Places that remind me of Istanbul do not come up often in New York. The lack of the Bosphorus and permenant outside seatings warmed up with portable heaters could be listed as the main barriers in comparison. One place where such barriers are lowered to a minimum is the Cipollini Restaurant in the Americana Manhasset Mall. This posh Italian bistro seems to have all the traits of Masa and Bej in the Istinye Park Mall, Istanbul. A heated outside seating area, a delicious menu and a somewhat tiring scenery of expensive cars and flashy visitors categorizes this spot as a “do not go there just to eat” location. Keep in mind that the drive takes 20-30 minutes from Manhattan. The Artichoke Fritti, Calamari alla Griglia and the Pizza Robiola with truffle oil are my favorites from the menu.
