Last night, upon the invitation of my dear friend and fellow French and English-speaking tour guide Özlem Kabasakal, I had the chance to attend the launch dinner of Peyvaz Rooftop, located inside the newly opened Grand Galata Hotel & Spa in the Galata district of Istanbul.

Having worked in tourism for many years, I usually approach newly opened venues with a certain level of caution. In today’s Istanbul, a beautiful view alone is no longer enough. People are looking for atmosphere, character, and a genuine sense of place. From the very first evening, Peyvaz Rooftop felt like one of those rare places that manages to offer exactly that

The concept behind the event itself was also quite clever. The venue invited professional tourist guides not only to introduce the restaurant, but also to create direct connections with people actively working in Istanbul tourism. Honestly, it had been a long time since I attended such a thoughtfully organized launch dinner. Tourism in Istanbul today is no longer only about historical landmarks; it is about creating the right experience, the right atmosphere, and the right story for visitors. Peyvaz seemed fully aware of this philosophy

The Grand Galata Hotel itself also caught my attention. The exterior design and lobby area were elegant and stylish, although unfortunately, I did not have enough time to inspect the rooms. Still, the first impression was quite positive. The location, however, may be one of its strongest advantages. It offers an excellent balance: away from the expensive intensity of the Old City and far calmer than the chaos of Taksim and Istiklal Street, yet still easily accessible by public transportation from both Karaköy and Şişhane. Anyone familiar with Istanbul will understand how valuable that balance truly is.

As for the rooftop itself, it was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening. Especially after sunset, when the lights of Galata begin to glow across the skyline, the atmosphere becomes something special. Istanbul certainly has no shortage of rooftop venues, but very few manage to combine accessibility, character, and genuine ambiance. Peyvaz left a strong first impression in that regard. Moreover, considering the ever-increasing restaurant prices in Istanbul, my first impression was that — when evaluated together with its location, atmosphere, service, and food quality — it stands out as a very appealing alternative among similar venues in the Karaköy area

The dinner menu itself was inspired by Southeastern Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine, presented with a modern touch. The evening began with warm stone-oven bread, Antep-style cracked olives, early harvest olive oil, and pepper paste. From the very beginning, the table felt like a small culinary journey through southern Turkey.

Among the appetizers, the thyme-flavored hummus was beautifully balanced, but one of the standout dishes for me was the Peyvaz Pepper Borani. The roasted Samandağ peppers combined with strained yogurt and blue poppy seeds created a modern interpretation of traditional Southeastern flavors. The babagannush, meanwhile, was refreshingly simple and authentic — exactly as it should be.

Dishes such as Cercerun and Peyvaz Pazı Borani added personality to the table and showed that the kitchen is aiming for more than simply being “another kebab restaurant.” Ingredients like green apple, currants, and sliced almonds gave the menu a more refined character.

The hot appetizers included hazelnut lahmacun and traditional flavored bread, both of which added warmth and energy to the evening conversation.

For the main courses, Adana kebab, pistachio kebab, and crispy chicken wings were served. To be honest, finding truly good kebab in Istanbul has become increasingly difficult, as many restaurants now focus more on presentation than flavor. Here, however, the balance seemed well preserved. The pistachio kebab in particular would definitely appeal to those familiar with the rich culinary traditions of Southeastern Turkey

The evening ended with a classic lime-treated pumpkin dessert served with tahini and walnuts. In a city where finding a genuinely good pumpkin dessert has almost become a nostalgic experience, it was a memorable and fitting finale to the meal.

Overall, Peyvaz Rooftop feels like much more than simply “another rooftop restaurant with a view.” It has the potential to become a fresh alternative in the Galata and Karaköy area for both visitors and locals alike. For travelers visiting Istanbul who wish to step away from the crowds of the historical peninsula and experience a more contemporary yet still character-filled side of the city, this may become one of those addresses worth remembering. My first impression was genuinely positive. It will be interesting to see how Peyvaz establishes its place within Istanbul’s ever-evolving gastronomy and rooftop culture in the coming years.