RITMO OPENS AT ARKESTRA ISTANBUL

This January, Arkestra, the Michelin-star restaurant and Listening Bar which made its debut on Istanbul’s thriving culinary scene last year, opened its doors to Ritmo: a dimly-lit, playful bistro tucked away behind velvet curtains in the front room of the sprawling former 1960s villa.

Accessible through a private entrance, the 32-cover dining room by celebrated architect Tayfun Mumcu is defined by mirrored ceilings, colourful custom-made carpets and low lighting to set the mood. The more informal sibling to Arkestra’s main restaurant offers small plates, local and international wines and curated cocktails from Chef-Patron Cenk Debensason’s sophisticated yet vibrant menu.

Think Fresh oysters with champagne sabayon, Tuna with jerusalem artichoke flan, Crunchy almond prawns, Chicken thigh yakitori and Churros with spicy chocolate sauce and togarashi for dessert. Wines follow an eclectic outlook with dynamic white, red, rosé, and sparkling sourced from independent producers both on Turkish soil and further afield.

Of the opening Cenk says: “We wanted Ritmo to have an entirely different identity to everything else on offer at Arkestra. Working with Tayfun to create such an original space also influenced the plates we’re serving - we want guests to feel like Ritmo is their second home but that there will always be an element of surprise when they drop by.”

Ritmo houses its own separate bar from which cocktails and certain dishes are constructed, adding a touch of theatricality to the intimate setting and playlists are compiled by Co-founder Debora Ipekel, an ex-music industry executive and NTS Radio. Walk-ins are welcome so regulars can enjoy spontaneous laidback evenings and it lends itself effortlessly to private events and celebrations too.

To make a reservation, visit https://arkestra.com.tr/. Walk-ins are welcome too.

For more information please contact aliyah@gemmabellandcompany.com