We don’t know what it is but new Italian restaurants keep opening up around Istanbul. We decided not to ask why (seriously, we’re not going to complain about more pizza and pasta options in Istanbul) but to go ahead and try them all. Here is what we found out on our Italian trek in Istanbul.

The New Italians in Town

Emporio Armani Ristorante: What used to be Armani Café in İstinyePark shopping mall turned into Emporio Armani Ristorante last month. We finally went and tried it last week, and it was an instant winner.  The elegantly decorated restaurant has it all: an extensive menu featuring Italian classics, smooth music that’s conducive to enjoying a glass of wine, and an outdoor dining area perfect for the warm days ahead. On a typical day, you may come across businesspeople discussing serious projects over their secondi piatti, and ladies-who-lunch passing along the latest pilates trend over a cup of frothy cappuccino. Emporio Armani Ristorante is definitely a great choice while shopping at İstinyePark but it’s also a great destination whenever you crave scrumptious Italian food. İstinyePark Shopping Mall, Istinye Bayırı Caddesi No. 73, İstinye; P: (0212) 345 61 40 

Morro: Morro, located just off İstiklal Caddesi, is a classic Italian restaurant that specializes in pizza. If you’re looking for an alternative to your usual pre-party dinner spot, Morro offers a wide selection of pizzas so there is something for everyone. Kumbaracı Yokuşu No.66, Tünel; P: (0212) 292 25 50 

PiPa: PiPa opened up in Nişantaşı at the end of 2011. If you haven’t been there yet, definitely do check it out for the atmosphere – it has quite a unique décor, the diners are the stylish Nişantaşı crowd, and the wait staff is very friendly. But note that the food is overpriced for what it is. Süleyman Nazif Sokak Şebnem Apartmanı No.7/B, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 225 74 72

Leon Trattoria/Pizzeria: Leon Trattoria/Pizzeria, located behind the Teşvikiye Camii, is a fairly small restaurant that carries an offbeat, low-key ambiance. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced Italian restaurant around Teşvikiye, do check out Leon Trattoria. Their pizzas can be hit or miss. Ahmet Fetgari Sokak No.40/A, Teşvikiye; P: (0212) 233 46 88

The Favorites

Antica Locanda: Antica Locanda is an impeccably-decorated venue offering top-quality Italian food in a warm and friendly setting. Located in a romantic cobble-stone street in Arnavutköy next to the Greek Orthodox Church in a small villa, Antica Locanda’s menu is not extensive, but all that is on offer is scrumptious. Make sure you enjoy your meal or at least post-meal coffee by the beautiful garden. Satış Meydanı No.12, Arnavutköy; P: (0212) 287 97 45

Papermoon: Located very conveniently by the entrance of the Akmerkez shopping mall in Etiler, Papermoon is known for its delicious food, cozy atmosphere, sleek and modern design, and meticulous service. The founding principle of Papermoon is to offer light, flavorful, and fresh Italian dishes with impeccable presentation. The venue boasts a very chic bar, which makes it an ideal spot for after-work drinks. It’s also a very popular spot for business dinners and lunches, as well as family dinners and special occasions. Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Akmerkez Residence Entrance Level, No. 224, Etiler; P: (0212) 282 16 16

Da Vittorio: Da Vittorio is a cozy and authentic Italian restaurant located in Tünel. Candles on each table, little flowers, black and white prints on the walls create a pleasant atmosphere. Certainly an excellent date venue. Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.70, Ansen Suites, Tünel; P: (0212) 245 88 17

Miss Pizza: The Cihangir branch of Miss Pizza is the meeting spot of Istanbul’s hipsters and artists. If you are looking for authentic Italian pizza with a variety of gourmet toppings, look no further. All pizzas are made fresh in the brick oven, with a delicious thin and crispy crust. Havyar Sokak No. 7, Cihangir; P: (0212) 251 32 78

Cipriani: The Istanbul branch of this famous New York restaurant received some bad reviews when it first opened in 2011, but Cipriani quickly pulled itself together, and even made it to TOP 7 Restaurant Hot Spots in The Guide Istanbul’s TOP 7 pocket guide. Levent Mahallesi Büyükdere Caddesi No. 2 The Edition Hotel, Levent; P: (0212) 317 77 87 

Aqua: Bring together your love of Italian food with your love of the Bosphorus at Aqua Restaurant located within Four Seasons Bosphorus. Enjoy Italian specialties while looking over the beautiful Bosphorus from the terrace. Four Seasons Istanbul Hotel at the Bosphorus, Çırağan Caddesi No. 28, Beşiktaş; P: (0212) 381 40 59

Piola: If you’re after true Italian pizza, Piola specializes in a variety of pizzas from the Treviso region (the menu also offers pasta, salads, and delectable desserts). Located within Point Hotel, this colorful restaurant is the second branch of this Treviso-based eatery. After you’re done with your meal, we suggest you go for a hot drink like "Cafe Cornetta" (Italian coffee with grappa). Point Hotel, Yıldız Posta Caddesi No. 29, Esentepe; P: (0212) 337 30 70