Restaurateur · Mirap Group

Cem Mirap

Founder of Lucca, Lucca Beach, Lucca by the Sea and Cantinery — a vision of hospitality that has redefined the gastronomy scene of Istanbul and Bodrum.

Istanbul Est. 2004 TURYİD Board of Directors
01 — About

Born in 1974, Cem Mirap is the founder, owner and operator of Lucca, Lucca Beach, Lucca by the Sea and Cantinery.

After completing high school at T.E.D Ankara College, Mirap graduated from Bilkent University with a degree in Business Administration, then earned his master's in Advertising at CUNY Baruch College in New York. It was during his years in the city that he developed a passion for the food and beverage industry.

Returning to Turkey in 2003 after a round-the-world trip, Mirap opened Lucca towards the end of 2004, followed by his second venue, Cantinery, in 2014. Married with two children, Mirap serves as a member of the TURYİD Board of Directors.

Education
Bilkent UniversityBusiness Administration — B.Sc.
Graduate
CUNY Baruch CollegeAdvertising — New York
Group
Mirap Group20+ years in restaurant & bar
Membership
TURYİDBoard of Directors Member
02

Venues

Lucca Style — Bebek, Istanbul
i

Lucca Style

Bebek, Istanbul2004

Referenced by numerous local and international authorities, Lucca Style stands among the most iconic venues in its district and across all of Istanbul, elevating the restaurant, bar and café concept to a new level.

luccastyle.com
Lucca Beach — Cennet Koyu, Bodrum
ii

Lucca Beach

Cennet Koyu, BodrumSummer Season

Lucca's beach edition; nestled among olive trees in the world-famous Cennet Koyu, immersed in 360 degrees of nature. A one-of-a-kind beach experience that brings sophisticated comfort from Istanbul to Bodrum.

luccabeach.com
Lucca by the Sea — Bodrum
iii

Lucca by the Sea

Mandarin Oriental, BodrumFine Dining

A fine dining restaurant and bar serving a seafood-led Mediterranean and world cuisine. Awarded for its breathtaking views and a kitchen that celebrates seasonality.

luccabythesea.com
Cantinery — Istanbul
iv

Cantinery

Istanbul2014

A chic, modern, urban brasserie. Interprets contemporary Mediterranean and European cuisine with its own distinctive touches and local produce, bringing its vibrant bar together with mixology.

cantinery.com
03

Journey

1974

Beginnings

Cem Mirap was born. He continued his education at T.E.D Ankara College.

'90s

Bilkent University

Graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

New York

CUNY Baruch College

Master's degree in Advertising. During his years in the city, he developed a passion for the food and beverage industry.

2003

World Journey

Returned to Turkey after a round-the-world trip.

2004

Lucca Opens

Founded Lucca in Bebek, Istanbul — a venue that redefined the restaurant, bar and café concept.

2014

Cantinery

Opened his second venue, the urban brasserie Cantinery.

Bodrum

Lucca Beach & Lucca by the Sea

Brought the brand to Bodrum: Lucca Beach at Cennet Koyu and fine dining Lucca by the Sea at Mandarin Oriental.

Today

Mirap Group & TURYİD

Leads Mirap Group with 20+ years of experience; contributes to the industry as a member of the TURYİD Board of Directors.