Welcome to Sakhalin Istanbul, a seafood paradise nestled in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. This unique restaurant offers a culinary journey inspired by the rich flavors of the sea, perfectly blending Mediterranean-Asian influences. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to enjoy a memorable meal in Istanbul, Sakhalin promises an unforgettable experience.
We had the pleasure of being invited to this remarkable restaurant and experiencing it firsthand. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need about this new seafood gem in Istanbul.
The Story Behind Sakhalin Istanbul
Origins of the Name “Sakhalin”
The name “Sakhalin” comes from the Sakhalin Island, a region renowned for its seafood in Russia. The restaurant draws inspiration from this rich heritage, incorporating the best of Sakhalin’s coastal cuisine with local Turkish flavors. This fusion creates a menu that’s both innovative and rooted in tradition.
Founders and Vision
Sakhalin Restaurant in Istanbul is a unique project born from the collaboration of restaurateur Boris Zarkov, the White Rabbit Family, and renowned brand chef Vladimir Mukhin. With established locations in Moscow and Bodrum, Istanbul marks Sakhalin’s second restaurant in Turkey and third overall. As part of their expansion plans, they are set to open new locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the coming months.
Sakhalin brings a fresh perspective to Mediterranean-Asian fusion cuisine, blending the flavors of both regions with locally-sourced ingredients. At the heart of the dining experience is the Raw Bar, complete with a refrigerated display and aquarium, where guests can personally select their seafood.
Sakhalin’s Location in Istanbul
Sakhalin Istanbul is located in the upscale Zorlu Center, a luxury shopping mall in the heart of the city. This is somewhat unconventional for high-end seafood restaurants in Istanbul, as they are typically found near the Bosphorus or with stunning views of it.
However, opening fine dining establishments in malls is becoming more popular, and Sakhalin is a prime example of this trend. The restaurant also has a convenient entrance from the lobby of the Raffles Hotel, one of Istanbul’s top luxury hotels. For easy access, the Zorlu PSM side of the building is the best route to enter.
Nearby Attractions and Accessibility
Guests dining at Sakhalin can easily explore nearby attractions like the Dolmabahçe Palace or take a scenic walk along the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş before or after their meal. With convenient transport links, the restaurant is easily accessible, making it a favorite for both casual diners and seafood enthusiasts.
Another perfect way to enjoy the day is by indulging in a shopping spree at Zorlu Center, one of Istanbul’s most luxurious malls, and then capping it off with an exceptional meal at Sakhalin.
Culinary Experience at Sakhalin
The Menu: A Celebration of Seafood
Sakhalin’s menu is a seafood lover’s dream. You can savor exquisite dishes like sushi and rolls crafted with traditional Japanese recipes, alongside the freshest oysters. Indulge in specialties such as Kamchatka crab legs served with beurre blanc sauce or linguine with crab in a rich, creamy sauce for a truly memorable dining experience.
Each dish is designed to highlight the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced by subtle spices and flavors that pay homage to both Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
Signature Dishes
Sakhalin boasts a range of signature dishes and drinks, all of which impress. We sampled the Sakhalin Salad, featuring crab, avocado, tomatoes, tobiko, and a delightful rui sauce, alongside the unique Sakhalin Tiramisu, which resembles caviar. Both dishes were outstanding. You can also indulge in their signature sushi rolls. We tried the Flaming Sushi, which was a standout success!
We also tried the Sakhalin Fish, a signature cocktail served in beautifully designed glasses inspired by sea creatures. The cocktail was equally delightful, rounding out a fantastic dining experience.
Chefs at Sakhalin
The mastermind behind the Sakhalin Restaurants is Vladimir Mukhin, a renowned Russian chef and head of the White Rabbit Family restaurant group. A fifth-generation chef, Mukhin began his culinary journey at the age of 12 in the kitchen where his father was head chef. Since 2012, he has led Moscow’s acclaimed White Rabbit restaurant, showcasing that modern Russian cuisine can captivate even the most refined palates.
The White Rabbit Family now operates over 20 restaurants across Moscow and Sochi. Mukhin gained international recognition through his feature in Netflix’s Chef’s Table (Season 3), where his innovative use of local, seasonal ingredients and modern techniques earned him widespread acclaim as a pioneer of modern Russian cuisine.
