02 October 2026 · Vol. XXXIV · № 12.327 Get the letterSearchSaved
THE APEX GASTRONOMY CHRONICLE
Food The Exchange & The CounterThe Wire The IndexThe Bureau
LATEST
The ingredient that replaces milk in scrambled eggs and changes everything, according to a culinary expert●What should I cook this weekend?●Chocolate margherita cake, my best awakenings●Today's menu, October 2nd: a comforting soup, a tasty cod, and a quick lemon dessert●100 things to do with pumpkin●What to cook on the weekend of October 2nd●The pillow cake combines cocoa dough with a cheesecake lattice. It looks luxurious and is easy to prepare●Tasting raw pancake batter: the risk doesn't just come from the eggs●Znojmo sauce and Znojmo roast are not exactly the same. But they are connected by one important ingredient●Chicken wings in a bag: what 60 Million Consumers reveals about these successful snacks●The red liquid in the meat trays is not blood: it appears for a very specific reason●Marco's Pizza Brings Back Large Margherita Magnifico Pizza●
The Exchange & The Counter
Where to eat the best liver in Kadıköy?

Where to eat the best liver in Kadıköy?

Don't expect to find only one type of liver dish in Kadıköy. In the bazaar area, there are liver skewers cooked over charcoal; in Moda, you'll find Albanian-style liver served in the middle of a tavern table; and in Yeldeğirmeni, you'll find places where you can eat liver in bread, standing up.

Moreover, there are plenty of options for those who get hungry late at night. Now let's take a look, neighborhood by neighborhood, at where to eat the best liver in Kadıköy; from Albanian liver to liver skewers, from taverns to places serving liver sandwiches.

Contents

  • Liver in Kadıköy: The difference between Albanian liver and liver skewers - 2026.

If you like liver, first decide how you want to eat it. Because the common point between Albanian liver and liver skewers is that they both contain liver. The rest is quite different...

In Albanian liver dishes, beef liver is diced into cubes. After being coated in flour, it is cooked briefly in hot oil. In liver skewers, especially in recipes from Southeastern and Mediterranean cuisines, lamb liver is cut into small pieces, threaded onto skewers, and cooked over charcoal.

  • How to make Albanian liver?

The secret to Albanian liver is not leaving it in the pan for too long. If the liver stays in the pan for too long, that tender texture is lost, and it becomes a hard-to-chew bite.

The membranes are removed from the beef liver, it is diced and lightly coated in flour. Excess flour is shaken off. Then it is fried briefly in hot oil.

Potatoes are one of the most popular accompaniments to a meal. And when onions with sumac and parsley are added to the plate, it's perfect!

  • What is the difference between liver skewers and pan-fried liver?

In liver skewers, small pieces of liver are threaded onto a skewer and cooked over a fire. In recipes, especially those from Mersin and Adana, tail fat is often added in between. The result is a liver dish with a more smoky, charred aroma.

In pan-fried liver, there are no skewers; the liver is cooked in oil. Edirne pan-fried liver is one of the best-known examples of this, but it shouldn't be confused with Albanian liver. In the Edirne style, the liver is sliced ​​thinly, like a leaf, while in Albanian liver, we see larger cubes.

You can find both in Kadıköy. For liver skewers, look at grill houses and kebab shops; for Albanian liver, check taverns and local restaurants.

  • What should you look for in the window of a good liver restaurant?

When it comes to liver, freshness is the first thing to consider. Raw liver should have a vibrant color. A product that is dull and discolored in places is neither appetizing nor healthy.

But pay more attention to the grill than the display case. The fact that the skewers are cooked and then put on the grill as orders come in, rather than being pre-cooked and left to sit, makes a bigger difference than you might think. Since the liver cooks quickly, it should be brought to the table immediately.

You can also pay attention to the fat content on the skewer. Tail fat adds flavor to the liver, but we don't want half the skewer to be fat. The liver should still be the main star.

  • The best liver restaurants in Kadıköy: Listed by neighborhood - 2026.

