Ristorante Italia not only uses the very best imported Italian products but, in the pursuit of excellence, the kitchen sources many of its ingredients from Turkish lands and takes advantage of Eataly's in-house dairy production. Members from Osteria Francescana's longterm team head up Ristorante Italia whilst Massimo Bottura will make regular appearances at the restaurant, which is only a two hour plane ride from home.
Located in the residential Besiktas neighbourhood, just up the hill from the Bosforus, the restaurant sits on the top floor of the immensely popular Eataly. At the centre of the light-filled dining room, over an oak floor is laid a striking Turkish silk carpet in modernist blocks of ruby red, burnt orange and saffron. The distinctive Italian design of both the main and private dining rooms feature lighting by Davide Groppi, leather upholstered chairs by Poltrona Frau and lounge furniture from Bottega Veneta's exclusive home collection. To complete the Italian experience, an outdoor cocktail and gelato bar is found on the landscaped dining terrace with furniture and carpeting by designer Paola Lenti. Overlooking the Zorlu center gardens, the terrace looks back to the walk-in cellar and dining room, its walls adorned with a selection of contemporary art curated by Massimo Bottura.