At Sakhalin Istanbul, the kitchen is helmed by Doğukan Kaya, a seasoned chef with experience at another prominent Istanbul restaurant, Oligark. Before taking charge in Istanbul, Kaya worked in both the Moscow and Bodrum branches of the Sakhalin chain, bringing a wealth of expertise to his role.
The Ambiance of Sakhalin
The interior design of Sakhalin Istanbul is both elegant and luxurious, crafted by architect Irina Glik and the Geometry Design Studio. Irina Glik, who also designed the Sakhalin restaurants in Bodrum and Moscow, ensures a cohesive design language across all locations.
The interior strikes a perfect balance between nature and technology. We were particularly impressed by elements like the stylish wine fridge, the partially open kitchen where diners can watch some of the chefs in action, and the outdoor bar area, where we enjoyed cocktails while a DJ set the mood after dinner.
At the heart of the restaurant is the bar, a large, futuristic sculpture resembling a sea urchin, which adds a unique artistic flair and ties the space to its ocean-inspired theme.
The restrooms are located just outside the restaurant, in the lobby of the Raffles Hotel—one of Istanbul’s most luxurious hotels. The design of the entire area is equally impressive, offering a refined and upscale experience that complements the restaurant’s elegant atmosphere.
Our Experience and Review
We were invited to review Sakhalin Istanbul in September 2024, and here’s our take on this remarkable restaurant.
Why Sakhalin Istanbul Stands Out
During our visit to Sakhalin, we were thoroughly impressed for several reasons. The food, as expected from a fine dining establishment, was excellent, but what stood out even more was the attention to detail. From the comfortable seating to the elegant plates and thoughtful presentation, everything was top-notch. The waitstaff’s deep knowledge of the menu added to the overall dining experience.
During our meal, the restaurant was pleasantly quiet, which we appreciated as it allowed us to fully enjoy the food and focus on our conversation without distractions.
Some small but thoughtful touches really elevated our experience. At the entrance, they offered useful items like lighters, wet tissues, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. A small detail, but one we appreciated, was the stylish metal coat check tag they gave me after I handed in my jacket. It’s the little things like this that set high-caliber restaurants apart.
Events at Sakhalin
After dinner, we took a quick shopping trip in Zorlu Center and returned later for cocktails while enjoying the DJ set. DJ Orkun Bozdemir was playing that night, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Sakhalin is open until midnight, and some nights feature live music or DJ performances. You can check their event calendar on the official website or Instagram if you’re looking to join in.
Our Top Recommended Dishes
We thoroughly enjoyed the food, but a few dishes truly stood out for us. We highly recommend trying the Sakhalin Salad, Octopus with Pistachio and Celery, and the Sakhalin Tiramisu. Each of these was exceptionally well-prepared and delicious.
How to Make a Reservation at Sakhalin Istanbul
Contact Information
To book a table at Sakhalin, guests can visit the restaurant’s website or call directly. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends.
Tips for Booking Special Events
For private events or larger parties, it’s best to contact the restaurant well in advance to secure your preferred date and customize your menu. You can also check their Private Events page.
Conclusion
Overall, Sakhalin is a fantastic place, whether you’re dining solo, on a date, or celebrating a special occasion with friends, family, or colleagues. Despite its prime location, renowned chef, and top-quality ingredients, we found the prices to be surprisingly reasonable for a restaurant of this caliber. While we were invited as guests, we will definitely return in the future.
Currently, they offer a special 20% discount on lunch from Monday to Friday, between 12:00 and 16:00, so you can enjoy a delicious meal at a reduced price.
FAQs about Sakhalin Istanbul
Sakhalin offers a variety of seafood, including oysters, lobsters, fish, and shellfish and Sushi. All sourced fresh and sustainably.
Yes, while Sakhalin focuses on seafood, they also offer a selection of vegetarian dishes for non-seafood lovers.
Yes, Sakhalin is family-friendly and offers a welcoming environment for all age groups.
Yes, Sakhalin provides private dining options for special occasions and events, with customized menus available.
Yes, the restaurant updates its menu based on seasonal availability, ensuring the freshest ingredients year-round.
