Beşiktaş is this super cool area on the European side of Istanbul. It's got that fancy vibe but not too stuffy, you know? Arkestra sits right in the heart of Etiler, which is like the posh part where all the trendy spots hang out. This place is basically a restaurant that used to be someone's house back in the 1960s. Now it's got this whole music thing going on too. The chef is this guy named Cenk Debensason who's been all over the world learning how to cook.

Key highlights:
- Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted 1960s villa
- Three different spaces including a music listening room upstairs
- Chef combines French techniques with Asian flavors in creative ways

PROFILE

Arkestra opened up as this music-themed restaurant that's way more than just food. They got three different areas - the main restaurant, this cool listening room upstairs, and another spot called Ritmo. Chef Cenk grew up in Istanbul, then went to France to learn cooking, and spent time in America too. You can tell he's been around because his food is like a mix of everything he's learned. The restaurant got a Michelin star pretty quickly after opening. It's not your typical Turkish restaurant at all. The whole concept is about bringing food and music together. That's why they call it Arkestra - like orchestra but different. Smart, right?

AMBIENCE

Walking into this place feels like stepping into someone's really cool house from the 60s. The main dining room has these bubble glass chandeliers that look pretty awesome. There's wooden panels everywhere with these weird lip-shaped designs on them. The upstairs Listening Room is where things get really fun. They got deep sofas, a DJ booth, and tons of vinyl records. Sometimes real DJs play up there. The walls even have palm trees painted on them. Outside there's this courtyard area that's perfect when the weather's nice. It's all leafy and feels super private. The whole place has this retro vibe but not in a cheesy way.

MUST-TRY

Everyone who goes there talks about the tuna sashimi with sushi rice ice cream. Sounds weird but apparently it's amazing. The katsu beef sandwich is another thing people keep ordering. It's like a fancy version of a regular sandwich. The sea bass is something the chef does really well. He makes it with some kind of Thai sauce that's sweet and sour at the same time. Pretty cool how he mixes different cooking styles like that. If you're into pasta, the pesto agnolotti with lemon mascarpone is supposed to be really good. That's one of their signature dishes that comes out of the open kitchen.

FOOD

The menu changes based on what's in season, which makes sense. Chef Cenk uses French cooking techniques as his base but then adds flavors from Asia. It's fusion food but done properly, not just random stuff thrown together. They do this thing where they take classic dishes and make them more interesting. Like their vol-au-vent has green asparagus and some sauce called gribiche. Sounds fancy but it's basically just really good food. The portions aren't huge because it's fine dining, but you get multiple courses. You can order from the menu or do a tasting menu if you want the full experience. Everything comes out looking really pretty.

SERVICE

Most people say the service is really good. The staff speaks English well and they actually know what they're talking about when it comes to the food. They've tasted everything on the menu which is pretty cool. Some reviews mention specific staff members by name, which usually means they made a good impression. The servers are attentive without being annoying. They'll help you pick wines that go well with your food. But there's been some complaints too. A few people said the reservation people were kind of rude when they called. One person couldn't even get a menu with prices over the phone.

PRICING

This place is expensive, let's be real. We're talking about $100 per person kind of expensive. That's without drinks too. It's definitely a special occasion restaurant, not somewhere you go every week. The cocktails upstairs probably cost extra on top of dinner. Wine pairings are available but they'll add to the bill. It's Michelin-starred fine dining so the prices match that level. For Istanbul, it's on the pricier side but apparently worth it if you're into this kind of food. Just don't expect to get out of there cheap.

SUMMARY

Arkestra is trying to be different from other fancy restaurants in Istanbul. The music angle makes it more fun than your typical stuffy fine dining place. Chef Cenk's background shows in the food - it's creative without being too weird. The three different spaces mean you can have drinks, dinner, and hang out all in the same building. Pretty smart setup. The 1960s villa setting gives it character that new restaurants can't fake. If you're looking for a special night out in Istanbul and don't mind spending money, this place delivers. Just make sure to book ahead because it's popular. The Michelin star definitely helped put it on the map.

FAQs

Do I need reservations at Arkestra?
Yes, reservations are required. You need to call +90 212 970 72 73 between 11 AM and 10 PM. They don't take walk-ins because it's always busy.

What should I wear to Arkestra?
It's a fancy place so dress nicely. You don't need a suit but definitely no shorts or flip-flops. Smart casual is probably the way to go.

Can I just go to the listening room without eating?
The listening room is mainly for before or after dinner drinks. You can probably just go there for cocktails but it's better to call and ask first.