Imagine savoring flavors that have evolved over thousands of years as you look out onto the iconic Galata Tower and the glistening Bosphorus Strait. This dream comes alive at GALLADA and Topside Bar, the new culinary crown jewels of The Peninsula Istanbul, opening their doors on July 7, 2023.
A Gastronomic Journey Through Time
GALLADA and Topside Bar are not just about food and drinks; they are about experiencing history through taste. Led by the award-winning Chef Fatih Tutak, GALLADA takes you on a gastronomic journey inspired by the ancient Silk Road’s Eurasian trade routes. Chef Fatih, with his rich Turkish heritage and extensive travels in Asia, has meticulously created a menu that celebrates the myriad culinary skills, techniques, and artistry that have evolved over millennia.
Savor The Bold Flavors
At GALLADA, the emphasis is on bold flavors and high-quality produce sourced sustainably from various regions of Türkiye. The menu includes delightful dishes like the Adana kebab dumpling and the Wood-fired monkfish with black paste and yogurt. The pièce de résistance? The Warm Medjool date cake with masala tea and whipped buffalo cream for dessert. What’s more, the shared plates concept is a heart-warming nod to the social interaction between food, family, and friends.
An Exquisite Tapestry Of Drinks
Perched above GALLADA, the Topside Bar offers an innovative cocktail menu inspired by the flavors of the Silk Road and the enchanting maritime stories of the Bosphorus Strait. From “Istanbul,” a blend of Douzico, Otto’s vermouth, fig and rose jam, lime, to “House of Wisdom” featuring Mirra washed Rum, Antica Formula, Campari, Chocolate, and Falernum, the cocktail list is both inventive and evocative. Alongside these creative drinks, you can find an extensive selection of whiskies, Turkish wines, and local craft beers.
Dine Amidst Luxury and History
GALLADA’s dining room, accommodating up to 256 diners, is an opulent space adorned with Turkish fabrics, fixtures, and tile mosaics. The alfresco terrace, surrounded by pomegranate trees and a cascading fountain, offers breathtaking views of the Old City. Additionally, there’s an intimate private dining space adjacent to Topside Bar which showcases traditional Turkish craft.
The design of Topside Bar, modeled after a vintage grand yacht, is enriched with maritime memorabilia. It’s a hub for luxury entertainment, with lounge music transforming into Istanbul’s ethnic house beats as the night progresses.
GALLADA Hours of Operation
Lunch
Every day: 12:00 – 15:00
Dinner
Weekdays: 18:00 – 1:30
Weekends: 19:00 – 02:00
Topside Bar
Weekdays: 16:00 – 01:00
Weekends: 16:00 – 02:00
Concluding This Epicurean Adventure
GALLADA and Topside Bar at The Peninsula Istanbul are more than dining venues; they’re experiences that transport you through time and across cultures. With Chef Fatih Tutak at the helm, expect nothing short of a culinary revelation. As Jonathan H. Crook, Managing Director of The Peninsula Istanbul, puts it, this is “an exceptional blending of tradition and modernity that marks a distinctive offer at the dynamic heart of the city.” Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this culinary journey.
Have you booked your table yet? Share this article with fellow food enthusiasts and start planning your visit to GALLADA and Topside Bar.
