A Brand New Venue on the Banks of the Golden Horn: Arça Restaurant
Arça takes its name from the symbolic meaning of the juniper tree in ancient times. The characteristic of the juniper tree, believed since ancient times to ward off negativity and bring beauty, is sought to be maintained in the venue today.
In old Istanbul, there is a brand new venue on the banks of the Golden Horn: Arça Restaurant & Grill. At Arça, it’s possible to unwind while overlooking the Golden Horn from above, watching the sunset, and enjoying olive-oil dishes, kebabs, and freshly baked pide and lahmacun from the open kitchen every evening throughout the week except for Mondays.
Arça takes its name from the symbolic meaning of the juniper tree in ancient times. The characteristic of the juniper tree, believed since ancient times to ward off negativity and bring beauty, is sought to be maintained in the venue today.
The chef of the restaurant, Cenap Öztekin Varol, constantly makes changes to his menu to use newly available seasonal products. For example, Varol, who adds light and fresh mezze dishes like “terettür” which can be described as lettuce tarator, to the menu with the arrival of spring, aims to bring back old and forgotten flavors to the tables.
25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Starting his career at The Marmara Hotel, Varol served as Sous Chef at Four Seasons Bosphorus and as Executive Sous Chef at brands such as Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Shangri-La Bosphorus. He joined the Movenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn family as Executive Chef in 2021. Since then, he has been striving to bring his 25 years of experience to Arça’s kitchen and, together with his team, to present our culinary culture to guests in the best possible way.
For example, while pickles are sourced from experts who have been making the same pickle for 40 years, only the master makes the stuffed meatballs, and the yogurt served at the table for palate pleasure is strained from dorak stone with a method specific to the Kayseri region. Chef Cenap says, “In our menu, to which we will add special seasonal flavors, you will always see such meticulous touches aimed at preserving and transmitting the traditions of our culinary culture to our guests.”
