Michelin-star Italian chef brings fine dining to Istanbul

2 mins read

Istanbul’s appeal to wealthy jet-setters and homeowners who enjoy eating out has just shot up, after Ristorante ltalia, a contemporary Italian fine dining restaurant inside Istanbul’s new Eataly, was opened by world renown chef Massimo Bottura at the end of May.

Massimo Bottura is the highly regarded chef-patron of the three Michelin-star Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy – a restaurant that has been voted best restaurant in Italy and currently sits at three in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Whilst Ristorante ltalia will take some inspiration from the award-winning establishment in Modena, Massimo Bottura’s first restaurant outside of Italy will be an entirely unique proposition. It’s launch adds to what the turkish_people”>Turkish city offers foreign visitors, including tourists and businessmen, and boosts the appeal of investing in property in Istanbul.

Members from Osteria Francescana’s long-term team will head up Ristorante ltalia 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 Bosphorus, 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.

 

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