Arkestra, a Michelin-starred restaurant and listening bar in Istanbul, Turkey, led by husband-and-wife
duo Chef-Patron Cenk Debensason and Debora Ipekel, will launch their Guest Chef series, starting with
Michelin-starred Chef, Greg Marchand, this November. This follows an already busy Autumn, with the
re-opening of intimate in-house bistro and bar Ritmo, a new menu in the main restaurant, and a lineup
of guest DJs spinning records in the top-floor Listening Room.
ARKESTRA’S GUEST CHEF SERIES
On 13th and 14th November, Arkestra will kick off its Guest Chef series by hosting Gregory Marchand,
the celebrated chef behind Michelin-starred Frenchie “Rue Du Nil” in Paris, for an exclusive four-hands
dinner with Cenk. Known for pioneering the “bistronomy” movement, Marchand brings a bold, signature
style developed through his years working in acclaimed kitchens across London, Hong Kong, and New
York. Now at the helm of multiple ventures, including his flagship restaurant, Frenchie. Marchand will
join forces with Debensason, whose playful yet refined approach has earned Arkestra its own Michelin
star.
The two chefs will blend classic French techniques with international and local influences, creating a set
menu that harmonises bold flavours, textures, and innovative techniques. The menu includes: Daurade
crudo, sauce grenobloise, salade d’herbes; Cheese souf le, sauce vin jaune; Turbot, mousse de crevette,
bisque, pomelo, Frozen mezcalita with espelette pepper; Banof ee, nutmeg and caramelised pecan.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Arkestra at +90 212 970 72 73, or through Mastercard from €116 per
person.
RITMO RE-OPENS
Following a seasonal break, the stylist bistro and bar nestled behind cloaked velvet curtains within
Arkestra, has re-opened with a new menu that keeps indulgence at the heart with highlights
including Amberjack ceviche and kohlrabi with coconut and coriander sauce; Gochujang steak
tartare with miso aioli, rice cracker; Confit duck leg with potato mousseline and red wine chicken
jus; and Chocolate fondant with truffle vanilla ice-cream for dessert.
The 32-cover space filled with dark corners, a mirrored ceiling, and decorated with touches of gold
throughout is serving redefined cocktails classics including an Old Fashioned made with chocolate
and aromatic bitters – perfect to savour as the temperature drops. The wine list continues to
showcase local suppliers with organic and natural wines available by the glass and bottle.
In early 2025 Ritmo will host international bartenders for special collaborations and residencies.
ARKESTRA’S NEW SEASONAL MENU FULL OF FLAVOUR
Celebrating the finest seasonal produce from local suppliers, infused with chef Cenk’s distinctive,
genre-defying style, fall dishes take centre stage. The new menu also reimagines classics such as Duck
Apicius, now paired with Pulled duck leg pastilla, and seasonal mushrooms served with porcini cream,
chicken jus, carob croutons, 62° egg. Additional highlights include:
CRAB & FENNEL AJO BLANCO
king crab meat, fennel, ajo blanco, grapefruit, madras curry oil
BEETROOT & NİĞDE BLUE CHEESE
beetroot tartare, Niğde blue cheese mousse, cucumber, green apple, sorrel pesto
STONE BASS & YUZU
tare glazed stone bass, dashi risotto, yuzu beurre blanc, samphire
CHICKEN VOL AU VENT
chicken thigh, langoustine, seasonal mushrooms, bisque & suprême sauce
LAMB & BLACK GARLIC
grilled lamb saddle, confit lamb shoulder, lamb tenderloin, black garlic cream, miso soubise, spring
onion
GUEST DJS AT THE LISTENING ROOM
Above the restaurant lies the Listening Room, an intimate bar that hosts a rotation of weekly events
featuring local DJs, record collectors, and renowned international artists. On Friday 18th October,
Arkestra welcomes Cami Layé Okún, a Cuban DJ and radio host known for her infectious global sounds
and extensive vinyl collection with performances at some of the world’s finest venues. On Friday 21st
October, Loft Caz Magazine, a local jazz publication led by one of Arkestra’s regular DJs, Eray
Düzgünsoy, will host an exclusive takeover at the Listening Room. This intimate event offers jazz
enthusiasts a chance to unwind with carefully curated records whilst sipping on cocktails, creating the
perfect setting for those seeking a relaxed and laid back atmosphere.
Arkestra will also be hosting international bars and renowned bartenders this autumn, with more details
to be announced soon. Visit the website and @arkestra.ist to stay updated