Bodega, Cardiff’s celebrated destination for fire-cooked Mediterranean small plates and an unparalleled wine-by-the-glass collection, has announced the appointment of Efe Orkut Yakut as its new Head Chef.
Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Efe brings with him an impressive international background, honed across some of the most acclaimed kitchens in Europe and beyond. His career has taken him from the Culinary Arts Academy to a string of prestigious restaurants, each shaping his professional growth and creative approach to cooking.
Efe was previously Sous Chef at The Priory Caerleon, Bodega’s sister restaurant, where he worked closely with the former Head Chef. Before that, he held senior positions at several acclaimed establishments, including One Michelin-starred Araka in Istanbul, where he broadened his understanding of both creative cooking and the complexities of fine-dining management; Bagatelle Bodrum, where he was part of the restaurant’s successful launch; and Four Seasons at the Bosphorus, where he specialised in butchery.
In his new role at Bodega, Efe has immersed himself in the theatre of cooking over fire, reimagining Mediterranean-inspired plates with bold creativity and attention to detail. His appointment reflects the group’s ethos of nurturing talent across its venues, with The Priory itself recently welcoming Grady Atkins as its new Head Chef.
“I’m honoured to lead the kitchen at Bodega and continue its journey as one of Cardiff’s most exciting dining destinations,” says Efe Orkut Yakut. “My passion is to weave together the cultures of the Mediterranean, seasonal ingredients, and the spirit of open fire, creating dishes that linger in memory long after they are shared. Through my cooking, I seek to present the beauty of diverse cultures and telling their stories on the plate.”
Bodega’s monthly changing menu, divided into snacks and small plates, offers something for every appetite, complemented by an impressive 45-strong wine list, all available by the glass. Guests can also explore curated wine flights, designed to pair seamlessly with Efe’s fire-led cooking. With the option of sitting at the Chef’s Counter or booking into one of Bodega’s monthly chef tasting nights, the restaurant has firmly established itself as a ‘hidden gem’ outside the city centre, and a must-visit for 2025.
To view the latest Bodega menu, or book a table, please visit www.bodegawine.bar.
Bodega is owned and operated by Benito & Sophie Martinez; the couple are both Cardiff natives and already have deep roots within the local hospitality scene – they also own and run Ballers restaurant (in Lakeside, Cardiff), Park Side (in Heath and Lakeside, Cardiff) and The Priory hotel and restaurant (in Caerleon).
