Banca Unione

Set inside the storied 120-year-old L’Union Han on Karaköy’s Bankalar Caddesi, Banca Unione gives new life to a site that once housed a 1905 insurance company and later Tütün Bank. The restaurant’s striking architectural setting—with lofty ceilings and preserved historical details—structures a menu where classical Turkish and Italian dishes meet contemporary interpretation.

Consulting chef Tolga Atalay and executive chef Müjdat Gürsoy lead a kitchen that blends memories and ingredients from both traditions: meze platters mixing Turkish pastırma and Italian parmesan, manti with cibes pesto, risotto with soured grape leaves, and pizzettes in local accent. The space follows a day-to-night rhythm—from breakfast, to shareable starters and handmade pastas, to evening aperitivo—accompanied by carefully selected drinks and music. Banca Unione underscores the Mediterranean affinity that connects Turkish and Italian culinary spirits, all within a dramatically restored Karaköy landmark.