Elio is a new addition to Istanbul’s restaurant scene, but has already opened two branches this spring, one in the tony Nişantaşı neighborhood and the other on privately owned Sedef Adası, the smallest of the Princes Islands. The three-story Nişantaşı branch is located on Atiye Sokak, which quickly emerged as the most popular street in the area after becoming a pedestrian-only zone with plenty of sidewalk seating.

Elio’s menu focuses on Mediterranean fare, with a strong Italian influence. Menu highlights include artichoke salad, Robespierre pizza, linguine con le vongole, risotto with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil, and ossobuco. At lunchtime, a more casual, bistro-style menu is also available. Meanwhile, the Sedef Adası branch features the same delicious cuisine, but in a romantic setting overlooking the cool waters of the Marmara