Cappadocia has officially entered the prestigious Michelin Guide, becoming the fourth Turkish destination in the guide after Istanbul, Izmir, and Muğla. The region's inclusion was announced back in November 2025, when Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the event, calling it a "proud moment" for the country.

The official ceremony announcing the specific establishments took place on December 4, 2025, at the Four Seasons Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul. The 2026 selection included 18 new establishments from Cappadocia, bringing the total number of new restaurants across Türkiye to 54.

Gwendal Poulennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, noted that Cappadocia impressed the inspectors with its deep understanding of traditions, hospitality, and terroir. He noted that local chefs honor ancestral recipes and emphasize the region's produce.

The recognized establishments include restaurants of various formats, from fine dining to family restaurants and women's cooperatives. Several have been awarded the Green Star for their commitment to sustainability and their use of organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Istanbul, Izmir, Muğla, and now Cappadocia together form a mosaic of more than 25 culinary styles, reflecting the diversity of Turkish gastronomy. Furthermore, Michelin announced that in 2026, for the first time, it will present a national selection covering all of Türkiye.