Rydges Armidale opens Ottoman and The Cellar in New England

Rydges Armidale has announced the official opening of Ottoman and The Cellar on 5 February, transforming Armidale’s dining scene.

The cosmopolitan Ottoman is a renaissance to the Ottoman Empire’s diverse and rich culinary history that presented a fascinating blend of cuisines with innovative cooking techniques.

Designed for sharing, and with a focus on vibrant, seasonal produce that has been locally sourced from the New England region, diners will be taken on an exotic journey of Turkish and Ottoman-inspired dishes, each presented in a contemporary way, all while dining beneath 70 colourful Turkish lanterns.

Traditional Turkish spices, including dukkha, harissa, cumin, and sumac are celebrated with classic dishes. These dishes include Sebze Kizartma, Moussaka, Lamb Shish Kebab, and vegetarian Kofta. While dishes such as Fesenjan (Persian chicken stew) and Deniz Corba pay homage to the restaurant’s heritage. Desserts do not disappoint with Lokum, or Turkish Delight as it is more commonly known, set to become a favourite.

“We want the spicy, fragrant aromas of our Turkish and Ottoman-inspired dishes to take our guests on a tantalising food journey,” Rydges Armidale head chef, Rangana Lakshan Perera Galkandage, said. “We are delivering an immersive dining experience that is more than the food, it is about taking our guests on an epicurean journey, while enjoying shared moments dining together.”

Adjacent to Ottoman, The Cellar has been designed with lovers of fine wines and handcrafted cocktails in mind, featuring a selection of local and international wines, beers, and whiskeys, and a specialty curated list of signature cocktails. The Cellar delivers an experience of refined elegance, infused with a sense of rustic glamour, where guests can discover inviting spots that are perfect for intimate catch ups. The spaces, with coveted leather lounges, are perfectly suited to larger gatherings.

Highlighting the essence of the New England Highlands, the bar menu offers a selection of small plates that are designed for sharing and larger dishes featuring freshly sourced, seasonal ingredients.

“Our vision for Ottoman and The Cellar is to create a unique dining and social experience that resonates with both locals and visitors,” Rydges Armidale, general manager, David Begg, said. “By integrating the rich heritage of Turkish cuisine with the finest local produce, we are thrilled to unveil what we anticipate will become a new cornerstone of Armidale’s culinary landscape.”