Nestled in the heart of Nişantaşı is a hidden gem beckoning those in search of a relaxed, vibrant dining experience, and it comes in the form of Peers Food & Drink. Just a short walk from Osmanbey metro stop and not too far from our much beloved Maçka Park, it can be easy to miss if you’re rushing through the neighborhood on your way to your next meeting or trying to squeeze in another shop to visit. If you pause a moment to take it all in though, you’ll notice a very snazzy, hip restaurant inviting you for an afternoon drink, worthwhile meal with friends, or just a chic late night destination to have some fun at.
With a comfortable outdoor seating area in the front and main indoor floor beyond, it boasts a spacious interior, complete with a prominent, generously sized bar that doubles as a kiosk and features plenty to peruse. In addition to the front outdoor option, there’s a cozy outdoor seating area tucked away at the back of the main floor, providing an ideal setting for some al fresco dining or just taking in some fresh air over a drink and chitchat. If you venture one floor down, you’ll also find their roomy, lovely backyard garden.
On a leisurely weekday afternoon, I received a most welcoming invitation and ventured to Peers Food & Drink with one of the city’s most popular food and dining influencers, istbucketlist. Descending into their backyard garden, I was pleasantly surprised by the ample space it offered. The garden tables could comfortably accommodate around 70 to 80 patrons, but the timing of our midweek visit left it serenely empty, making it an enticing choice for a quiet and peaceful escape. The hustle and bustle of Nişantaşı’s streets seemed a world away, and the tranquil ambiance was perfect for those seeking a cozy spot to work, read, or simply unwind.
(It would also be a great place to host a private event if that’s the kind of thing you’re into. A brief chat with the wonderful staff there and it does indeed seem like this is possible for those interested.)
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The food and drink at Peers was a delightful experience, marked by an array of delectable offerings. Our menu exploration was varied and a perhaps a bit excessive for just two people, but it was definitely a big success and featured:
- Iced Americano: My go-to classic. They did it well, with plenty of ice. My visits to Peers will likely be for finding a nice play to lay low, have some coffee, and get some work done, so a proper Americano will prove essential.
- Peach and Mango Homemade Iced Teas: The Peach and Mango homemade iced teas were strikingly good – not overly sweet but brimming with fruity goodness. Going to go ahead and assume these are essential orders during the summer when you’re hoping to beat the heat.
- Margherita-style Pizza: The Margherita-style pizza, showcasing a thin and crispy crust generously adorned with cheese, was all about simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.
- Pasta Bolognese: A pasta dish, layered with a flavorful Bolognese sauce and garnished with grated Parmesan, emerged as an unexpected favorite – a testament to the kitchen’s talent in transforming basic ingredients into a culinary treat.
- Hummus and Falafel: The hummus and falafel did not disappoint; both were skillfully prepared. The hummus was smooth, and the falafel boasted a perfect balance of crispiness while not being too oily.
- Organic Chicken Rizoni: This dish was a standout, featuring well-spiced chicken covered in a rich homemade sauce, served over a bed of flavorful orzo. It easily claimed the title of a preferred dish, right after the pasta for me.
- Avocado and Tomato Dish: A revelation for avocado enthusiasts, this dish, adorned with a savory sauce, was a delightful surprise.
- Dynamite Shrimp: The Dynamite Shrimp lived up to its explosive name, impressing istbucketlist and securing its position as her unequivocal favorite of the day. Each bite was an explosion of flavors… you could say it was dynamite.
- Beet Salad: As someone who loves beets, this was always destined to be positively received, but it’s worth highlighting their breaded cheese that seemed to be covered in shredded almonds and sesame seeds, along with fresh thyme, which were amazing and gave the salad a lot of extra flavor.
As you can tell, the restaurant is most definitely a versatile dining destination, and it offers a welcoming atmosphere for groups of friends, couples, or simply solo — whether you’re looking to enjoy individual dishes or share some easy options.
We were also lucky enough to briefly meet the chef, clearly a man with a passion for ingredients and attention to detail, which was evident in both the presentation of all the dishes and the taste. Also worth noting that remarkably, despite its location in Nişantaşı, a neighborhood known for its upscale vibes (particularly in terms of pricing), the prices here were refreshingly reasonable.
A distinctive facet Peers Food & Drink that I’ll keep it in mind for future visits, is that it’s got everything you might need for a proper event, boasting an ambiance that effortlessly caters to various occasions. Following Peers Food & Drink on Instagram is likely the easiest way to keep up with all their offerings.
Craft beer enthusiasts, in particular, will find this spot appealing. While I didn’t indulge in any beer during my visit, I look forward to a future visit as the restaurant frequently hosts craft beer nights, allowing patrons to sample a variety of options, while enjoying some appetizers, mingling, and all at a very affordable cost. Looking through some of their past events, they seem like very relaxed but upbeat occasions, with DJ performances in the mix as well to keep people bustling.
All in all, Peers Food & Drink proved to be a multifaceted dining experience, with an excellent mood to it, in one of the city’s most appealing areas. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape in their garden, an enjoyable meal with friends, or a venue for special events, it’s safe to say you’ll be happy with the results here. As someone who commutes through Nişantaşı regularly, usually at a frantic pace, it’s also a reminder to find the time to slow down and discover some of the amazing places on offer.
Abdi İpekçi Caddesi İnayet Apt, No: 34/B, 34367 Şişli
