The story of a successful restaurant may often begin with a simple idea. For ORLA, it all began as a joke between the three co-founders – Guven Basturk, Yussouf Kiamil, and Chef Bahadir Abul. “We teased about opening a restaurant, and it was an ‘Aha!’ moment in itself, realising we definitely should open a restaurant,” Basturk recalls. What started as lighthearted banter soon transformed into a venture that has elevated the Mediterranean and Aegean dining scene in Bahrain. Gaining momentum from the get-go, ORLA, in a short span became one of the most talked-about restaurants on the island. The food, experience, and ambience has also earned them a spot among Bahrain’s Best Restaurants 2024. ORLA was born out of passion, friendship, and a shared vision of crafting an extraordinary culinary experience. With flavours of the Mediterranean and Aegean regions at the centre, three hospitality professionals came together to realise a dream. The journey, as they recall it, has been anything but ordinary. We went behind the scenes to uncover the stories of its three founders, the birth of ORLA, and the journey. The People of ORLA At the heart of ORLA’s food is Turkish-born culinary professional, Chef Bahadir Abul. His […]

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