Kadıköy
Asian Istanbul's cultural heart with markets and local flavor
The heart of Asian Istanbul, Kadıköy offers an authentic local experience with a progressive edge. Its famous market overflows with fresh produce, while surrounding streets buzz with independent bookshops, vintage stores, and the city's best casual dining. A ferry ride away from the European side, it feels like a different world.
Highlights
Restaurant
20 places
Norwegian-trained chef's Scandinavian smorrebrod with Asian twists in Kadıköy
A three-storey mansion off Kadıköy's beaten track, meze-first, with a garden of old Turkish records.
The çarşı's oldest working meyhane, pouring since 1974, topik in the case and fasıl kept upstairs.
Koşuyolu's Aegean meyhane, a proper meze cabinet and a neighborhood that keeps it to itself.
Historic 1919 family lokanta in Kadıköy with timeless Turkish classics
50 varieties of mezze in a 120-year-old building facing Sureyya Opera
Proper Napoli-style with San Marzano, fermented dough, and standout tiramisu
Bar
20 places
Kadife Sokak classic with a downstairs stage and a different band every night
German-style beer garden with Weihenstephaner on tap and a real backyard
Dimly lit Esat Işık room pairing classics-first cocktails with a short, serious kitchen
Street-level micro-bar on Esat Işık, creative cocktails, vinyl-leaning music, no-frills Kadıköy at its best
Low-ceilinged Kadife Sokak room with a downstairs fireplace, the quiet, cozy counterweight to Barlar Sokağı
Tucked-in Sakız Gülü wine bar with a tight, evolving Turkish-focused list.
Sakız Gülü corner with a hidden garden and rooftop terrace; deep beer pour, neighborhood crowd.
Long-table sidewalk pub on Sakız Gülü with a deep beer menu and weekly events.
Cafe
6 places
Since 1979: cilek milfoy, Ibiza pastasi, Kadıköy classic holding the line
Clean specialty coffee and matcha on the tramway line with focused quality
Shop
1 place