First-rate pizza and aperitivo in Beyoğlu

With an unpretentious, family-style atmosphere and uplifting décor, Flavio Ristorante Pizzeria Café Bar adds an exciting Italian twist to this dynamic neighborhood.   �

Named after a famous pizzeria chef from Milan, some of the notable favorites in this establishment are panzerotti, a first in Turkey, thin crust pizzas and classic Italian aperitivo platters. �

Flavio Ristorante Pizzeria Café Bar is located on nostalgic Gönül Street, parallel to Asmalimescit street. Although in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Asmalimescit area, Flavio is still secluded and quiet. The pizzas and appetizers are first class yet uncomplicated; and the price is reasonable, relative to other Italian restaurants in Istanbul.�

After work Aperitivos
The Asmalimescit area packs a good after-work crowd. Being true to the Italian, but particularly Milanese ritual, Flavio has introduced the aperitivo platter, essentially several seasonal Italian starters served with warm focaccia bread.

Best enjoyed with a glass of red wine or spirits, the platter adds a nice twist to the usual “happy hour” snacks. The focaccia bread is crisp and starter vegetables are elegantly dressed with virgin aromatic olive oil.  �

Panzerotti in Turkey
One of the most notable features of Flavio is no doubt the panzerotti, a pastry filled with tomato, mozzarella and occasionally meat, tenderly fried. Although the idea of fried dough might turn some people off, it is actually quite light and awfully tasty, not to mention addictive for YTL 10.

For those familiar with Milan, the world famous gastronomic bakery corner shop of Luini Panzerotti, on Via S. Radegonda, is celebrated for its original version of panzerotti. There is no need to go to Italy, as Flavio crafts the first panzerotti in Turkey, similar to and almost as good as those in Milan.  �

Slice of heaven
The pizza at Flavio is a true delight – simple yet full of zest and Italian essence, at an average price of YTL 18 YTL. The elliptical pizza with a broad base, referred to as Flavio pizza, has an oval shape and is made with special thick dough.

In terms of fresh homemade pastas, one of the notable items is the Five Cheese Ravioli with Walnut and Black Pepper Sauce for YTL 16. A generous quantity of ravioli pieces stuffed with Italian cheese covered in a creamy sauce. While it seems filling, interestingly the cuisines at Flavio do not leave you feeling overly stuffed.�

For dessert, Flavio focuses on a few selected items – traditional tiramisu made with real mascarpone cream cheese, sliced pineapple fruit and the semisweet creamy “snowball” with fresh fruit sauce.

Flavio
Asmalimescit Mah.
Istiklal Cad. Gönül Sok. No. 1A- 3A
Tünel, Beyoğlu
Tel: 212 243 25 81