Even those who never leave the premises of the new Peninsula Istanbul hotel will still have an intimate experience with Turkey’s largest city, an ancient metropolis of nearly 16 million that straddles the Bosphorus. Despite the Peninsula’s many virtues (think waterside location, breathtaking architecture and impeccable decor), the real reason that Istanbulites are flocking there is to dine at chef Fatih Tutak’s restaurant Gallada, which opened on July 7. Located on the roof of the Bauhaus building, its outdoor terrace is lined with 30 pomegranate trees. To make a gastronomic connection between Istanbul and the Peninsula hotel group’s hometown of Hong Kong, Tutak designed a small-plates menu on the theme of the Silk Road. “It was a fascinating challenge,” says Tutak. At only 38, he’s the best-known chef in Turkey, with two Michelin stars for his first restaurant, Turk. Hiring Tutak to create such an original restaurant was a stroke of genius. It’s also yet another reason why the Peninsula Istanbul may be the most exciting new hotel opening in Europe this year. —Alexander Lobrano