After enjoying Paper Moon twice in Milano, I couldn’t but try it in Istanbul. One of my favorite Italian restaurants of all times makes my heart skip a beat. Pasta, pizza and Italian dishes, Paper Moon, is not only about the food but the class and vibes. With a high-end luxurious feel in Istanbul different from the Trattoria of Milano, you are promised perfection.
Bread, thin and crispy marinara bread triangles... dimmed lights and soothing music, the experience starts in style. I loved the decor! I really loved the decor, the class, dimmed lights, white table, pizza oven, long bar, mirrors, and reflective materials. When two internationally acclaimed firms work on the decor and lighting, you get Paper Moon.
Grissini, toasted bread and that unique Pomodoro bread landed on the table. I was so excited to order everything! It’s one of those menus where I like it all! Nothing is complicated but on the contrary, simple and intended to make you drool.
Start with the four cheese pizza: loaded with cheese, four kinds of it, each adds a certain flavor, a bit of acidity, a bit of strength and leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth... but still lacks something. Add on it spicy olive oil and enjoy a better experience, probably ten times better.
Allow me to say Waw! I’ve been to restaurants, casual Italian restaurants, but rarely not to say never waiters treated the table with such finesse and class. It’s the way cutlery is posed and respected. It’s the way the table is covered with a white cloth if dirtied. It’s the way water pores and much more. Bravo for your professionalism!
Pasta and risotto followed. Phenomenally delicious! Bravo, bravo and again another bravo. Risotto cooked al dente, moist and juicy with a load of seafood. Tagliolini with butter and truffle oil... yummy! Roll them on your fork, leave them on your tongue, and let the butter slide on your lips. So yummy! So unique.
A very pleasant experience I enjoyed and will recommend to all my friends visiting Istanbul. How sad it is that Paper Moon closed in Beirut.
Paper Moon Istanbul: https://goo.gl/maps/h4ZHKkRhDCjrce71A
