ABOUT SMYRNA
Opened in June 2022, Smyrna has received notable mention from various sources. Located on the busy W. Main Street in Charlottesville, a mere walking distance from UVA, Smyrna strives to conform to the vibe set by the neighborhood, one of sheer diversity.
Smyrna’s dishes are inspired by an Aegean/ Mediterranean cuisine, executed by chef Tarik Sengul. The use of locally sourced ingredients enhances each dish, by way of quality and taste. Sengul also draws inspiration from his experience working at fine dining restaurants in NYC, most notably Temple Court, Intersect by Lexus and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, where he worked with his mentor Christophe Bellanca. An open kitchen allows for guests to not only witness the preparation of dishes, but also to forge an interaction with usually off-limits kitchen staff. Smyrna endeavors to uphold its philosophy that all who enter are granted with an experience as delightful as it is unique.
TARIK SENGUL
Executive Chef
Born and raised in northeast Turkey, Tarik migrated to the United States in his late 20’s. While in Turkey, he studied history in hopes of becoming an academician. During this period he also worked in a few local restaurants in Istanbul and became enthralled with the intricacies of cooking. For a short time he left for Venice, Italy to further his studies. Ironically, he had a change of heart and decided to pursue dreams of becoming a chef. Those dreams led him to New York City, where he worked as a line cook for several notable restaurants that boast Michelin stars. It was also in a New York restaurant that he met business partner Orhun Dikmen. The pair had always given thought to opening their own restaurant. Years later, they have worked together to materialize the eclectic Smyrna.
ORHUN BARTU DIKMEN
General Manager
Orhun Bartu Dikmen was born in Izmir, Turkey on the Aegean Sea where he got his bachelors degree in business administration. After he graduated from college, he moved to the US. Rather than pursuing a career in what he studied, he chose to follow family tradition of restaurants and hotels. Mr. Dikmen started his American adventure in Manhattan, where he would meet his future business partner Tarik Sengul. Following his time in New York he moved yo Charlottesville to work with his brother Deniz Dikmen at Sultan Kebab. After six years Orhun is ready yo share the food of the Aegean and the Mediterranean cuisine with his new home of Charlottesville.