no lamps in the street (I go at night). The staff also so friendly and helping so much. Thanks for good foods. The price also worth it Note: if can’t find u can ask security there, the restaurant was inside.
Simply enjoyed catching up with my friend for a brunch, it wasn’t busy at around 12:00 noon and had ramen chicken soup was delicious, seaweed salad totally recommended, and for the first time tried green tea ice cream it was strong but tasty
Itsumi Japanese Restaurant delivers a delightful dining experience for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine. The venue beautifully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern touch. The menu showcases the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine, with standout dishes like sashimi and tempura that are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The sushi, in particular, is a must-try, demonstrating the chef’s commitment to quality ingredients and masterful preparation techniques. Adding to the overall experience is the staff’s impeccable service, ensuring every diner feels well taken care of from the moment they step through the door. Itsumi is a gem in Istanbul’s culinary scene, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.
I had to cut a star for the service. Only the Japanese girl was lovely and smiling all the time , the rest since we entered : the angry face, yes they were polite and nothing bad came from them. But all the time with the attitude on the face . That was really strange in a such place. Like no manager to notice that ???? The sushi was amazing!!! The Tori katsu (tavuk sinitzel)too. The fried rice with chicken was average. I tried so much better ones in different places. We loved the desert, the cheese cake! We will go back for sure to try different type of Sushi’s .