Don't be fooled by the entrance or the dark steep stairwell! The food is fresh, authentic, and amazing and the owner is incredibly friendly. I suggest sitting at the very top of the building and enjoying the views!! Oh and the cats are so cute and friendly :) read more

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Closed in March of 2024. Walked a long way and nothing left of the place. Probably permanently closed

This is easily the best restaurant in Istanbul. Similar to other reviewers, I was also getting tired of eating Turkish food. We'd been in the country for 5 months at a geology field camp and had been eating essentially different variations of the same meal every single day. Don't get me started on breakfast. I can appreciate Turkish food, I can, but coming here made the whole trip worth it. This is probably the only meal I would ever consider an actual experience. We casually walk into the owner's house, up past the third floor where the kitchen is, and then into the fourth floor where the main seating area is. If you don't like cats I wouldn't bother coming, because they are the waitstaff and are very happy to greet you immediately. We sit down and cool off before he informs us that the terrace is shaded and that we should go up there before we start placing our orders. Amazing view with fantastic breezes to cool you off. He begins telling you about his life, his trips through Italy, everything that's going on in Turkey, how life has changed and even showed us his amazing meteorite once he learned we were geologists. Anyways, we ordered a squash/zucchini dish, and he returned with a green bean and something I couldn't even begin to describe. Everything had such wonderful depths of flavor. I ended up ordering the Spaghetti Bolognese and my girlfriend got the Alfredo (asked to be Americanized with chicken in it). I'm not joking when I tell you that these were the most filling and satisfying dishes we'd had over the last month. So much flavor and they really energized us when we finally got done with them. You've heard that people have had tears from having such good food, or being deprived for so long of something they love, well that was exactly us. I never knew that olive oil could taste so amazing. If we do come back to Turkey at some point, no matter where in the country we go, I will absolutely be making a stop by here again. Without a doubt. Thank you very much for the amazing time and amazing food read more

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The food was great I loved the service .. there is only one guy (the owner) The view and the location was really nice.. but you have to take the stares to the top read more

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Great meal watching sunset, we drank wonderful wine, were treated to amazing appetizers. Everything fresh. Highly recommend! read more

Before I get started. If you're in a hurry and just want to eat and run and are not a fan of dining in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere and chatting with the Chef/Owner and hearing stories about his life while he personally walks out amazing courses of expertly prepared authentic Italian cuisine - The this place is not for you. If you are not a fan of cats, or are allergic to our feline friends then keep on walking. If you easily get frustrated trying to locate hard to find addresses and don't mind the adventure and satisfaction of finally finding this gem of a restaurant then just head down to Burger King. Now for me, Nostra Casa is more than just great food it also provided an amazing memorable experience that we will never forgot. We arrived in the late afternoon (evening) around 4:30 for dinner. We had a 2:00 AM wake up call and the thought of eating at a regular hour just did not appeal. Our hotel had suggested we check out Nostra Casa as they had heard some good things from other guests. And after a serious hunt trying to find the place we finally were guided in the right direction by a business that was located nearby. The main dining room is located on the 4th floor. The room main room (inside) is small with only a few tables and a small bar. There is an outdoor terrace that on a clear and sunny day provides spectacular views of the city. But unfortunately for us, we arrived on a cloudy drizzly day and sat inside. But still, were treated to our favorite meal during our stay in Turkey. The Chef/Owner is well traveled and spent sixteen plus years living in Italy. He's passionate about food and wine and it showed. From the beginning he took the time to explain his creations while sharing stories of his world adventures. With every course brought out to our table, a new story while tasting some of the best and succulent food ever. In the end we felt like part of his family and were sad to leave. But I do get the feeling that one day we will make a return visit to Istanbul and make Nostra Casa our very first stop. read more

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Sometimes restaurant experiences are very special. Sometimes they are beyond exceptional. Then there is the rare transcendent. A moment in time you will never forget. This is a place where dreams are made. I could share every little detail, but let's just say just go there and let Turgay do what he does best, be awesome. You will be grateful that you did read more

