Travel video guide
Where to Eat in İstanbul, Kadıköy: Kuzu Ciğer (Lamb Liver)
This guide turns KADIKÖY’ÜN EN UCUZ MEKANI | MERSİNLİ CİĞERCİ AHMET USTA from Ayhan Mortepe into a practical restaurant map with 2 saved spots around İstanbul and Kadıköy. The mapped places include a park and a restaurant stop. Use it to understand the places, dishes, and trip context before saving the map in Varedelo.
What the creator captured
Ayhan Mortepe visited his friend Ahmet Usta's restaurant in Kadıköy to taste their signature lamb liver and newly added lamb chops. He highlighted the importance of using high-quality ingredients from Adana and Mersin despite the rapidly increasing market prices. Ayhan was particularly impressed by the freshness of the lamb and the authentic preparation of the liver wraps.
What this map is good for
- Planning a restaurant stop or short itinerary in İstanbul.
- Comparing food stops from a creator or saved local map before you commit time in the city.
- Saving 2 mapped spots into Varedelo so the list stays usable on the ground.
- Using the original video as context, then turning it into a clean place-by-place map.
Featured spots on this map
- Mersinli Ciğerci Ahmet Usta / Kadıköy Merkez Şube
Restaurant in Osmanağa, kuşdilli caddesi no99/a, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye, İstanbul, Kadıköy, Türkiye
Price level: Expensive
Hours: Hours available - İBB Kadıköy Yoğurtçu Parkı
Park in Osmanağa, Yoğurtçu Parkı, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye, Osmanağa, Kadıköy, İstanbul, Türkiye
Hours: Hours available
Food notes from the video
- Kuzu ciğer (Lamb liver)
- Kuzu pirzola (Lamb chops)
- Adana kebap
- Soslu ekmek (Sauced bread)
- Şalgam suyu
Experiences captured
- Visited Kadıköy Yoğurtçu Park area
- Interviewed the owner Ahmet Usta about name changes
- Discussed rising meat and ingredient prices
- Observed fans gathering for the Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş match
- Learned about the process of cleaning lamb intestines
- Discussed food quality and spice adulteration issues
- Tasted new menu items directly from the grill
Planning notes for Istanbul
Istanbul, historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is a transcontinental city in Turkey that straddles the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. As of 2026, the city remains a center for observing the architectural and cultural remnants of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Historical Heritage and Architecture The city's historical core, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains structures that demonstrate a fusion of architectural styles. The Hagia Sophia.
Must-try foods nearby
- Cağ Kebabı
Originating from Erzurum but perfected in Istanbul's specialized shops like Şehzade Cağ Kebap, this is a horizontal rotisserie of marinated lamb. - Balık Dürüm
While the classic 'Balık Ekmek' (fish sandwich) is iconic, the modern trend is the spicy, grilled fish wrap found in Karaköy. - Mantı
Often called 'Turkish ravioli,' these tiny, handmade dough pockets are typically filled with spiced ground meat. - Lahmacun
A thin, crispy oval of dough topped with a savory mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. - Hünkar Beğendi
A classic of Ottoman palace cuisine, the name translates to 'The Sultan Liked It.' It consists of tender, slow-cooked lamb chunks served over a rich.
When to go: The best time to visit Istanbul is during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October, when the weather is mild (15–24°C / 59–75°F) and crowds are manageable compared to the humid, peak summer months. For coffee enthusiasts.
Local tips
- Purchase an Istanbulkart from yellow vending machines at the airport or transit stations for seamless, discounted access to all public transport, including ferries and trams.
- Always carry small amounts of Turkish Lira in cash, as most restaurants do not allow adding tips to credit card payments and street vendors rarely accept cards.
- When dining out, a tip of 5–10% is customary for good service and should be left in cash on the table or in the bill folder.
- Use ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber to ensure the taximeter is used and to avoid common street taxi overcharging scams.
What travelers are noticing
- Specialty coffee 'experience centers' and large-scale roasteries, such as the 64,500 sq ft Espressolab facility and Spada Roastery's new 5,300 sq ft training and cupping hub.
- Viral 'Third Place' cafes in Kadıköy and Karaköy, like Peggy Coffee & Eatery and Parsa Coffee Roasters, focusing on minimalist Nordic design and award-winning experimental roasts.
- Global-fusion coffee drinks including Black Sesame Lattes and chocolate-pistachio matcha fusions, alongside a rise in coffee mixology and functional 'wellness' brews.
Official tourism resource
The official tourism portal of Istanbul, managed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Tourism Branch Directorate.
Planning questions
Where did Ayhan Mortepe eat in İstanbul, Kadıköy?
This guide maps all 2 spots featured in the video, with names, addresses, and neighborhoods, so you can plan where to eat in İstanbul, Kadıköy.
What are the must-try foods in İstanbul, Kadıköy?
Creator picks from the video include Kuzu ciğer (Lamb liver), Kuzu pirzola (Lamb chops), Adana kebap, Soslu ekmek (Sauced bread). Open the map in Varedelo to see which spot each one is at.
Can I save these spots to use on my trip?
Yes. Open the map in Varedelo to save every spot, get directions, and revisit the guide from your phone while you travel.
Use it on your trip
Save this restaurant map before you go
Keep the mapped spots, creator context, food notes, and planning details together. Varedelo turns the page into a phone-friendly map you can revisit when you are choosing where to go.