A Slice of Italy in the Historic Heart of Istanbul: Discover the Best of Pizza & Risotto

In the heart of Istanbul’s iconic Sultanahmet district, where history breathes through ancient walls, there’s a unique place that offers more than just a glimpse into the past. Cisterna Brasserie, nestled inside a thousand-year-old Roman cistern, isn’t a traditional Italian restaurant—but it does serve up carefully curated Italian-inspired dishes that transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Rome.

Whether you're wandering through the old city or searching for the perfect spot to savor a rich risotto or an artisanal pizza, Cisterna Brasserie offers an unforgettable stop on your culinary journey.

The Essence of Italian Cuisine: Simplicity, Freshness, and Soul

Italian cuisine is more than just food—it's an experience built around simplicity, authenticity, and seasonal ingredients. From north to south, every region in Italy contributes unique flavors and traditions, yet all share a deep-rooted passion for food made with heart.

Whether it's a rustic risotto from Lombardy or a wood-fired pizza from Naples, Italian dishes are created to celebrate natural flavors, bringing people together around the table.

Tortellini

What Makes Italian Cuisine So Beloved?

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor

• Reliance on fresh, high-quality, seasonal produce

• Olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs are kitchen staples

• Meals are crafted to be shared, not rushed

• Cooking is seen as an art—and eating as a pleasure

Pizza: Italy’s Gift to the World

Pizza is arguably the most recognizable dish from Italy, yet few truly experience it the way it’s meant to be: simple, thin-crusted, and baked in a stone oven.

Must-Try Italian Pizza Styles:

• Margherita: Tomato, mozzarella, and basil—Italy on a plate

• Diavola: Spicy salami and chili for bold palates

• Quattro Formaggi: A melty, rich blend of four cheeses

• Caprese Pizza: Light, refreshing and herbaceous

A great Italian pizza isn’t overloaded—it’s balanced, elegant, and always highlights the quality of its ingredients.

Pizza

Risotto: Creamy, Comforting, and Authentically Italian

Risotto is Italy’s answer to soul food. Slowly stirred with broth, and made with special short-grain rice, it develops a luxurious, creamy texture that’s both comforting and refined.

Popular Risotto Varieties to Savor:

• Mushroom Risotto (Risotto ai Funghi) – earthy, umami-rich and satisfying

• Saffron Risotto (Risotto alla Milanese) – golden-hued and buttery

• Lemon Risotto (Risotto al Limone) – fresh, light, and citrusy

• Seafood Risotto (Risotto ai Frutti di Mare) – a coastal classic with shrimp and calamari

Mastering risotto is an act of patience—it’s not fast food, it’s slow-crafted art.

While Cisterna Brasserie isn’t exclusively Italian, its menu features exceptional Italian-inspired selections, from expertly crafted pizzas to creamy risottos. Set inside a mesmerizing Roman cistern, this one-of-a-kind restaurant merges historical ambiance with a taste of Europe.

If you find yourself wandering through Sultanahmet and longing for comfort food with elegance, Cisterna Brasserie invites you to take a seat, unwind, and experience a taste of Italy in Istanbul’s most storied quarter.