Moda is arguably Istanbul’s hippest neighborhood. Located on the Asian-side within Kadıköy, this too cool for school neighborhood (wait did I just say that) is a fun place to café and bar hop.

If you like thrift and vintage shopping, you’ll also love it here. Brimming with cafés, bars, and chocolateries as well as vintage and antique shops, Moda is where the alternative crowd of Istanbul live and hang out. Because local establishments cater to a younger crowd, Kadıköy-Moda is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Istanbul.  

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1. Zoo Café

– If you love cake and zoo-themed interiors – 

Zoo Café is where my inner 6-year-old wants to come out and play. From Moda Cadessi, you can see a large wooden table decked with at least 10 different cakes. It looks like the tea party scene from Alice and Wonderland.

Upon entering this Kadıköy-Moda establishment, you’ll be greeted by a series of animal portraits and fabric trophy heads. The cheerful café is further enhanced by potted plants and colorful walls.

While Zoo serves up some good ravioli and savory foods, we say skip it! Eat the cake! When we visited, there were gluten-free chocolate, pumpkin, raspberry-walnut, chocolate-orange, caramel, and many other cakes on display.

Alas, we couldn’t sample them all, but we can heartily recommend gluten-free chocolate and pumpkin cakes. If the café looks full, don’t dismay: there are two more stories. 

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Moda Cd. No:44, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul 

2. Naan Bakeshop

– If you love breakfast and bakeries – 

This perfect café and bakery is the ultimate breakfast spot in Moda. It’s an ideal place for a slow breakfast, or an afternoon read. Their menu features Turkish breakfast for two as well as conventional American breakfast items and lunch bowls.

While many people choose to sit at the entrance, we recommend walking to the back of the café, where you’ll find a lovely dining space that’s quintessentially dreamy-femme. Naan Bakeshop gets huge bonus points for their playlist, which enhances the whole sensory experience.

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Moda Cd. No:113, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul

Read Next: Best Restaurants in Nisantasi, Istanbul

3. Çiya Sofrası

– If you love traditional Turkish cuisine and CHEFS Table – 

It’s time to introduce something more traditional. Çiya had three different restaurants, all located close to one another. We went to their kebap restaurant as well as their lokanta, a cafeteria-style restaurant. Prices are higher than surrounding eateries, but the food is epic. I’ll dream of their Adana Kebap for the rest of my days. If you like spicy (salsa-like) salads, order their Ezme.

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Güneşli Bahçe Sk. No:43, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul

Planning a trip to Istanbul? Read Next: Istanbul Travel Guide

4. Ayık 24

– If you love soup and the sound of head water – 

Ayik 24 was an insider tip we received from our host. This casual eatery in Moda specializes in making soups in the traditional Erzincan (north-eastern Turkey) cooking method.

Soup items include black cabbage, head and trotter, muscle trotter, tongue trotter, beyran, ayik special (atom trotter), and a few others. Trotter soups are made by boiling sheep feet. According to the menu, their “heavy bone water” soups have a high portion of collagen and are thus very healthy.

We tried the Beyran soup (rice, head water, shank meat, chili, salt, and garlic) and the strained lentil soup. Both were delicious!

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, 34710, Dumlupınar Sk. 18-20, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul

5. Walter’s Coffee Roastery

– If you love coffee and chemistry – 

This chemistry lab-inspired coffee shop is the ultimate digital nomad workspace paradise. Bring your laptop and you’ll fit right in. The sharp spacious interior has room and wifi for everyone. Walter’s menu features hot and iced espresso drinks – served in beakers. It’s a thing here to try on bright yellow lab coats, #walterscoffee. 

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Badem Altı, Bademaltı Sk. No:21, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul

6. Basta Street Food Bar

– If you love dürum and small spaces – 

Situated on a corner, this small Kadıköy-Moda eatery is breathing new life into everyone’s favorite fast food. You could say that there’s a small, but mighty, dürum revolution happening at Basta every day. Their dürum menu includes chicken, beef, lamb, chorizo and vegetarian. Get the beef and vegetarian wraps – they will make you very happy!! You can also have seasonal salads and soups, which compliment the wraps very nicely.

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Sakız Sk. No:1, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul

7. Sayla Manti

– If you love ravioli and not making decisions – 

Established in 1969, this no-frills restaurant in Moda makes one thing, and one thing only: manti. Manti, think Turkish-style ravioli, is a pasta stuffed with ground meat and topped with yogurt. The only thing you have to decide is how much manti you want.

When you receive your large plate, do as the locals do, and diligently sprinkle oregano and sumac all over your dish. Sayla Manti also makes one other thing, çiğ börek (sorry I lied). This is a savory pastry with a ground meat filling. It’s good, but if you have to choose, get the manti.

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Nailbey Sk. No:32, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul 

Where to Stay in Moda

Budget | Moda Drei is a clean and comfortable budget accommodation in Moda. They offer both dormitory and private rooms. Communal spaces are beautifully designed. 

Mid-Range | Khalkedon Hotel Istanbul spoils guests with its perfect location, friendly staff and breakfast (included). 

Mid-Range | Loka Suites is a lovely B&B in Moda. Here, you’re treated to breakfast on their rooftop terrace overlooking the Bosphorus. Expect helpful service, elegant rooms, and a convenient location.  

Look for accommodation in Moda. 

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