Moda

Moda has been one of Istanbul’s most sought-after locations since the 19th century.

It is known that initially, Greek and Armenian minorities from the European side flocked to this area. Later, the local people named it Moda because of the settlement movement initiated by the Ottoman elite. At least, that’s what the urban legends say.

Since then, many architectural and artistic works, Western-origin schools, churches, and other structures have gradually begun to shape this new area. Within this context, numerous mansions with gardens, which are the finest examples of Ottoman-Western architecture, have been constructed here.

Today, with its cafes, restaurants, bars, and tea gardens, Moda is a favorite spot for Istanbulites of all ages.

Despite all the changes, the area stretching from Kadıköy Pier to Yoğurtçu Park, from the Bull Statue to Moda Pier, remains one of the most delightful corners of Istanbul.

Table of Contents

Good Food Guide

Our Favorite Restaurants

•AIDA vino e cucina
•Aralık
•Koço Restaurant
•Zevk Lokanta

A good meal:

•Irregular Dining
•Moin Moin Pizza
•700gr
•Dün
•Yer
•Kem Küm
•Boden

Street Food:

•Basta Street Food
•Muutto
•Rita Deli
•Catchy BBQ

Traditional:

•Çiya Sofrası
•Yanyalı Fehmi
•PideSun
•Tatar Salim Döner
•Çinili Taş Fırın
•Meşhur Selanik Kuru Fasulyecisi

Coffeeshops:

•Montag Coffee
•Kava Coffee
•Altkat
•Story Coffee
•Grass Coffee
•Guten Morgen

Cocktails:

•Fahri Konsolos
•Mathilda’s
•Lelabbo

Breakfast:

•Rafine Moda
•Brekkie Breakfast Club
•Everything Bagel
•Tamamen Organik Tost
•Vico
•Tostçu Dede
•700gr
•Ppang
•Frunch

Cafes:

•Dem Moda
•Oranje (perfect berliner🍩)
•Fahriye Cafe
•Amata
•Sofa
•Sisters&Harvest (vegan)

At Night:

•Bina
•Mecra
•Arka Oda

What to see in Moda

While wandering the streets of Kadıköy, there are important structures you shouldn’t miss seeing, parks to enjoy, and more!

🏛️ Important Structures:

  • Moda Pier
  • Nostalgic Tram
  • Bursalı Rıza Pasha Mansion
  • Arif Sarica Mansion
  • Antipa Mansion – Tek Esin Foundation
  • House of the Frederics – Yellow Mansion
  • Barış Manço Museum House
  • Süreyya Opera
  • Moda Stage
  • Haldun Taner Stage
  • Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center
  • Mahmut Muhtar Pasha Mansion – Istanbul Kadıköy High School
  • Bull Statue
  • Haldun Taner Statue
  • Moda Sundial Sculpture

Bookstores and markets:

  • Kadikoy Fish Market
  • Kadıköy Second-hand Bookstores & Antique Dealers

Parks & Gardens:

  • Moda Coast
  • Moda Tea Garden
  • Moda Park
  • Yoğurtçu Park

Important Avenues and Streets:

  • Moda Street
  • Bahariye Street
  • Velvet Street
  • Mühürdar Street
  • Ferit Tek
  • Nene Hatun Sokak
  • Hüseyin Bey Sokak
  • Yusuf Kamil Paşa Street
  • Şair Latifi Sokak
  • Ali Suavi Sokak

Churches and historical buildings

  • Eglise De L’assomption Church
  • All Saints Moda Church
  • Aya Triada Greek Orthodox Church
  • Surp Takavor Armenian Church
  • Hasan Riza Pasha Fountain

9 Spots We Love in Moda

  • Basta Street Food: In this place you would found delicious wraps, lamb burger, and rice pudding.
  • Rita Deli: Known for its deli products. We love their pastrami sandwich.
  • Zevk Restaurant: Perfect for rakı and meze.
  • Irregular Dining: Essential for delicious and healthy lunch meals.
  • Moin Moin: You can come here for delicious pizzas, it’s a small place.
  • Çiya Restaurant: This restaurant, which has even been featured on Netflix, offers Anatolian flavors for appreciation. Always crowded.
  • Muutto: A Turkish tapas bar that brings a new and modern breath to Anatolian dishes. The Moda branch is more focused on wraps.
  • Aralık Moda: One of our favorite places with a menu that changes throughout the year, cocktails, and all its products.
  • Mathilda’s Cocktail Bar: A nice place where you can drink delicious cocktails at any time of the day.

5 Breakfast Spots in Moda

  • Brekkie: A bakery and breakfast spot whose fame for croissant products has spread beyond Istanbul. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab a package without waiting in line from its newly opened branch next door.
  • Everything Bagel: A nice place tucked away on a quiet street, serving bagels and sandwiches.
  • Tamamen Organik Tost: If you can’t give up delicious toast, you’ve come to the right place.
  • Rafine Moda: Good croissants, good breakfast items, and good coffee.
  • 700 gr: Perfect for snacking all day long.

