Get to know Zucca

Every great story begins with a dream. The story of Zucca began when a love for good food, a passion for art, and a desire to offer our guests the very best came together. Founded in 2015 by Mehmet Ar and Zafer Çil, Zucca takes its name from the Italian word for “pumpkin.” A symbol of transformation and magic in fairy tales, the pumpkin became a fitting emblem for our journey, one that continues to grow, evolve, and write its own story.

What began with the production of fresh pasta and traditional Italian ravioli soon led to the opening of our first small restaurant in Pangaltı–Kurtuluş, Istanbul. From those early days, our vision has been about more than simply serving food. We have always aimed to create an experience in which our guests feel special, bringing together quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and genuinely warm hospitality.

Our Passion for Italian Cuisine

What makes Italian cuisine so special to us is the care behind its simplicity and the distinctive character of every ingredient. That is why we bake our pizzas in a wood-fired oven, prepare our dough with extra virgin olive oil and allow it to rest for two days, and make our fresh pasta and ravioli with respect for traditional techniques.

For us, never compromising on quality is more than a culinary choice; it is a principle we have upheld since the very beginning. We bring together our respect for traditional Italian flavours with our own culinary approach and thoughtful touches. One of the most memorable milestones in our journey came in 2017, when our signature pumpkin sauce pizza won a gold medal at a pizza competition.

Inspired by Italy, Surrounded by History

Today, at our Nişantaşı location, we bring historic architecture together with design elements inspired by different regions of Italy. Set within historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s, known locally as the Süleyman Nazif Row Houses, our restaurant blends the artistic grandeur of Venice with the warm Mediterranean spirit of Sicily.

With the warmth of our wood-fired oven, our leafy terrace, and the distinctive character of our historic surroundings, we offer our guests a place to step away from the pace of the city and enjoy a moment of their own.

At Zucca, we believe every detail has a purpose. From the dough of a pizza and the cheese we select to the way each dish is presented and the way we welcome our guests, everything reflects the same philosophy: to work with sincerity, never compromise on quality, and take pride in everything we serve.

To us, Zucca is more than a restaurant. It is the story of a dream that has grown over the years, shaped by dedication, craftsmanship, and a genuine love for good food.

We invite you to become a part of our story.

Benvenuti da Zucca — Welcome to Zucca.