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O M G!!! I was tired of eating Turkish food ... i googled this gem. The owner was so sweet and kind and made everything himself.... definitely recommend it. It was delicious!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I must recommend this restaurant to anyone who either lives or is visiting Turkey. The view is absolutely breathtaking and although the food may take a while it is definitely worth the wait. Not only that the restaurant owner/chef was very kind and welcoming. The cats are very cute as well. If you are passing through it is simply a must eat and must see. read more

We went to Nostra Casa for lunch on yelp recommendations, at first the entrance looks weird because there are not much signs but we entered anyway. We are happy with this choice! It was really nice. Beautiful view, tasty food and a great service. read more

We were lucky enough to have the whole restaurant and the attention of the owner to ourselves. Fantastic views of the city, great pasta, super friendly service, fun stories shared, and we also got lucky with the weather during our lunch. We'll be back again soon! read more

Everything about this restaurant was amazing. Atmosphere, the owners, the food and of course the view. I will definitely be back. read more

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Definitely a must to dine in. Food is great! We had to go twice on separate days. Lunch and dinner. Spectacle scenery during night. I'll definitely drop by when I come back. Owner is extra humble despite achievements. You'll love to hear the story of this place. read more

Want some of the best Italian food of your life? Go to Istanbul, Turkey! We were craving Italian food on our last night in Istanbul and our hotel told us about Nostra Casa. It's a bit hard to find as the entrance is actually around the corner from the street address. Plus, it's up a few flights of stairs. But, it's right off the Hippodrome where the Blue Mosque is, so it's quite centrally located. It has a small dining room and a lovely outdoor terrace for eating in good weather. It has a wonderful view. But, the food, that's the draw. The owner was warm and welcoming and was happy to chat with us between courses. He is Turkish, but studied cooking in Asia and lived in Italy for 21 years and obviously learned the craft of Italian cooking while there. Our starters were all amazing. We had a vegetable soup with an olive oil drizzle. The sea bass ceviche was the freshest most delicious ceviche I've ever had! There was a corn "cole slaw"that was way tastier than it looked. It didn't look bad, just like cole slaw which doesn't have any visual "wow". The real surprise were the tempura anchovies. They were not strong and salty like what you get on a Caesar salad; they were delicate and lovely! We then had two pastas, an Arrabiata and a Carbonara. Both were incredible! The bowls had an olive oil drizzle with fresh herbs along the rim so they were attractive as well as scrumptious. The red wine by the glass was the best we had while in Turkey. And the music playlist the owner had in the background was a fun blend of all styles, classical, jazz, German club, disco...it was a hoot. He loves music. If you love Italian food, this restaurant will not disappoint! P.S. This restaurant is currently ranked #70 in Istanbul out of over 10,000 restaurants on Trip Advisor. read more

Our meal tonight will go down as one of the highlights of our visit to Istanbul. Not only was the meal outstanding, the chef/owner; Turgay was a marvelously entertaining and charming host. I suggest you allow him to guide your selections and be both surprised and amazed. Try the eggplant, the patato salad, the anchovies, the onions and the pachanga. Heck, try everything. You won't be disappointed. read more

Nostra Casa - The tasty starters - Italian Near Me - Istanbul, 34

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After being in Turkey for two and a half weeks we were getting tired of eating Turkish food. We are also vegetarians, so what we can eat is somewhat limiting. So we tried this restaurant out. It was a wonderful experience. The owner/chef is very gregarious and he is a very talented cook. The food was fabulous. We went back a second time before leaving Turkey. There is no one outside encouraging you to come inside and it does not look like a restaurant. The kitchen is on the 3rd floor and the dining is on the 4th floor. I heard the owner/chef tell another couple last night that he was born in the house. read more

