Morini

The story

Morini Restaurant Review: Modern Italian Dining in Istanbul’s Zorlu Center

The founders and their approach

Morini introduces a refined Italian kitchen to the vibrant landscape of Istanbul, founded by Yaprak Baltacı and Aslıhan Sayar. Their approach to Italian cuisine merges New York pacing with coastal traditions, focusing on straightforward preparation over heavy theatrics. The team maintains a consistent standard across breakfast service, afternoon snacks, and dinner bookings.

Handmade pasta and seasonal risotto

Kitchen staff shape dough daily to produce ribbons and tubes that carry sauce without becoming heavy. Risotto plates rotate according to market availability, ensuring each grain absorbs butter and broth until perfectly al dente. This dedication to foundational culinary practices recently secured a 12.5 score from Gault&Millau in their latest publication.

A dining room for every hour

Polished surfaces and generous table spacing allow groups to speak comfortably without competing with nearby conversations. The layout flows naturally from the central counter toward quieter alcoves, giving guests control over their preferred ambiance. Regular visitors appreciate how the floor manager adjusts lighting and music to match the time of day.