His culinary journey began in France, where he studied Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management at the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon. From there, he travelled the world, refining his craft in some of the most respected kitchens, including Alain Senderens, Château de Bagnols, Maison Clovis, and Gary Danko.

In 2013, he launched The Cartoonist, a pop-up dinner series in Los Angeles that showcased his playful creativity and cross-cultural sensibility. Returning to Istanbul in 2016, he became Head Chef at the much-loved Petra, while also consulting and running a seasonal pop-up in Bodrum with his partner Debora Ipekel.

In 2022, the duo opened Arkestra, a restaurant that reflects their shared vision — an ever-evolving harmony between food, music, and atmosphere. Cenk’s cuisine is modern, expressive, and deeply personal, blending his global experiences with a profound respect for local produce and contemporary culture.