Loved the restaurant, loved the vibe. The service was terrific the owner is wonderful and the food fantastic. Like having dinner at a great friends house and enjoying every bit of it. Two years later we went back and it was better than it was the first time the owner is a warm and wonderful individual. The food fantastic experience one of the best in Istanbul. Do yourself a favor go enjoy a wonderful experience. read more

Wonderful rooftop setting, which I thought could not be outdone. But then the food arrived, phenomenal! Pasta was cooked to the perfect texture and the bolognese flavor was top notch. Will be going again! read more

Nostra Casa, what can I say? Are there more than five stars I can give you? We had the great fortune of coming here on a night when we were the only two customers. We thought we might stop by for a quick dinner before turning in early to rest for our early morning flight. Instead we stayed for hours, drinking, smoking, eating, laughing, petting cats, and creating a memory that will stay with us forever. Should we ever return to Istanbul, it will be a wonderful moment to come back, say hello, and spend another of the most amazing nights we could ask for. read more

Nostra Casa - Italian Near Me - Istanbul, 34

Small restaurant with outdoor seating that offers nice views. The food was good, servers and chef friendly. Everyone was not kidding about the cats, but I found them to be friendly and not bothersome. read more

If you want to have something else done Turkish cuisine then this is the place to come.. it is actually on a terrace at the home all the owners of the restaurant, The name of the restaurant states he's at their home and they both serve the dinner.. they are Italian and the food is perfect, delicious we had carbonara and Alfredo and both were perfect Coleman additionally you have a great view over the sea... read more

A must-do in Istanbul ! When you get tired of Turkish food and are in the neighborhood (so about three days into your trip), you have to go visit Turgay to try his delicious Italian food and enjoy his pleasant company. Follow his lead as you scramble through the menu, he'll point out the best and freshest meals. After 16 years in Italy and at least as long in Istanbul, you can trust his culinary and touristic advice (and should ask for it !). read more

We came here by a recommendation from out tour guide while visiting Istanbul. The place was located minutes from our hotel so we said why not . We were seated at the rooftop terrace within amazing view of the city and the Sultanahmet mosque. It's a family run restaurant and the service was great. The cats roaming around seem to be their cats and didn't bother me at all. The owner came and sat with us, having lived in Italy his food is basically Italian with a Turkish twist. He was very friendly and cool and just asked us what we wanted to eat and he would prepare it for us. I decided on fish and my husband pasta. The wine was flowing and a good wine selection and he even brought us a cigarette ;) Super cool dude. All food was excellent from appetuzers to dessert. Let's just say that since the wine was flowing so much I forget what we had, but I sure remember the delicious food and all the fun we had that night!. Would definitely recommend checking out his place while in Istanbul! read more

We just finished what was the highlight of our trip to Istanbul - never mind the beauty of Hagia Sofia or the Topkapi Palace - this was an experience. It was like being a member of the family. Turgay, the owner and chef really loves what he does and we made the decision to just let him surprise us. Each dish was outstanding in it's own right - but after eight amazing "appetizers" (plus soup and bread), we were treated to an amazing pasta with porcini mushrooms - we had an option of ordering a "second" (meat) course, but the narrow four-story staircase made that decision unwise. Although were totally stuffed by this time, our meal experience being punctuated by stories from Turgay's life, we forced ourselves to sample the Tiramisu, which should be the standard by which all other Tiramisu should be judged. Don't expect to get out of this restaurant cheaply, but it will be a culinary and cultural experience you won't forget. Truly one if the best meals I have ever eaten! read more

Nostra Casa was a wonderful find. This charming little restaurant up on the top floor was the nicest experience we had the entire week in Turkey. The food was great, and Turgay was a great host, making suggestions from the menu and letting us sample wine to make a selection for dinner. We ended up staying late talking with Turgay and local regular. Such an awesome end to our vacation. read more

I'm from New York. I haven't eat such a good italian food even NY. This is the best restaurant in Istanbul so far. Trimasu was delicious. I recommend %100. read more

The owner of the restaurant is very kind and skillfully. And the food here is amazingly good. Especially the pasta and fish. The best Italian food ever read more

