The Asian side of Istanbul is one of the city’s most rewarding areas for food lovers, with traditional Turkish cooking, regional Anatolian dishes, fresh seafood, international cuisine and restaurants overlooking the Bosphorus. For this guide, BestPlacesFinder highlights three standout choices: Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy for regional Turkish food, İoki Kandilli for Japanese-inspired dining beside the Bosphorus, and Mutfakkoz in Kozyatağı for a contemporary take on Turkish street-food flavours. Each offers a different reason to explore Istanbul’s Asian side beyond the usual tourist routes.
| Restaurant | Best for | Neighbourhood | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Çiya Sofrası | Regional Turkish and Anatolian cuisine | Kadıköy | Güneşlibahçe Sokak, Kadıköy, Istanbul |
| İoki Kandilli | Japanese cuisine and a Bosphorus-side setting | Kandilli, Üsküdar | Kandilli Caddesi No. 11/A, 34684 Üsküdar, Istanbul |
| Mutfakkoz | Contemporary Turkish cooking | Kozyatağı, Kadıköy | Kaya Sultan Sokak No. 27-B, 34742 Kadıköy, Istanbul |
The addresses above identify the restaurants’ reported locations; confirm the exact entrance and current details through the linked map listings before travelling.
1. Çiya Sofrası – Discover Regional Turkish Cuisine
If you’re looking for some food outside of the traditional kebabs, pide and grilled meats, Çiya Sofrası is one of the most special spots in Kadıköy. The restaurant’s speciality is regional Anatolian cooking, where recipes and ingredients from various regions of Turkey are combined.
What is so special about it?
The draw is the diversity of traditional cuisine that might not be found on the usual tourist’s list. This can be vegetable dishes, stuffed veggies, soups, stews and regional meat dishes depending on the day and season.
Turkish cooking is not a uniform tradition but an opportunity to learn about how recipes vary from one part of Anatolia to the other, in Çiya. It is also easier to sample multiple cuisines within a single trip, since it is in a counter-service format.
Seeking out: Seasonal vegetable dishes, regional stews and weird traditional cooking. Items may vary, so be sure to inquire as to what food is available that day, not just what is on the menu.
Who should visit?
Foodies, couples, families and anyone with a taste for genuine regional Turkish cuisine. It’s specially designed for eating during the lunch break during a tour of the Kadıköy Market.
Practical information
-
Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Güneşlibahçe Sokak No. 43, 34710 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye.
-
Phone: +90 216 330 31 90 (a separate number, +90 216 418 51 15, also appears in listings associated with Çiya).
-
Website: ciya.com.tr
-
Instagram: @ciyasofrasi
-
Opening hours: Listings commonly show service from approximately 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, with some variation on Fridays and Saturdays. Confirm before visiting.
-
Best for: Traditional Anatolian food and discovering regional Turkish recipes.
2. İoki Kandilli – Japanese Dining Beside the Bosphorus
If you are looking for something truly unique to enjoy, İoki Kandilli will serve up Japanese inspired cuisine with a view out to the shore of the Bosphorus in the Asian side of the strait. It is situated in Kandilli, a part of Üskudar, where you can find different restaurants than the classic Turkish ones around Kadıköy Market.
Food is based on sushi and Japanese dishes, and Nikkei influences are applied using Japanese methods and flavours from Peru. It is also a great choice for a leisurely evening or an event, due to its location on the water’s edge.
So what is it that makes it worth visiting?
If the group wishes for something more than a typical Turkish meal then İoki is an excellent option. It serves sushi, sashimi and other seafood dishes, hot dishes and innovative rolls.
If you’re making an ordered presentation, try serving some sushi rolls, a hot robata dish, and sashimi. Please refer to the present menu for availability, and let us know of any dietary restrictions.
It is another attraction of the place. Kandilli is located outside the main tourist regions and mealtimes can be enjoyed while taking a ride along the Bosphorus or exploring the waterfront neighbourhoods of Üsküdar.
Who should visit?
Those who are getting married, love to eat sushi, want to try foreign food and those who want a more upscale dining experience.
Considerations: This is not really for when you are walking around central Kadıköy, rather it is better to come pre-prepared for a meal. Make sure you have transportation options and book well in advance, especially if you are heading out for a dinner on the weekend.
Practical information
-
Address: Kandilli Caddesi No. 11/A, 34684 Üsküdar, Istanbul, Türkiye.
-
Phone: +90 216 202 20 22.
-
Instagram: Search for İoki Kandilli on Instagram.
-
Opening hours: Current listings report approximately 12:00 pm to midnight daily; confirm directly before visiting.
-
Best for: Sushi, Japanese-inspired cuisine and Bosphorus-side dining.
3. Mutfakkoz – Contemporary Turkish Food with a Creative Twist
For those who appreciate Turkish cuisine in a more modern fashion, Mutfakkoz is an excellent option. This neighbourhood restaurant in Kozyatağı, Kadıköy district specializes on seasonal ingredients, carefully prepared dishes and casual atmosphere instead of formal fine dining. It is also mentioned in the Michelin Guide.
So what’s there to see?
One of the restaurant’s hallmark aspects is its interpretation of common Turkish tastes. A menu of small plates (soups, salads and starters), large mains and innovative sandwiches, with ingredients and sauces from the kitchen.
This has included a short-rib brioche sandwich, mackerel with pickled onion and beetroot, and classic ingredients in contemporary dishes. Hummus, fava bean salad and dishes made with vegetables are available but must be verified item by item for vegetarian options.
Mutfakkoz is a great reminder of the fact that the food scene on the Asian side of Istanbul goes beyond the seafood restaurants along the water and the hustle and bustle of Kadıköy ferry terminal.
