Digital Presence and Prestige in Gastronomy: A Content Analysis of The Websites of Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Turkey

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 87 - 102, 28.06.2025

Cansen Can

https://doi.org/10.58768/joinntt.1701779

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the digital presence of Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey by conducting a content analysis of their websites. The research examined the websites of 14 Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey based on criteria such as content richness, visual usage, and sustainability features. The findings revealed that the majority of restaurants have strengthened their digital identities with user-friendly designs and professional visuals. However, areas for improvement were identified, such as the lack of price information in menu presentations and the limited use of reservation systems. The strong emphasis on local gastronomic values in digital platforms reflects the potential of Turkey's rich culinary heritage to be promoted on an international scale. Additionally, the prominence of sustainability-focused messages highlights the efforts of restaurants to make their environmental responsibilities more visible in the digital realm. On the other hand, deficiencies in the digital infrastructure and content strategies of certain restaurants were found to be limiting factors for the user experience. In conclusion, while the websites of Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey demonstrate progress in digitalization, they also present areas for improvement to gain a competitive edge on an international level.

Keywords

Michelin-Starred Restaurants, Digital Prestige, Content Analysis, Gastronomy Tourism, Sustainability

Gastronomide Dijital Varlık ve Prestij: Türkiye’deki Michelin Yıldızlı Restoranların Web Sitelerinin İçerik Analizi

Abstract

Bu çalışma Türkiye’deki Michelin yıldızlı restoranların web sitelerine yönelik içerik analizi yaparak restoranların dijital platformlardaki varlıklarını değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmada Türkiye’de bulunan Michelin yıldızına sahip 14 restoranın web siteleri içerik zenginliği, görsel kullanım ve sürdürülebilirlik unsurları gibi kriterler üzerinden incelenmiştir. Bulgular restoranların büyük çoğunluğunun kullanıcı dostu tasarımlar ve profesyonel görsellerle dijital kimliklerini güçlendirdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Ancak menü sunumlarında fiyat bilgisi eksiklikleri ve rezervasyon sistemlerinin sınırlı kullanımı gibi geliştirilmesi gereken alanlar dikkat çekmiştir. Yerel gastronomik değerlerin dijital platformlarda güçlü bir şekilde vurgulanması Türkiye’nin zengin mutfak mirasını uluslararası arenada tanıtma potansiyelini yansıtmaktadır. Sürdürülebilirlik odaklı mesajların öne çıkması ise restoranların çevresel sorumluluklarını dijital ortamda görünür hale getirme çabalarını göstermektedir. Öte yandan, bazı restoranların dijital altyapı ve içerik stratejilerinde eksiklikler bulunması kullanıcı deneyimini sınırlayan faktörler arasında yer almaktadır. Genel olarak değerlendirildiğinde Türkiye’deki Michelin yıldızlı restoranların web siteleri dijitalleşme süreçlerinde belirli bir gelişim göstermiş olsa da uluslararası rekabet avantajı elde edebilmek için hâlen geliştirilmesi gereken yönler barındırmaktadır.

Keywords

Michelin Yıldızlı Restoranlar, Dijital Prestij, İçerik Analizi, Gastronomi Turizmi, Sürdürülebilirlik

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