Inside Ritmo Zeytino, Bodrum’s Hottest Summer Restaurant
By Adam CoghlanThis summer, the duo behind the celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant and listening bar, Arkestra, which opened in Istanbul in 2022, opened Ritmo Zeytino, a three-month summer restaurant, bar, and artistic destination in Yalikavak, Bodrum, which marries vibrant, seasonal menus with cocktails, music and, under postcard sunsets, unrivalled views of both the coastline and the municipality.
Set in a sprawling 6.5-acre estate, littered with olive trees, Ritmo Zeytino, from the husband-wife duo eatures a series of open areas and enclosed spaces set within restored stone houses tiered across the Yalikavak hill.
Something Curated food editor Adam Coghlan spoke with Ipekel about the summer residency, collaborating with her chef partner, the wider scene in Istanbul, and where they eat and hang out when they’re not at work.
Adam Coghlan
Tell us about Ritmo Zeytino, the idea behind the project and how it shares traits and differs from Arkestra?
Debora Ipekel
Ritmo Zeytino is a summer restaurant and bar located in Yalıkavak, Bodrum, Turkey. It brings together delicious food, signature cocktails, art, and music in a spectacular setting. The venue is comprised of three spaces: the Restaurant, Bar, and Gallery. Nestled among olive trees in an intimate environment, the restaurant celebrates the finest locally sourced produce from nearby farms and the estate itself.
The Bar offers a snack menu that includes delicious sourdough pidettes, a unique twist on Turkish pide, all to be enjoyed while watching a picturesque sunset and listening to great music. The gallery spaces are operated by Istanbul’s renowned Pilevneli Gallery, hosting a range of exhibitions all summer long from contemporary artists such as Arik Levy, Johan Creten, Refik Anadol, Andre Butzer, Banu Anka, and Hüseyin Çağlayan.
Both Arkestra and Ritmo Zeytino are soulful spaces, which is the primary shared trait. While Ritmo Zeytino is set in a more laid-back and romantic natural setting, Arkestra offers an elevated ambiance with a big-city feel.
AC
How is both the restaurant scene in Istanbul (and Bodrum specifically), but also food culture more generally in the city … how does it differ from other cultural centres across the world that you’ve cooked and been apart of the music scenes in?
DI
Both Istanbul and Bodrum’s food scenes are booming.
Istanbul, in my opinion, is one of the most fascinating places to experience a wide range of tastes. The city’s cuisine is a melting pot, reflecting its strategic position between Europe and Asia. In Istanbul, you have everything from traditional Turkish dishes to Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and modern international cuisine. The food culture in Istanbul is vibrant and diverse, influenced by its rich history and cosmopolitan nature. Street food is an integral part of daily life, while high-end restaurants push the boundaries with innovative dishes, often using locally sourced ingredients to create modern interpretations of classic flavours.
Bodrum, while known primarily as a touristic summer destination, has grown into a popular destination for year-round living. Its food scene has expanded accordingly, offering a blend of local dining experiences and luxury hotspots. In recent years, many international brands and renowned chefs have opened branches in Bodrum, adding a freshness to the local dining landscape.
AC
How do you interact with the music and art scenes in Istanbul – is there a willingness for cross-cultural exchange in the city?
DI
Through Arkestra, we connect with a diverse group of record collectors and DJs to share their music in our Listening Room. We invite both local and international artists who play genres such as jazz, funk, soul, disco, reggae, hip hop, house, and more. Many music enthusiasts with eclectic tastes had not had the opportunity to play their records publicly before Arkestra, which helps foster cultural exchange.
In addition to my involvement with Arkestra, I also co-run a London and Istanbul-based record label called Zel Zele with my partner Ece Düzgit. Our label started by focusing on the local music culture, reissuing forgotten gems, and working with emerging artists. We are now working on projects with international artists as well.
AC
I’m keen to understand how Cenk and Debora collaborate on food and wine and music. Are there active planning sessions / do you actually work together in like a dedicated creative manner, or is it more fluid, casual, and mutually understood?
DI
Cenk focuses on planning the menu and managing the kitchen, while I handle the creative direction of events, guest relations, music, and communication. Our strong team plays a crucial role in this process. We conduct weekly meetings and brainstorming sessions to align our goals. Each department works independently on their tasks, and we come together for active planning sessions to refine every detail. It’s a blend of structured meetings and spontaneous collaboration.
AC
What other projects have you planned for future, if any?
DI
We are planning to invite an exciting roster of international guest chefs, bartenders and DJs to Arkestra this autumn.
Debora Ipekel’s guide to Istanbul
Adana Ocakbaşı
A tiny ocakbaşı (open fire cooking) in Kurtuluş district.The place is a hidden gem among local foodies, making the best Adana Kebap and serving the best quality meat in the city.
Kıyı
Our favourite long-standing fish restaurant in town that has been around since 52 years.
Çiya
Located in Kadıköy, Çiya is one of the most legendary restaurants in town showcasing home-style regional Turkish cuisine. A must!
Tavern
A vibrant neighborhood bar in Beyoğlu to enjoy great cocktails and a diverse range of music from local DJs.
Midnight
Located in Bebek, Midnight is the first concept store in Turkey specializing in contemporary jewellry designers, ceramic artists, clothing from turkey and neighbouring countries, as well as vintage homeware and books.
Deform Records
A record store with gems from all around the world, from 70s USSR music to 60s soul to Turkish music.
Outro Records
Located in Kadıköy, Outro is a record store and book shop, home for experimental music.
Arter
Contemporary art museum in Dolapdere.
Header image: focaccia and dip, courtesy of Ritmo Zeytino.