Who should visit?
Any foodie, couples, small groups and travelers who want to taste the modern Turkish cooking by the local people in the neighborhood.
Attention to this: The main attractions of Kadıköy market are not within easy walking distance of Kozyatağı. Make a trip accordingly and before you go, look at the restaurant’s current menu and opening hours.
Practical information
-
Address: Kozyatağı Mahallesi, Kaya Sultan Sokak No. 27B, 34742 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye.
-
Phone: +90 551 636 44 55.
-
Website and menu: mutfakkoz.com
-
Instagram: Check the restaurant’s website for its current official social profile.
-
Opening hours: The restaurant’s website lists Sunday and Monday as closed. The Michelin Guide lists Tuesday–Friday, 12:00 pm–9:30 pm, and Saturday, 2:00 pm–9:30 pm. Confirm before visiting because schedules can change.
-
Best for: Modern Turkish dishes, creative sandwiches and a more intimate neighbourhood restaurant.
What Kind of Food Should You Look for on Istanbul’s Asian Side?
One of the biggest advantages of exploring the Asian side is the variety of food available across its different neighbourhoods. Rather than concentrating on one type of restaurant, you can plan your meals around the cuisine and atmosphere you prefer.
Traditional Turkish and Anatolian food
Kadıköy Market is a good starting point for regional home-style dishes, vegetable preparations, kebabs and traditional sweets. Çiya Sofrası is particularly interesting if you want to explore recipes from different parts of Turkey.
Seafood and Bosphorus dining
The shoreline around Üsküdar, Kuzguncuk and Kandilli offers opportunities to combine a meal with views of the water. Traditional fish restaurants often serve meze followed by grilled or seasonal fish.
Modern and international cuisine
Restaurants such as Mutfakkoz and İoki Kandilli show the diversity of the Asian side, from contemporary Turkish cooking to Japanese-inspired dishes. These are good options when you want something different from traditional kebab restaurants.
How to Choose the Right Restaurant
The best restaurant for your visit depends on your plans, budget and preferred dining experience.
-
For a first visit: Choose Çiya Sofrası if discovering Turkish food is your main priority. Its location in Kadıköy also makes it convenient to combine lunch with exploring the market.
-
For a special evening: Consider İoki Kandilli for Japanese-inspired cuisine in a Bosphorus-side setting. Check the location and transport arrangements before booking.
-
For contemporary Turkish food: Mutfakkoz is worth considering if you prefer inventive dishes in a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant.
-
For a waterfront meal: Look beyond central Kadıköy towards Üsküdar and the northern Bosphorus shoreline. Confirm that the particular restaurant offers the view you want; not every restaurant in these districts is directly beside the water.
-
For vegetarian dining: Check the current menu in advance. Turkish vegetable dishes and meze can provide plenty of options, but sauces, stocks and preparation methods may vary.
-
For a weekend visit: Reserve where possible and verify opening times, especially for smaller restaurants and destination dining venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best restaurant on the Asian side of Istanbul?
It depends on the type of meal you want. Çiya Sofrası is a strong choice for regional Turkish cuisine, İoki Kandilli suits Japanese-inspired dining by the Bosphorus, and Mutfakkoz offers contemporary Turkish cooking.
2. Is the Asian side of Istanbul worth visiting for food?
Yes. Kadıköy, Moda, Üsküdar and the Bosphorus-side neighbourhoods offer a wide range of traditional Turkish restaurants, local eateries and international dining options. The area is worth exploring even if you have already visited Istanbul’s main tourist districts.
3. Which neighbourhood on the Asian side is best for restaurants?
Kadıköy is an excellent starting point because of its food market, traditional restaurants and variety of casual dining options. Moda is another popular area for cafés and restaurants, while Üsküdar and Kandilli are worth considering for waterfront dining.
4. Where can I try authentic Turkish food on the Asian side?
Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy is known for regional Anatolian recipes and changing selections of traditional dishes. For another style of Turkish cooking, look at neighbourhood lokantas, which typically serve prepared home-style meals.
5. Are there restaurants with Bosphorus views on Istanbul’s Asian side?
Yes. Kandilli, Üsküdar, Kuzguncuk and other parts of the Asian shoreline have waterfront dining options. İoki Kandilli is one option for Japanese-inspired food in this setting. Confirm seating arrangements when booking if a water view is important.
6. Are restaurants on the Asian side expensive?
There is a broad range of dining experiences, from casual local eateries to more expensive destination restaurants. Your total cost will depend on the restaurant, dishes ordered, drinks and service charges. Check current menus before visiting rather than relying on outdated prices.
7. Do I need to reserve a table?
Not always. Casual restaurants and traditional lokantas may accept walk-ins, while popular restaurants and places suited to special occasions can be busier at weekends. Booking ahead is advisable when you have a specific time or seating preference.
8. How do I get to the Asian side of Istanbul?
Ferries connect several European-side waterfronts with Kadıköy and Üsküdar. Metro and other public transport services also connect the Asian side’s neighbourhoods. Choose your route according to the restaurant’s exact location, as Kandilli and Kozyatağı are not immediately next to the main Kadıköy ferry terminal.
Final Thoughts
The best restaurants on the Asian side of Istanbul offer more than an alternative to dining in the city’s historic centre. They provide an opportunity to discover regional Turkish recipes, explore contemporary cooking and enjoy a meal away from the busiest tourist streets.
Start with Çiya Sofrası for Anatolian cuisine, choose İoki Kandilli for Japanese-inspired food beside the Bosphorus, or visit Mutfakkoz for a creative interpretation of Turkish flavours. Each offers a distinct experience, making the Asian side a worthwhile addition to any Istanbul food itinerary.