Fahri Konsolos

We could have started with an introduction like “the best cocktail bar in Istanbul” to catch your attention, but this place has the unpretentious appearance of a neighborhood bar, yet it takes us on a journey with the flavors it offers, making it an impressive establishment.

Although Moda and, in general, Kadıköy are known as some of the liveliest districts of Istanbul, one could say that the nightlife is limited to a street of bars and venues that are more or less similar to each other. (Of course, there are a few exceptions.) However, since we met Fahri Konsolosluk and its creator Burak Ayaz, tasting unparalleled cocktails has become one of the best excuses to visit Moda.

For us, the experience of a venue is actually a whole that includes the influence of the district it is in and the exciting process that leads up to reaching it. On our first visit to Fahri Konsolos, on a warm spring evening, we found ourselves discussing how olive oil-wrapped vine leaves (Turkish classic ‘Sarma’) could be such a good street food and companion to alcohol, and in no time, we were tasting the Sarma cocktail from Fahri Konsolos’ menu, which we were examining for the first time. Yes, think of it as an olive oil-wrapped vine leaf but as a cocktail now. It was a beautiful coincidence that turned into a regular haunt for us, and we tried most of the cocktails on their constantly changing menus.

Here, there are no classic cocktails, but there are ones that appeal to different palates, with each ingredient carefully selected, those that can be picked from nature are handpicked, and they are used with maximum efficiency without forgetting to respect the ingredients with unconventional methods. We can say that not every cocktail may do this, but you will definitely have an experience that excites you and makes you want to return.

The venue is a tiny bar in the center of Moda, with 4-5 tables in front of it, nestled modestly among the neighborhood. After hearing the stories of the flavors they offer and understanding the effort behind them, it’s impossible not to admire this small place and what they produce.

AIDA vino e cucina

In the heart of Moda, there’s a romantic Italian spot we’ve been visiting for years: AIDA vino e cucina.

Set within an old apartment building in Kadıköy, this colorful restaurant spans three floors. Instead of offering the first Italian dishes that come to mind, it boasts a more creative and simple cuisine.

Its small garden in the back and the tables at the entrance create a romantic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re a guest in an Italian family’s home. The upper floors are ideal for larger groups seeking more privacy. This place is a good choice for small, bustling groups, and you can also pre-order some items along with your reservation to ensure better service.

Aside from the restaurant’s flavors, where it truly excels is in service. The staff are well-versed in the menu, and while they may not offer ubiquitous dishes, they are able to inform you about all the plates and answer your questions.

The menu is divided into four sections: antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci. Because we love the Italian adaptations of seafood here, we chose the Rana Pescatrice Lardellata as a starter during our last visit. The service staff are helpful with suggestions, and as indicated on the menu, some dishes contain pork products.

The primi section consists of fresh pasta and risottos. There are also daily specials not listed on the menu. We tried a gnocchi that wasn’t listed, and it was amazing.

Secondi includes dishes like quail, slow-cooked ribs, lamb delicacies, and rock bass as main courses. Their menu changes frequently, and you can check their website and make reservations online.

For dessert, you can end your culinary feast with an impressive gelato. We tried the peach gelato with wine, and it was a delightful finale.

You can choose from their 🍷 menus for an accompaniment, or select an 🍸 aperitif as a starter.

Expect to pay between 1500-1800₺ per person for a starter, a main course or pasta, dessert, a drink, and service. It will be more enjoyable if you come as a group and share the dishes. AIDA vino e cucina has been selected as one of the good restaurants awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide’s 2024 selection.

Yanyalı Fehmi Restaurant

Fehmi Efendi, who migrated from Ioannina to Istanbul and settled in Moda, first started his career with construction work.

Later on, he entered the restaurant business with the head chefship of Hüseyin Efendi from Bolu, who came from the palace kitchen. Thus, the story of this restaurant, extending from the palace kitchens to the present day, began.

Yanyalı Fehmi, one of the oldest restaurants on the Anatolian side, has been serving since 1919. It is managed by the third generation of the Sönmezler family. With great discipline, they offer dozens of different dishes and desserts to their customers every day. Unlike comparable restaurants, it boasts an impressive variety of desserts. Kadayıf desserts, şekerpare, pumpkin & quince desserts stand out.

It’s tough to maintain a business in this city for a long time. Behind this success is a strong/close-knit family that has withstood all hardships and a disciplined team that has worked here for many years.

In Kadıköy’s chaotic market, full of fishmongers and greengrocers, there’s this impressive historical restaurant with a loyal clientele.
If you find yourself in Kadıköy around lunchtime, definitely give it a try.

Arama

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