From the Aegean to the Mediterranean;
simple, refined, timeless
From the Aegean to the Mediterranean;
simple, refined, timeless
OUR STORY
In the heart of Istanbul’s Karaköy, where history meets modern design, we bring a
culinary journey from the Aegean to the Mediterranean straight to your table.
At TUZZ Karaköy, our roots stem from Istanbul’s rich meze culture, and our inspiration
comes from the freshness of the coasts and the flavors ripened by the sun.
In our kitchen, every plate carries the trace of a region, and every table becomes a
meeting point.
The clarity of olive oil, the vibrant touch of citrus, the salt of the sea, and the patience of
fire…
We seek flavor not only in recipes but in the moments shared.
Istanbul’s meze tradition is reimagined with delicate seafood touches inspired by the
opposite shores of the Aegean.
Here, tables are set for more than just food.
They are prepared for long conversations, strengthened friendships, celebrations, and
reunions.
One bite brings lightness, another depth; one sip freshness, another character…
For us, the kitchen is not a show but a bond that brings people together at the same
table.
Every service becomes an invitation, and every table transforms into an evening
extended by the rhythm of sharing.
At TUZZ Karaköy, what awaits you is not just a meal;
it is an experience where friendships are built, memories accumulate, and flavor brings
people together in the heart of the city.
Traditional Touches
Chef
A. Demir Özkal
Born into a renowned family in the tourism sector, known as “Hollandalı Ahmet,” A. Demir Özkal grew up surrounded by a culture of hospitality and embarked on his culinary journey at a young age. Early in his career, he stood out as both a chef and an entrepreneur through seasonal projects, including Kumlubükü Yacht Club and Club Marina Göcek.
After gaining experience at Istanbul’s prestigious restaurants Chilai and Ulus 29, he expanded his career to the international stage. A key milestone was serving as Executive Chef at Honca Berlin, a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant. He then took on the Executive Chef position at The Bristol Hotel, bringing his European experience to high-end gastronomy projects.
Upon returning to Turkey, he served as F&B Manager at Armada Hotel, combining kitchen leadership with operational management. While working as Senior Brand Chef at Dream Group, he oversaw kitchen coordination and quality standardization across the multi- branch Kitchenette brand. The systems he developed in the network of approximately 12 branches strengthened the sustainability of the brand’s kitchens.
At Federal Coffee Company, he played an active role in the brand’s growth as Kitchen Coordinator and F&B Manager, contributing to multi-branch operations, team training, and standardization.
He then joined The Stay Hotels Group as Executive Chef and Kitchen Coordinator, managing restaurant and rooftop bar operations, developing menu language, concepts, and guest experience-focused strategies that shaped the group’s gastronomic identity.
In 2023, he became the Brand Chef for Ulus 29 and Fenix under Doğuş (Dream) Group. Since January 2026, he has been serving as Executive Chef for Tuzz, Opaque, and Opaque By The Sea, part of Khai Hotels in Karaköy and Bodrum.
If you are ready to feel the same passion as we do and sure that you
have the qualities we are looking for, we look forward to be
together on this long journey with you.
Share your resume with us: tuzz@khaihotel.com
Tarihi Yarımada manzarası, önünüzde her biri sanat eseri gibi görünen tabaklar. Lezzetleri ise en az görüntüleri kadar güçlü. Bu gastronomik deneyimin arkasında iki kadın var. Khai Otelin sahibi Şemen Özkök Erbağan ve executive şefi Nilay Lale. Tuzz’un hikayesini onlardan dinledik
Gastronomi, sadece yemek pişirmek değil bir kültür ve deneyim yolculuğu…
Karaköy'ün kalbinde açılan Tuzz, Şef Nilay Lale'nin enfes tadım menüsüne ev sahipliği yapıyor. Kültürleri, tat ve dokuları harmanlayan tabaklarda Anadolu, Asya, Ege, Hint ve Uzak Doğu mutfaklarından esintiler var. Şefin kültürlere olan derin merakı yenilikçi tabaklarına yansıyor.
Sürdürülebilir mutfak konusundaki hassasiyetini tüm tabaklarına yansıttığını söyleyen şefin felsefesinin temelinde kadim reçeteler, yerel üretici ve mevsimsel malzemeler olduğunu duymak ise sevindirdi.
Bodrum'dan sonra şimdi de Karaköy'de açılan TUZZ Restoran'ın şefi Nilay Lale, Uzak Doğu ve Hint mutfağında tecrübeli. Teknikleri bu tecrübeden gelse de kullandığı malzemeler yerel ve taze.
Ortakent'teki Khai Otel'in iskelesinde şef Nilay Lale'nin tertemiz keten örtülü Tuzz Restaurant'ındayız. Kalamar tavasına, atomuna, kemik üstü dülgerine bayıldık.
Nilay Şef'in Uzakdoğu tekniklerine ve tat dengesine olan hâkimiyeti hissediliyor. Bu yazın menüsünden hem damak hem de görsel hafızama yer edense uykuluk oldu.
Şef Nilay Lale yönetimindeki Tuzz Bodrum, enfes yemekleriyle bu yazın en beğenilen Bodrum restoranlarından.
