Ayaküstü Lezzetler in Kadıköy, İstanbul: 2 Spots

Planning notes for Kadıköy

Göztepe, a jewel on Istanbul’s affluent Asian side in the district of Kadıköy, is a destination where history and modern urban life beautifully intersect. The name itself, literally meaning "eye hill," is a tribute to Gözcü Baba ("Father Watchman"), the guardian of an old dervish lodge that once stood on its heights. Its rich background dates back to the late Ottoman period (1876–1909), when it was developed as a prestigious residential area for high court officials, wealthy Levantines.

Must-try foods nearby

• Iskender Kebap & Döner
  An iconic Turkish dish consisting of thinly sliced meat from a rotating spit (döner), served over pieces of pita bread, drenched in hot tomato sauce.
• Kokoreç
  A quintessential Istanbul street food. It is made from seasoned lamb or goat intestines wrapped around offal, roasted horizontally over charcoal.
• Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
  A classic Kadıköy street delicacy: fresh mussels boiled or steamed and stuffed with aromatic rice, pine nuts, and spices, served on a half-shell.
• Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger)
  A famously simple and satisfying street food, especially popular for late-night snacking.
• Lahmacun & Pide
  Two essential Turkish flatbreads. Lahmacun is a thin, crispy round dough topped with a mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices.

When to go: The best time to visit Göztepe, Kadıköy (Istanbul) is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November), as these shoulder seasons offer the most pleasant weather. The weather during these months is mild.

Local tips

• For a more upscale local experience than central Kadıköy, focus your shopping and cafe visits along the long, tree-shaded Bağdat Street which runs through the neighborhood.
• Look closely around the side streets for the remaining, historic wooden Ottoman mansions, a cultural nod to Göztepe's past as an upscale summer resort.
• Spend a relaxing afternoon at Göztepe Park, which is the largest green space along Bağdat Avenue and a popular local spot for strolls and recreation.

What travelers are noticing

• Göztepe-Ataşehir Metro Line opening in August 2025, significantly improving transport and featuring a new 3,000 $\text{m}^2$ social area at the Göztepe 60. Yıl Parkı station.
• Accelerated Urban Transformation (*Kentsel Dönüşüm*) with new, high-value, earthquake-resistant residential projects, especially along Bağdat Avenue, driving up real estate interest and property values.
• Continued expansion of high-end and historic local bakeries/brands along Bağdat Avenue, emphasizing the neighborhood's enduring commercial prestige and local food scene.

Official tourism resource

The official tourism portal for Istanbul, providing comprehensive travel guides, attractions, and cultural information for districts including Kadıköy.

Visit Istanbul ↗