Savor the Essence of Italian Cuisine at Marcello, A Taste of the Mediterranean in Istanbul

Marcello has just arrived on Istanbul’s culinary scene, bringing with it a delightful fusion of Italian flavors and breathtaking rooftop views. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the Mediterranean vibes right in the heart of the city.

Spread across a spacious 425 square meters, Marcello sits atop The Stay Boulevard Nistantasi. This charming space is reminiscent of Italy, with olive and citrus trees dotting the landscape and a terrace adorned with terracotta tiles, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus. Inside, the renowned design studio Autoban has worked their magic, creating a captivating ambiance. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by bespoke frescoes and elegant burgundy marble. Adding to the allure is a curated art collection showcasing the works of esteemed artists like Jeff Robb, Vahram Davtian, Sedat Girgin, and Erdal Akbaş.

Marcello brings together the best flavors from all corners of Italy, offering a diverse menu that caters to every palate. From the thin-crusted Milanese pizza of the North to the fluffy Neapolitan pizza of the South, you’ll find a wide range of options. Indulge in the Delizia lemon dessert from the Amalfi coast or savor classics like Tiramisu, Ossobuco, and Risotto. The true essence of Italian cuisine lies in its high-quality ingredients, and Marcello takes pride in sourcing many directly from Italy, combining them with the finest local ingredients from Türkiye. Olive oil, the backbone of Italian cuisine, takes center stage at Marcello, with a selection of three hand-blended oils ranging from sweet to fragrant. Guests can choose their favorite to enhance their dining experience.

Leading the culinary team is Head Chef Luigi Mariconda, formerly the Executive Chef at Scalini, Istanbul’s beloved Italian trattoria. Chef Mariconda crafts his Italian specialties for Marcello’s menu, including his own signature blend of limoncello. Additionally, Chef Massimiliano Nardo introduces the unique Genoese Focaccia di Recco to Türkiye for the first time. This unleavened bread is filled with a special cheese traditionally produced in the town of Recco. To preserve its authentic essence, the cheese is now exclusively made in Türkiye, due to its distinctive flavor and short shelf life.

When it comes to beverages, Marcello’s wine cellar boasts an impressive selection of local and international labels. For those seeking a vegan-friendly option, the restaurant offers delectable cocktails that perfectly complement their vertically grown, self-sustaining herb garnishes.

Named after Marcello Mastroianni, the iconic lead actor in Fellini’s masterpiece La Dolce Vita, the restaurant strives to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It serves as a delightful sanctuary where guests can relish in authentic and mouthwatering Italian cuisine.

Situated in the vibrant art and fashion district of Nisantasi, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi is an elegant 82-room property. Designed by architect Mahmut Anlar, renowned for his exceptional Turkish and international projects, the hotel’s rooms and suites are bathed in natural light. Featuring vegan-leather headboards in a soothing forest green, cooling marble accents, and warm wood elements, the accommodations offer a comfortable and stylish retreat. The hotel recently unveiled its new terrace suites, which provide versatile 1+1 and 2+1 accommodation options, complete with lush green terraces for a touch of tranquility.