Aside from my own boyfriend who is a chef, Nostra Casa has the best pasta I have ever had. OMG. Chef sent out soup and some samples for me. Is it possible for soup to melt in your mouth?? Pasta alla carbonara was tres manific. Pasta was al dente andyiy could taste the blend of pecorino, egg yolk and bacon. Chef said the tiramisu is the best. I have to agree. It too, melted on my mouth. His choice of wine was satisfying and perfect for my meal...and the snowin istanbul! I've had many Kebobs and Turkish food here however my pasta craving was satisfied beyond my belief. I will revisit again before I leave. It's not cheap. It is priced for the quality of food. And the quality is more than 5 stars. Ok I have to stop because I can keep going. Thank you Chef! read more

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Really lovely place with fantastic food - I would recommend to anyone with a couple of hours to soak it all in.

I went here based on the reviews. Some of the reviews are accurate regarding amount of time that's required and the cats. I'm not a fan of cats but they didn't bother as much. The view is really nice, no doubt about that. However, the best thing about my meal was my coca cola! The food was not good at all. It was actually the worst food I've had in turkey (been here 5 days). The owner loves to chat it up. Seemed like a nice guy. He over charged us significantly I didn't say anything but I had a horrible experience here. Don't get their starters. They are disgusting and over priced. Food was below average. I don't recommend going there, ever! I know this is the only negative review but my experience was horrific. Don't trust him when he says he will take care of you. Just an FYI. If you do go there, I hope your experience is better than mine! read more

I want to highly recommend Nostra Cosa Istanbul . The restaurant comes from the heart owner,Turgay,who was born in this home along with his father and grandfather. Now It is a restaurant/home situated on a rooftop over looking Istanbul, Mosques and the sea. The view is amazing! The personality of the chief/ owner is transformed into his food. He is very accommodating to his customer with what is fresh and extra good today giving it a home feel. I had Pasta Carbonara which was as delicious as dishes I have had in Italy. This is no mistake he lived in norther Italy for over twenty years and owned a restaurant. He returned to Turkey to show his skills for good Italian cuisine. I had a steak with garlic and herbs cooked perfectly. Very good red wine to compliment. The after dinner drink limoncello was a beautiful end to a wonderful meal. Don't miss this place! But remember there are not many tables so call and make reservation. Right now tourism is slow and a table is available. read more

What a great experience! When could we ever have Italian food to match our experience when we were in Italy? We found it here on a rooftop in Turkey overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Blue Mosque, and hearing the call to prayer from the local mosques. Our chef was born here in Turkey, spent 21yrs in Italy and returned to the house he was born in, Nostra Casa. Wonderful appetizer sampler, 4 cheese tortellini, porcini mushroom spaghetti - all excellent. read more

A great meal full of authentic Italian flavour, plus a little hint of fantastic influences from other culinary cultures the chef loves. Warm welcome, really good good and service and very affordable prices. If you manage to get there at sunset the view is spectacular. read more

Wonderfully crafted dishes from first to last courses The pasta con pesto alla genovese and scallopine do pollo, limone were excellent and the tiramisu was the best we have tasted in 30 years. The chef/owner came to our table to ask about our interest in drink preferences and when we asked about 2 or 3 of the red wines listed he suggested that he would bring a red for us to taste and we would go from there based on what we did or didn't like. He suggested that he would bring a selection of appetizers for us, we leapt at the opportunity because a few years back we were fortunate to encounter a chef/owner of a narrow restaurant mid-stone stair alley in Croatia who offered the same and we were smart enough to agree, thereby receiving the best meal of a series of excellent meals along the Dalmatian coast. In support of the superlative meal was the outstanding service--attentive and congenial. Great food accompanied by great views. read more

I loved my meal and the atmosphere at this gem in Istanbul! The owner and his staff were amazing, welcoming and absolutely delightful! I wouldn't miss this restaurant on a trip to this beautiful city. read more