The rooftop of this restaurant over looking the sea with barges and ships at anchor just before sunset in the summertime... with the low volumed Italian music playing, super friendly chef (and wife who is your waitress), absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, Iranian wine, and the prayer heard from the blue mosque in the backdrop and another small mosque to your right is an absolutely magical experience. We found this restaurant on trip advisor and admiringly were slightly weary as we entered the door of the building with the signs. The first thing we smelled was not amazing food, but cat litter... See, Istanbul used to have a very bad rat problem and years ago they must have decided to let cats take care of the problem (as you will see them all over the city, in the shops, small milk dishes along the streets, etc). Despite the initial spell we continued up the small winding staircase and on the second floor we passed an apartment with an open door into a kitchen that smelled amazing. As we went up to the the third floor, the walls became decorated with mostly black and white posters of various actors/actresses, some that have dined at this restaurant. Russell Crowe is the one I can most remember. As you walk into the restaurant, it is clear that at least that time of year (it was July), no one sat inside. The owners wife directed us put onto the balcony where we climbed another spiral staircase to an upper balcony that came with amazing views of the sea, city and blue mosque. The owner was very friendly and we found it best to just take whatever he brought out when it came to appetizers (we dined here three times). He would bring out 3-5 plates of appetizers to sample from. One had small shallots in a bit of broth. They appeared to be cold but when I put one in my mouth is was like a warm explosion of flavor and onion soup. All of the food we tried at Nostra Casa was amazing, and the tiramisu is the best I have had anywhere. It is a pricey dinner but one that you will never regret or forget as long as you don’t mind sitting back, relaxing and letting the chef feed you the appetizers he wants to (don’t worry, you can choose your entree and dessert), or a friendly cat that might come for a visit :)

The place was empty when we came, no staff, just the owner, cooking and serving. The menu he gave us had different prices than at the entrance - more than double. He took our order with a can of beer in his hand. Everything was pretty dirty. The food was extremely salty to the point that we couldnt eat it. Even tho the owner and the view from the rooftop were lovely, I am sorry to say that this place should be closed.

We came in because of the view, but what really surprised us was the food, cozyness and incredibly caring owner. The food was absolutely exquisite. We took the menu but before we realized we had forgotten it altogether as the owner conducted us through an incredible, singular culinary experience only possible by the blend of his Turkish roots and his decades past of experience living in Italy. Nostra Casa isn't a restaurant. You won't be greeted by a stuffy waiter in a fancy suit. It honours it's name by simply being a house. A house where kind people get together to share on delicious food while feasting their eyes with magnificent Istanbul views, in the truest meaning of the italian specialty of enjoying "la dolce vita", with a Turk hospitality twist to it. We loved every minute of it.

very typical italian food, chef lived in italy for 21 years. if you like pasta, you must come!

The best italian food in Turkey! Very friendly and warm place with amazing view😍 thanks to Turgay and Tamuna❤️

We went there for dinner and the owners were really nice. That night, thee drinks selection were limited and they told us directly so we can still decide if we want to stay or not. The restaurant feels like eating at your neighbors house. It’s a pretty unique setup and the food was delicious.

Cozy little place with authentic Italian food. Very friendly staff, delicious food, great view from the terrace. Great place to relax in a buzzing city.

Top marks for the good food and hospitality. Run by Turgay who spent more than 20 years as a restauranteur in Italy and it shows. The Tiramisu is the best I had anywhere. Also their signature dish Porcini pasta feels authentic. Nostra Casa is a must for any Italian food lover in Sultanahmet.

We sat on the terrace and had a wonderful meal. The proprietor, Turgay, was very hospitable and made recommendations for us. He shared with us his story of living in Italy and how he brought Italian cooking back with him to his childhood home in Turkey after over twenty years. In addition to our great meal, we had a nice view of the sea and Sultanahmet. Would definitely recommend this place if you’re looking for good Italian food and a nice view.

The owner of this restaurant is one the best guys I have met here in Istanbul. And his expresso was simply delicious. On top of that there is a beatiful view of the sea from his terrace. 5* Zbysa

the food is good, but just come here for the view... the rooftop terrace is amazing! :)

The view is absolutely stunning! The food is authentic Italian. I can really recommend Nostra Casa Cafe. They even serve Georgian wine on request.

The restaurant was really disappointing. Everything was dirty and not tidy. The waiter was the cooker and the service was too slow. We ordered a salad but after 45min he said was not possible to deliver for some issues.... the pictures does not reflect the current reality of the place and facilities.

We had a salad and a beer, enjoying an amazing view with the most lovely owner of this place. It was a joy hanging out with him and even though it was short, I'll remember our little visit for a long time to come. As others have remarked: don't come here expecting a regular restaurant with regular waiters etc: you won't find the usual formalities here. But if you come here with an open mind and a friendly soul, chances are you'll really enjoy your time here as well.

Very good meat and delicious pasta! Recommend.

Best place in Istanbul. Italian kitchen