Çiya Sofrasi Restaurants in Istanbul - Lonely Planet Travel Information

Address
Güneşlibahçe Sokak 43, Kadıköy
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Phone
330 3190
Transport
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ferry: Kadiköy
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Lonely Planet review

We're going to go out on a limb here, and say that this is our favourite lokanta in the city. We love the simple modern interior and ever-friendly staff, and we adore the food - everything from the yogurt soup to the stuffed artichokes to the perde pilavı (traditional chicken dish). The self-service meze array is a fabulous idea (and so cheap!) and the milk puddings and crystallised fruit are perfect finales to a meal. No alcohol.

Next-door Çiya Kebapçı Is owned and run by the same people, and is just as impressive.

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Ciya is an anthropological treasure as the owner and head chef Musa Dagdeviren brings the traditions and lost recipes of Anatolian cuisine to the modern city of Istanbul. With a knowledgeable, helpful and welcoming staff, wonderful food and traditional serberts (herb and fruit drinks); Ciya becomes an instant favorite for locals and tourists alike. Upon entering Ciya a display of various cold meze greet you just inside the door, across from this "cold salad bar" you will find the hot dishes. Staffed by an always smiling chef the choices here range from "kirazli kofte" small meat balls and cherries cooked together in an aromatic sauce to falafel to stuffed artichokes to unpronounceable vegetable to many other strange and wonderful foods. All the food is seasonal and there are always vegetarian options. Not to be forgotten are the desserts, ranging from candied walnuts and tomatoes to a special type of Turkish Fig ice cream. The original Ciya Sofrasi has expanded to include a second and larger location just down the street on the right as well as Ciya Kebab for the meat eater which is directly across from Ciya Sofrasi. This restaurant demands a visit from any food lover and is guaranteed to please.