Where handcrafted Italian tradition meets Turkish culinary heritage, Fauna Istanbul emerges as the city's most intimate pasta sanctuary, transforming lunch into an unhurried celebration of artisanal craft. Nestled in the quiet Ataşehir district, this Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient redefines fine dining through Chef İbrahim Tuna's meticulous approach to semolina pasta, made fresh daily without shortcuts or compromise.

Chef İbrahim Tuna, alongside Le Cordon Bleu graduate Emrah Coşkun, has cultivated Fauna's reputation as Istanbul's premier destination for Italian-Turkish fusion cuisine. After years of perfecting their craft in Kadıköy, the duo relocated to a larger Ataşehir space, allowing their pasta-making artistry to flourish. Their philosophy—"Everything is slow and unhurried at Fauna"—earned them the Golden Spoon Gastronomy Awards' "Foreign Concept Restaurant of the Year," cementing their status among Istanbul's culinary elite. The chefs dedicate 5-6 hours daily to crafting their signature semolina-and-egg pasta dough, a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality.

Fauna's menu showcases sophisticated fusion through signature dishes that honor both culinary traditions. The celebrated ravioli filled with Karayaka lamb and walnut exemplifies this marriage of flavors, while the Turkish-style mantı served with sheep's yogurt and ghee bridges continents on a single plate. The lamb shank pasta and goat cheese walnut ravioli demonstrate the kitchen's mastery of texture and taste. Desserts like the organic strawberry sorbet and innovative "maylobi" custard provide perfect conclusions to the tasting menu experience. Each ingredient is personally selected daily, ensuring the freshest seasonal produce reaches every plate.

The dining experience unfolds in Fauna's intimate space, where communal long tables foster connection among fellow gourmands. The open kitchen concept transforms meal preparation into theater, allowing guests to witness the pasta-making artistry firsthand. Service maintains a warm, family-style approach that complements the restaurant's unhurried philosophy. Operating exclusively for lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 2 PM, Fauna creates exclusivity through scarcity. The restaurant notably focuses entirely on the culinary experience, offering no alcoholic beverages to maintain attention on the artisanal craft.

Reservations at Fauna Istanbul are essential given its limited hours and growing reputation among discerning diners. This lunch-only destination offers Istanbul's most authentic Italian-Turkish fusion experience, where every handmade pasta tells a story of two culinary cultures united by exceptional craftsmanship.