Banana Island Resort Doha has announced the arrival of Executive Chef Ziya Cikrikci. Bringing a commitment to culinary excellence, honed during a remarkable career spanning over 24 years, he leads a talented team serving global delicacies across seven dining venues including three signature restaurants and a collection of exclusive dining concepts.

 

Creative and freshness-driven, his distinctive culinary storytelling blends the innovation of modern craft with the soul of tradition.

 

 In addition to exemplary cooking skills, Chef Cikrikci provides valuable expertise learned over 15 years managing high-end restaurants and multi-outlet culinary operations at luxury hotels and resorts across the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Turkey.

 

Beginning his career in Istanbul after graduating from the University of Izzet Baysal with a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Chef Cikrikci trained his trade in several of the city’s most prestigious kitchens before joining The Ritz-Carlton in the US (Miami and Washington DC) from 2006 till end of 2009.

 

 In Miami, he served as Chef de Partie at the five-diamond Bizcaya Restaurant, supporting daily operations and leading culinary teams.

 

 He later advanced to Kitchen Supervisor, playing a key role in the opening of Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC – a signature restaurant created in partnership with Eric Ripert, the celebrated three-Michelin-starred chef of Le Bernardin in New York – where he was a core supervisory team member overseeing multiple kitchen brigades.

 

After three years, between 2009 and 2012, managing speciality fine dining operations as a Sous Chef on flagship liners for Celebrity Cruises, the renowned chef returned to Istanbul to establish the Frankie Istanbul Restaurant, building a team of 35 chefs and managing kitchen operations to create one of the city's most successful dining establishments.

 

He continued to work in the roles of Executive Sous Chef and Chef De Cuisine with leading global luxury hotel brands, gaining extensive international expertise until taking his first Executive Chef role at Hyatt Regency Istanbul Atakoy in July 2018.

 

From here, Cikrikci fostered a celebrated international reputation as Executive Chef for the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus and the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile – all before joining Anantara in 2025.

 

Possessing a flair for presentation, the Istanbul-born gastronome applies his exceptional technical skills to deliver dishes built around a philosophy of elevating one carefully selected centrepiece seasonal ingredient per dish.

 

He adds accompanying flavours and deconstructs each product to its essence, conjuring experiences that touch all the senses. Every aspect is considered, from aroma and texture to temperature and contrast, delivering mindful eating that is in tune with nature.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Cikrikci to our luxurious island resort,” says Roberto Simone, General Manager at Banana Island Resort Doha. “His combined talent for creative fine-dining and inspirational leadership will lift our already exquisite culinary offerings to even higher levels, ensuring exemplary occasions for every guest.”

 

“I am excited to join the extraordinary team at Banana Island Resort Doha,” adds Cikrikci. “The resort’s values align harmoniously with my own. State-of-the-art service built on the foundations of authentic tradition. Fusing cultural influences to create inclusive and unique modern experiences. Ensuring every offering is the finest it can be. Together, we will work passionately to set new benchmarks for first-class, innovative, experiential, and sustainable dining in Qatar.” -TradeArabia News Service