In Kadıköy, the best options for liver dishes are found around Osmanağa and Caferağa. Walking uphill from the waterfront, you'll find kebab shops specializing in liver skewers. On the Moda side, you'll find taverns and Albanian-style liver dishes.

  • Liver restaurants around Kadıköy Bazaar and the waterfront.

Let's say you get off the ferry and you're craving liver. You don't need to go far; as you walk from the pier towards the market, you'll see several different liver options.

  • Mersin's Liver Seller Ahmet Usta

Mersinli Ciğerci Ahmet Usta is one of the old-school places that comes to mind when you want to eat liver skewers in Kadıköy. Here, the liver is threaded onto skewers in small pieces and cooked over an open fire. And don't just expect liver when you sit down at your table. You'll also find meze, street food salad, sumac-flavored onions, and roasted vegetables...

Their menu includes liver skewers as well as liver wrapped in vine leaves. If you're going in a group, you can find options like Adana kebab, Urfa kebab, and meat skewers for those who don't like liver.

What do visitors say?

  • Many people like their liver cooked tender.
  • The salads and appetizers served at the table are particularly well-received.
  • The portions are considered satisfying.

Mersinli Ciğerci Ahmet Usta address: Osmanağa Mahallesi, Kuşdili Caddesi No:99/A, Kadıköy/İstanbul.

For more detailed information and contact: Mersinli Ciğerci Ahmet Usta Instagram account.

  • Lots of liver

Çok Ciğer on Rıhtım Street deviates slightly from the classic kebab shop line. Here, they serve chicken liver instead of lamb liver skewers. Furthermore, you can order the liver not only on a plate but also as a sandwich or wrap.

The classic sandwich features chicken liver accompanied by parsley, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and hot sauce. There are even options with hummus and roasted eggplant. If you're looking for liver that you can quickly eat in a sandwich, this is perfect for you.

What do visitors say?

  • Liver sandwiches are one of the most popular items.
  • Some people find the portions satisfying.
  • The variety of sauces and toppings is popular.

Çok Ciğer address: Rasimpaşa Mahallesi, Rıhtım Caddesi No:38/B, Kadıköy/İstanbul

For more detailed information and contact: Çok Ciğer Instagram account.

  • Liver restaurants in Moda and Bahariye

As we walk towards Moda, the presentation of liver dishes changes. We move from grill tables to tavern tables. Albanian-style liver is more common here.

  • Hulusi the Liver Seller

Go to Ciğerci Hulusi hungry. Because it's not a place where you just order a few skewers and leave. The liver skewers are cooked over charcoal, and come with flatbread and onions. And don't underestimate the appetizers that come with them.

The restaurant in Caferağa is open until 1:00 AM. So if you've been strolling around Kadıköy in the evening and want to eat liver afterwards, you don't need to worry too much about the time.

We should also add another piece of information; they don't neglect feeding stray animals, even seagulls.

What do visitors say?

  • The freshness of the liver skewers is frequently praised.
  • The appetizers served at the table are well-received.
  • There are regular customers who especially like the ayran (a yogurt drink).

Ciğerci Hulusi address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Misbah Muhayyeş Sokak, Kadıköy/Istanbul.

For more detailed information and contact: Ciğerci Hulusi Instagram account.

  • Koço Restaurant

If you're looking to eat Albanian liver in a traditional tavern setting in Moda, the experience changes. At Koço's, fish and classic mezes take center stage, but Albanian liver has also found its place among the hot mezes for years.

This place is more suitable for a long dinner than just a quick bite to eat. You could order a few cold appetizers first, then have the Albanian liver to share. A table by the sea would be a great idea!

What do visitors say?

  • The fish and appetizers are the most popular part.
  • There are regulars who especially recommend the Albanian liver dish.
  • Some visitors find the prices too high.

Koço Restaurant address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Moda Caddesi No:171, Kadıköy/Istanbul.

For more detailed information and contact details: Koço Restaurant Instagram account.

  • Liver restaurants in Yeldeğirmeni

Yeldeğirmeni isn't exactly an area you could directly call a "street of liver restaurants." Therefore, the best option is on the waterfront side.

