Fatih Tutak is arguably Türkiye’s most famous celebrity chef, a regular sight on TV and someone who proudly flies the flag for his country’s cuisine. He boasts a distinguished resume which includes Türkiye’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant, Turk Fatih Tutak, as well as the highly acclaimed Gallada at The Peninsula Istanbul.
The hotel is an absolute beauty, sweeping along The Bosporus riverfront, featuring three separate buildings, including an Art Deco pearl which was once a ticket office for a ferry company. Another is crowned by Gallada with its vast terrace, incredible views over Hagia Sofia mosque and generous tables decked in pristine white linen.
Every seat is taken, and the room buzzes with energy and a United Nations of accents. As the plates begin to arrive, it’s clear why. Perfect batons of pickles are joined by Sichuan peanuts and a Turkish pinot noir, before the first course of lamb’s liver with Kesan pepper and crispy potato, to be wrapped in gossamer-thin bread.
