CityBuddy
Local Restaurant in Kadıköy
Best time to visit
Evenings are ideal for visiting since the lanterns light up beautifully and street music starts, creating a magical dining atmosphere.
Budget tips
Meals are reasonably priced with options for sharing plates to save money. Avoid peak weekend hours for better deals and quicker service.
Recommended for
Food lovers, Culture seekers, Couples, Casual travelers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Local restaurants here serve fresh fish caught daily from the Bosphorus, delivering some of the best seafood flavors in the city. The lively atmosphere often includes impromptu performances by street musicians adding to the vibrant dining experience.
Highlights: Colored lanterns hang from the ceilings casting a warm, inviting glow over wooden tables covered with traditional Turkish patterns. Diners often enjoy their meals alongside friendly stray cats, a charming local tradition that adds a cozy and unique touch.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be cobblestoned and uneven around the area.
- Bring a camera for colorful photos of the glowing lanterns and lively street scenes.
- Skip the overly touristy dishes and ask locals for daily specials to taste true flavors.
- Visit on a weekday evening to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more relaxed vibe.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Istanbul, Turkey, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
