Ritmo Zeytino: A Gastronomic Oasis in Bodrum

In the picturesque landscape of Yalıkavak, Bodrum, Ritmo Zeytino emerges as a unique summer destination that fuses culinary excellence, art and music. Open from June to September, this restaurant offers a comprehensive experience that goes beyond food, becoming an ideal cultural meeting point for lovers of fine dining and contemporary art.

A Chef with an Entrepreneurial Spirit
Cenk Debensason, co-founder and chef of Ritmo Zeytino, is the architect behind this innovative proposal. Trained in France, Cenk acquired a vast culinary experience that took him from Lyon France to San Francisco, USA, then to Istanbul, his hometown. In 2016, he returned to Turkey to further his experience and in the summer of 2021, together with his wife and business partner, Debora Ipekel, he opened Ritmo Zeytino, his first restaurant in Turkey. Ritmo Zeytino stands out for its seasonal tasting menu, a carefully crafted selection by Chef Cenk that celebrates the best local produce. Dishes combine fresh ingredients from nearby farms and the estate itself with creative culinary techniques, offering a unique fusion of flavours and textures. The regular rotation of dishes ensures that the culinary experience is constantly evolving, adapting to the availability of fresh and seasonal ingredients.

The Perfect Setting
The restaurant is located within a beautifully restored estate, surrounded by olive trees and with a sunset that, according to our team, is the best one of the best views of Yalikavav and the best sunset we can appreciate in Yalikavav seen in Bodrum. This serene and natural setting complements the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, where the emphasis is on natural elements and a comfortable, stylish interior. Whether dining indoors or on the terrace, guests can enjoy the beauty of Yalikavav Bodrum’s surroundings while savouring the vibrant flavours of the Aegean.

Ritmo Zeytino also offers an al fresco experience at its bar, where visitors can enjoy the sunset while sipping on a menu of signature cocktails. A special recommendation is the gin with apple, perfect to accompany the bread with tomato and anchovies, a dish that highlights the exclusivity of the ingredients as anchovies are very hard to come by in Bodrum.

The restaurant’s carefully curated wine list includes a selection of regional and international wines that complement the menu. The sommelier is on hand to guide diners through the wine list, recommending pairings that enhance the flavours of each dish.

A Chef Dedicated to Innovation
Ritmo Zeytino’s head chef is committed to elevating the dining experience by combining traditional recipes with contemporary techniques. His culinary philosophy focuses on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are visually appealing and rich in flavor. Additionally, the chef emphasizes sustainability and supporting local farmers and fishermen, a hallmark of his culinary ethos.

Under the guidance of Chef Cenk, Ritmo Zeytino is known for signature dishes such as herb-crusted fish, olive oil-poached vegetables, and a variety of mezze that highlight the region’s diverse produce. Creativity and mastery of innovative culinary techniques allow the chef to reinvent classic Mediterranean dishes, offering diners a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Ritmo Zeytino in Bodrum offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of the Mediterranean in every bite. Chef Cenk Debensason’s vision and experience, combined with the restaurant’s charming ambiance, make Rytmo Zeytino a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of gastronomy, art and culture on the Turkish coast.