Set high above the Bosphorus, where Istanbul’s layered skyline unfolds in every direction, GALLADA by Fatih Tutak brings together a sense of place, history, and contemporary dining. Housed atop the historic passenger terminal building of The Peninsula Istanbul, the restaurant and its companion, Topside Bar, have quickly established themselves among the city’s most exciting culinary destinations.
From this vantage point in Karaköy, the setting is one of the venue’s greatest drawcards: sweeping views stretch across the Bosphorus towards the Historic Peninsula, creating a backdrop that feels unmistakably Istanbul. Yet, it is the kitchen, guided by Fatih Tutak’s vision, that anchors the experience. Known for his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Tutak brings a distinct perspective rooted in both heritage and innovation—an approach that finds expression here through a menu inspired by the Silk Road, the ancient route that once connected Asia and Europe.
Day-to-day execution is led by Chef Taylan Yücel, whose cooking reflects this cross-cultural narrative with clarity. Dishes draw on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, reworking traditional recipes through a more modern lens. The result is a style that feels both familiar and adventurous—refined Turk-Asian preparations that echo the journey of flavours across continents without losing sight of their origins.
The dining room itself mirrors this sense of exploration and exchange. Light, open, and oriented towards the water, it allows the city to remain ever-present, whether at sunset or later into the evening, lending the experience an elegant sense of occasion that perfectly complements the cuisine.
Just above, Topside Bar offers a different, though no less considered, perspective. Designed by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, the space draws inspiration from the stateroom of a vintage luxury yacht, an idea that subtly carries through in its polished surfaces and intimate layout. Here, the focus turns to cocktails, each one thoughtfully composed to reflect destinations along the Silk Road, alongside an extensive selection of premium spirits.
Together, the restaurant and bar form a cohesive experience that extends beyond a single meal or drink. There’s a sense of narrative running through both—the interplay of geography, history, and contemporary craft—without ever feeling overelaborate.
As part of The Peninsula Istanbul, the wider setting adds further depth. The hotel itself occupies four restored waterfront buildings within Galataport, placing it within easy reach of landmarks such as the Galata Tower, the Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. Across its 177 rooms and suites, many feature uninterrupted Bosphorus views, while amenities span from the Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre—with its traditional hammams and indoor pool framed by Marmara columns—to expansive outdoor terraces and a private boat dock.
In a city defined by its intersections—of continents, cultures, and histories—GALLADA and Topside Bar feel entirely at home. Not because they attempt to capture everything Istanbul represents, but because they focus on something more definitive: a sense of connection, expressed through food, design, and setting, all anchored firmly to the water that has shaped the city for centuries.
To find out more about The Peninsula Istanbul and book, visit the links below:
The Peninsula Istanbul
Karaköy, Kemankeş Karamustafapaşa Mahallesi
Kemankeş Caddesi No:34,
34425 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye
Web: peninsula.com
Tel: +90 212 931 2888
Email: pit@peninsula.com
Instagram: @thepeninsulaistanbulhotel