Right in the heart of Istanbul's fancy Zorlu Center sits Morini, an Italian spot that's been serving up pasta since 2013. The restaurant brings a slice of New York energy to Turkey's biggest city, mixing Italian flavors with local Turkish touches. This place is part of the Altamarea Group, owned by Michelin-starred chef Michael White. He's known as the 'King of Pasta' for good reason. The restaurant sits on Zorlu Center Boulevard, making it super easy to find. You can shop and eat in the same building, which is pretty cool.

Key highlights:
- Homemade pasta made fresh daily by experienced chefs
- Located inside Zorlu Center with great shopping nearby
- Mix of Italian classics with local Turkish ingredients

PROFILE

Morini opened its doors in 2013 as part of the Altamarea Group empire. Chef Michael White designed the menu to bring authentic Italian cooking to Istanbul. The restaurant has two executive chefs mentioned in different sources - İskender Erocak and Mihta Yıldırımtaş. They work hard to keep the food quality high every day. This isn't just another mall restaurant. It's part of a serious restaurant group that operates in Manhattan, New Jersey, Washington D.C., London, and Hong Kong. The Altamarea Group partnered with local Turkish business people to make this location work. They really wanted to fit into Istanbul's food scene properly.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The outdoor section is covered with glass, giving you nice views of Zorlu Center. Inside, the space feels modern and clean. Some people say it can get pretty loud, especially when it's busy. The location in a shopping mall means it's always buzzing with people. You'll see families, couples, and business people all eating here. The lighting is bright, maybe too bright for some people who want a romantic dinner. But it works well for casual meals and business lunches.

MUST-TRY

The homemade pasta is what everyone talks about. They make it fresh every single day, which you can really taste. Garganelli and mushroom risotto are two dishes that appear on multiple review sites. People seem to love these classics. The Carciofi (artichoke dish) gets mentioned a lot too. Chef White's version puts a modern spin on this Italian favorite. Don't skip the appetizers either. The carpaccio shows up in several reviews, though some people found it cut too thin.

FOOD

The menu focuses on Italian classics with some creative twists. You'll find pasta, risotto, pizza, and meat dishes. Quality seems to be hit or miss according to reviews. Some people love the food, others think it's just okay for the price. The pizza gets mixed reviews - some say it's frozen-style, others enjoy it. Your experience might depend on what you order. Seafood appears on the menu sometimes, but it's not the main focus. The restaurant is really about pasta and Italian comfort food.

SERVICE

Reviews about service are all over the place. Some people praise the staff, others complain about slow service. One review mentioned that sitting at certain tables gets you better service from specific waiters. That's kind of weird but might be true. The staff speaks Turkish primarily, with some English. If you don't speak Turkish, you might need to be patient. Wait times can be long, especially during busy shopping hours. Some people suggest calling ahead if you're in a hurry.

PRICING

Expect to pay around 1500 Turkish Lira per person without drinks. That's pretty expensive for Istanbul, but you're paying for the location too. The restaurant is definitely in the higher price range for the city. You're paying mall prices plus restaurant group overhead. Wine selection is decent but pricey. The whiskey selection gets good reviews from people who care about that stuff. Credit cards are accepted, which is good since you probably don't want to carry that much cash around.

SUMMARY

Morini Istanbul is a solid choice if you want Italian food in a convenient location. The pasta is genuinely good when they get it right. The restaurant works best for casual meals and business lunches. Don't expect a romantic dinner spot. Your experience will probably depend on timing and which table you get. Popular times mean crowds and slower service. If you're already shopping at Zorlu Center, it's worth trying. But don't make a special trip just for the food.

FAQs

What are the opening hours?
The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 12pm to 12:30am, and Friday through Saturday from 12pm to 2am. Hours might change during holidays.

Do they take reservations?
Yes, you can call +90 212 353 6767 to make a reservation. It's probably smart to book ahead, especially on weekends.

Is the restaurant good for families?
Reviews are mixed on this. Some people say it's family-friendly, others think it's more suited for adults. The loud atmosphere might not work well for small kids.