INTRODUCING RITMO ZEYTINO: A NEW CULINARY AND ARTISTIC DESTINATION IN BODRUM, FROM THE FOUNDERS OF MICHELIN-STARRED ARKESTRA

On Friday 14th June, the team behind Arkestra, the Michelin-starred restaurant and Listening Bar that debuted on Istanbul’s thriving culinary scene in 2022, will launch Ritmo Zeytino, a three-month summer restaurant, bar, and artistic destination in Yalikavak, Bodrum, that follows in the footsteps of their widely celebrated 2021 residency.

Situated within a sprawling 6.5-acre estate, Ritmo Zeytino, from husband-wife duo Chef-Patron Cenk Debensason and Debora Ipekel, will feature a combination of open areas and enclosed, intimate spaces set within beautifully restored stone houses tiered across the Yalikavak hill. It promises a multifaceted and truly unique experience, blending delicious food, signature cocktails, art, and music. Nestled beneath a canopy of olive trees, guests can enjoy picturesque views of the coastline and breathtaking sunsets offering the best viewpoint in the municipality.

THE RESTAURANT

The restaurant will showcase a specially curated tasting menu by Cenk Debensason celebrating the finest locally sourced produce from nearby farms and the estate itself.
With regularly changing dishes based on the rotation of fresh produce, the menu will be designed to share, offering a fusion of unique flavours and textures. Menu highlights will include:

Summer Tomatoes
Bergama tulum cheese mousse, dried black olives, pickled onion, cucumber

Artichoke & Fennel
Tahini ajo blanco, grape, walnut croquant

Amberjack
Samphire, melon, jalapeno, sorrel & coconut sauce

Grouper
Beurre blanc, spinach w/ anchovy, baby potatoes

Or

Beef Ribs
Fresh herb barley pasta, roasted red pepper

Peach
Yoghurt panna cotta, verbena gel, ice cream

THE BAR

For an unparalleled sunset experience, head to the bar, which will be located amongst the lush grove of olive trees. Here, amidst nature, guests are invited to indulge in smaller plates and cocktails, as the sun dips below the horizon and into the late night. Among the offerings, Debensason’s sourdough pidette will offer a unique twist on a Turkish classic, cooked in the mosaic-tiled stone oven. Other standout dishes will include;

Roast beef Niçoise
Paired with tuna vinaigrette and homemade potato chips

Swordfish
With lemon balm and a lemon vinaigrette

Zucchini flower Pidette
With goats cheese and lavender honey

Mousse Au Chocolat
Topped with olive oil and dried black olives

Drinks-wise, an array of cocktails will complement the menu’s range of flavours and influences. Guests will be able to choose between Melon made up of Vodka, yoghurt liqueur, melon, cucumber, bergamot and jasmine; Grape comprised of Rum, Malibu, Italicus, grape and prosecco plus a further selection of classic cocktails with a twist, whilst enjoying music from local DJs playing a mix of funk, soul, disco, and feel-good tunes. Wines will also be eclectic, with dynamic white, red, rosé, and sparkling sourced from independent producers both on Turkish soil and further afield. The drinks menu will feature a selection of equally considered non-alcoholic options too.

Guest DJs and events will also be hosted in the bar space for guests to enjoy the sounds of summer.

PİLEVNELİ GALLERY AND EVENT SPACE

Ritmo Zeytino is the ultimate destination for those looking to enjoy Bodrum in its summer splendour, culinary enthusiasts, and art lovers alike. Hosting Istanbul’s renowned PILEVNELI gallery, a range of creative exhibitions will be on display, from contemporary artists including Arik Levy, Johan Creten, Refik Anadol, Andre Butzer, Banu Anka and Hüseyin Çağlayan.

For more information please contact dianne@gemmabellandcompany.com