  • Lots of liver

It's worth mentioning Çok Ciğer again here, which you can reach while walking down from Yeldeğirmeni to Rıhtım. Since we've already covered its details above, we'll move on to another liver restaurant in Kadıköy without further ado.

  • Keniya Kebab Cafe Restaurant

The menu at the restaurant in Rasimpaşa is quite extensive, but our eyes immediately went to the liver skewers! The liver is served with onions, bulgur pilaf, roasted peppers, and tomatoes. Lavash and tırnak pide (types of flatbread) also take their place on the table.

If you don't have time to sit at a table, they also have liver wraps. In that one, things are a bit simpler. The liver is wrapped in flatbread with onions, tomatoes, and parsley. Plus, since the place is open 24 hours, it's a good option for those looking for liver at night in Yeldeğirmeni.

What do visitors say?

  • The kebabs are frequently praised for their delicious taste.
  • Some visitors found the service fast and the staff helpful.
  • Many people also appreciate the clean and friendly atmosphere.

Keniya Kebap Cafe Restaurant address: Rasimpaşa Mahallesi, Yavuztürk Sokak No:32/B, Kadıköy/Istanbul.

For more detailed information and contact: Keniya Kebap Cafe Restaurant Instagram account.

  • Liver restaurants open at night around Kadife Street.

When you get hungry at night in Kadıköy, döner and kokoreç (lamb intestines) come to mind, but liver is also an option. You can find a few places open after midnight, especially on Kadife Street.

  • Cumin Kadıköy

Kimyon is one of the places that those looking for food at the end of the night have known for years on Kadife Street. It's open until 4:00 AM on weekdays and until 6:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

The menu isn't centered around liver; think of it more as a restaurant with a wide selection of hot meals you can find late at night. It's a good option when you're out with a large group and everyone wants to try something different.

What do visitors say?

  • One of its most popular features is that it stays open late at night.
  • Some visitors find the portions satisfying.
  • On very busy nights, there are also complaints about the service.

Kimyon Kadıköy address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Kadife Sokak No:17/C, Kadıköy/İstanbul.

For more detailed information and contact: Kimyon Kadıköy Instagram account.

  • Kadıhan Kebap & Künefe

Kadıhan, a short walk from Kadife Street, is a great place to keep in mind for those planning a late-night liver dinner. The restaurant is open until 4:15 AM, so you can still enjoy a kebab feast after a concert, another event, or a long evening in Kadıköy.

The menu includes various kebab options. And for those who want to finish their meal with künefe, the name speaks for itself!

What do visitors say?

  • Kebabs are best served hot.
  • The availability of food late at night is often appreciated.
  • Kunefe is usually preferred after a meal.

Kadıhan Kebap & Künefe address: Osmanağa Mahallesi, Kıvanç Sokak No:7/A, Kadıköy/İstanbul.

For more detailed information and contact: Kadıhan Kebap & Künefe Instagram account.

  • Çaşnigir Lezzetçibaşı

If you want to eat liver wrapped in a lavash bread on Kadife Street, you can visit Çaşnigir Lezzetçibaşı. Here, Albanian liver is wrapped in lavash bread and can be a meal on its own.

The Kadıköy branch is open until 2:00 AM. So, keep it in mind if you get hungry at night on Kadife Street and are looking for something other than kokoreç and döner.

What do visitors say?

  • Wrap varieties are popular.
  • Some visitors liked the meze options.
  • Being open until late at night is seen as an advantage.

Çaşnigir Lezzetçibaşı address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Kadife Sokak No:17, Kadıköy/İstanbul

For more detailed information and contact: Çaşnigir Lezzetçibaşı Instagram account.

  • In what format is liver usually eaten in Kadıköy?

This is where the beauty of Kadıköy comes to the fore. In the same neighborhood, you can grab a liver skewer, wrap it in flatbread, order Albanian liver to share at a tavern, or put it in a bread roll and keep walking.

Which one is better depends somewhat on what kind of meal you want to have that day.

  • Restaurants in Kadıköy that serve Albanian liver as an appetizer.

Koço Restaurant in Moda is one of the most established places for this. Here, Albanian liver isn't served as a main course on its own, but rather as one of the warm appetizers typical of a tavern meal.

