Kadikoy; It is a neighborhood that we went to at least a few times a week during university years, we fell apart when we moved to the opposite side, but it is always pleasant for us, with plenty of freedom, fun and conversation.. In pursuit of nostalgia on the one hand, and the present on the other; Kadıköy is always at the center of social life.. Of course, the effects of the places that do not end with exploring are also very important.. As the taxis across the street, we asked our guest writer Varol Döken, who has lived in Kadıköy for 8 years, to tell us about Kadıköy venues.. We always trust his preferences and tastes; That’s exactly why we don’t go too far and leave the page to him to read his suggestions..
SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN, SPRING WILL COME TO KADIKOY
‘Kadıköy is crowded now, let’s not go out, we just stay at home, it’s like nice.”
What is this sentence that we used some weekends while we were sitting 100 meters away from Kadıköy Çarşı? it sounds so silly. We missed crowds, we missed going out, we missed socializing; We missed Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and even Beyoğlu despite their situation in recent years.
In these lines, where I am a guest writer, I can see the secrets of Kadıköy, where I have lived for 8 years – not much left, but – restaurants, bars, corners. I will write a series. When everything ends and these days pass, maybe we will wander around together on a sunny Kadıköy morning.. Coming soon…
I wanted to dedicate the first part of the series to restaurants. As someone who loves good food and drink, I will share with you some places that you probably know many of them.. I hope there are some of you that you haven’t tried, and while reading these lines these days when we stay at home, it will give you a purpose and improve your morale a bit.
Then let’s get started, where and what to eat in Kadıköy as I know it…
WHAT TO EAT IN KADIKOY
#1 Aida Restaurant:
I’m starting with Aida Restaurant, which I would put at the top if I made a list not only in Kadıköy but throughout Istanbul.. Long before Vedat Milor wrote, this modern Italian restaurant we discovered when 2-3 tables were full; With its 3-storey old house chosen as the place, the small but cozy backyard, the wonderful kindness of the owners Elif and Andrea, the wonderful cuisine that mostly gives examples from northern Italy, the surprise wine menu that also includes local producers, and the sweet details such as the lavender cologne in the sink. a real treasure. I would definitely recommend you to try the goat tempura and not go without a reservation.
#2 Korkmaz Buffet:
After Aida, let’s turn the wheel to a more affordable place. If you like doner buffet, my advice to you would be Korkmaz Buffet at 120 on Moda Caddesi.. Have 1.5 servings of chubby bread, pour a lemonade next to it, and share your satisfaction with the business first and then with the owner of this page, Neşem and Okan.. Of course, no reservation is needed, but be aware that it is crowded on weekends.. It can also be a good option to get a package and walk to Moda beach.
#3 Çiya:
I think Çiya’s lahmacun is one of the iconic flavors of Kadıköy.. 33 among the top 100 most valuable Turkish meals made at Hürriyet. Lahmacun, which is in the first place, is the best I have ever eaten.. After trying 4 other lahmacuns on the same line, I can say that Çiya is in the Champions League.. Of course, you don’t have to be limited to only lahmacun in Çiya.. You can find the flavors of Antep cuisine that you have never tasted anywhere else in the restaurant’s daily menu.
#4 Halil Lahmacun:
If I go for Lahmacun; If Çiya is crowded or a bit expensive, your second option should definitely be Halil.. Halil Lahmacun is 50 meters ahead of Çiya in Kadıköy Bazaar.. If Çiya is the Champions League, I think I can call Halil the UEFA Europa League.. Sometimes even Çiya can’t keep the crispiness of the lahmacun, but Çiya’s meat quality is one step ahead.. Be sure to try the open ayran when you are in Halil because it is better than Çiya’s. let me do. Take any bus from the Çarşı stop and get off at the Kadıköy Municipality stop.. Sit at the Black Sea Pide Restaurant, Hacapuri Pide, right across the municipality, and order yourself a piece of ground mincemeat, and let the master break 2 eggs in it.. Thanks again, first to our master and then to Journavel…
#6 Fornello:
We wrote pita, it’s okay if we don’t write pizza. I pass Fornello alone. You may have heard of it now, but I discovered it while it was under construction and had a great conversation with the owner.. The secret of their taste is good and original ingredients, the right technique, a genuine stone oven.. They also opened a branch in Ataşehir, but you go and eat at the place in Kadıköy Çarşı, although it is small, they have seating.
#7 Restaurant Ahmet:
Let’s continue with an unknown proposition.. Up from Moda Pool Square, Dr.. As you go towards Esat Işık Street, on the left, at number 31, Lokanta Ahmet. It is not possible to find the dishes they cook in special cast iron pots in a stone oven, anywhere.. In the establishment that also makes its own bread, especially meat dishes are 10 number 5 stars. Prices may seem a bit expensive for a place that works with the understanding of artisan restaurant, but when you see the quality, you will realize that your money is not wasted.
#8 Pita Ravioli:
Let’s not forget the ravioli lovers either.. Again, Pita Mantı is one of the best not only in Kadıköy, but also in Istanbul, in my opinion.. From its location on Bahariye Caddesi 1.5 years ago, Dr.. The raw pastry is also very good in the manti, which has been moved to its place on İhsan Ünlüer Sokak.. If you’re hungry, it’s worth saying 1.5.. They open the ravioli fresh from the morning.. You can say yogurt separately or have it on top of it, but if you don’t eat garlic, you can stop reading here.
#9 Table Ravioli:
It is a very delicious dish that you can eat both homemade ravioli and home-cooked food. If you are looking for a small unknown restaurant, I have the recipe for it.. If you find it in Masa Mantı, at the beginning of Murat Bey Street on Moda Caddesi, at number 7, do not forgive fava and revani.. I must say overall all the food is nice and very fresh. Elif Hanım’s smiling face and kind conversation will be a medicine for you after these difficult days. :
I wouldn’t call a food guide without meatballs a guide, and neither should you.. I didn’t want to write the Express İnegöl Meatballs that everyone knows, they are really good by the way. Instead, I will write Yıldız Köftecisi, which is well known by those who know, which is closed on Sundays.. I’m a little confused about this, it has branches in a few more places, but I always eat at Yıldız Meatballs 3.. Dr.. At the beginning of Painter Şeref Akdik Street on the left as you descend from Esat Işık Street to Moda Street. There is not only a meatball shop, but also home cooking and delicious meat grills.. A real tradesman’s restaurant, healthy, good food, smiling face, reasonable price. I miss you so much Yıldız Meatballs 3…
I would have written more, but I started to be bad, but I was wondering what would happen if I didn’t leave the house for 1 year, it suddenly crashed. If you go here when these quarantine days are over, eat a fork more for me, leave the tip plenty. As I said in the title, spring will come again.
The nightlife part of the series is coming soon…
Varol Döken
twitter.com/dokenvarol
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One of our Istanbul neighborhood guides: Balat Places and Balat Food and Drink Guide