On the fashion side, Majka Istanbul is one of the places where you can find Albanian liver. It has a stronger Balkan cuisine focus, and according to visitor reviews, Albanian liver is one of the particularly popular dishes.

If you're looking for tavern-style Albanian liver in Kadıköy, adjust your expectations accordingly. We're not talking about skewers of liver, but a hot plate to share with the table.

  • Addresses in Kadıköy that make liver sandwiches.

When it comes to sandwiches, Çok Ciğer is one of the places that focuses directly on this. They use chicken liver and prepare classic sandwiches with options including hummus, roasted peppers, and roasted eggplant.

Another option is Çaşnigir Lezzetçibaşı on Kadife Street. Here, Albanian liver is prepared as a wrap. So you don't necessarily have to eat the liver in a portioned plate.

  • What onion salad is served with liver?

One of the best accompaniments to liver skewers is sumac-flavored onions. It's prepared with finely chopped dry onions, sumac, and parsley. In some places, a little red pepper flakes are also added.

And then there's sumac... It gives the onion a sour taste and slightly reduces the fat in the liver. Especially with liver skewers cooked with rendered fat, after a few bites, you can't help but reach for the onion.

In the Albanian liver dish, you can also find parsley and sumac-flavored onions on the plate. When combined with french fries, the classic dish is complete.

  • Liver prices in Kadıköy 2026: Per portion.

It's difficult to give a single price for liver in Kadıköy. Looking at the 2026 menus, the general picture is approximately as follows:

  • How much is a portion of liver in Kadıköy?

In Kadıköy, you should expect to pay around 750-900 TL for a portion of liver. Of course, we're talking about liver skewers here. The price changes if you order Albanian liver or a wrap.

We also recommend checking what comes with the portion. Some liver restaurants offer complimentary salad, dip, onions, and flatbread. In others, you'll find a simpler plate.

  • Comparison of liver prices in taverns and local restaurants.

When you order Albanian liver at a tavern, you're not just getting a plate priced according to its weight. The service style and overall price level of the establishment also come into play. That's why Albanian liver is generally more expensive, especially in taverns in Moda.

At local eateries and kebab shops, liver sandwiches or wraps can be eaten at a lower price than a portion of liver.

In short, simply saying "I want to eat liver" doesn't determine the budget. Whether you're going to sit at a tavern table, order a portion at a grill restaurant, or grab a liver sandwich and go on your way... that's what really changes the bill.

  • Frequently asked questions about liver restaurants in Kadıköy.
  • Where can I eat the best liver in Kadıköy?

If you're looking for liver skewers, Mersinli Ciğerci Ahmet Usta and Ciğerci Hulusi are among the first places to check in Kadıköy. In both, liver is a mainstay of the menu.

For Albanian liver, our route takes us to Moda. Koço Restaurant is for those who want a tavern-style evening, while Majka İstanbul is for those who want to try Albanian liver along with Balkan cuisine.

  • Are there any liver restaurants open late at night in Kadıköy?

Yes, and it stays up late enough to befit Kadıköy!

Kimyon Kadıköy on Kadife Street is open until 4:00 AM on weekdays and until 6:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Kadıhan Kebap & Künefe is open until 4:15 AM.

Ciğerci Hulusi is open until 1:00 AM. It's a bit earlier, but if you're going specifically for liver, it's nice that you can get a table even after midnight.

Opening hours can change, especially on public holidays and special occasions, so if you're going very late, it's a good idea to check with the establishment beforehand.

  • Which liver restaurants in Kadıköy offer takeaway?

In Kadıköy, it's also possible to order liver for delivery. Mersinli Ciğerci Ahmet Usta, Kadıköy Ciğercisi, and Çok Ciğer are some of the places you can find for takeaway orders.

However, we must mention this: liver skewers are at their best the moment they come out of the fire; they can cool down a bit by the time they reach your home. Sandwiches and wraps, on the other hand, hold up a bit better when delivered for takeaway.

If you're ordering liver skewers in particular, we recommend choosing a local establishment.

More The Exchange & The Counter