Cemre from Istanbul

I am passionate about traveling. I have been to many countries but not counting the numbers. I run a travel blog in Turkish and it brings me great pleasure to inspire others to travel and discover more.I love exploring cities on foot and walk for long hours. I believe any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all. I take dessert and cocktails seriously.I also enjoy exploring my...
Sep 2, 2025

Primitif Birahane Istanbul

Beer garden experience

"With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats..."

Primitif Beerhall is located in the garden of Riva's Moda Boutique Hotel on Moda Sahil but if you don't check the spot on the map, you might miss it, since Primitif has a signboard that looks like it was hand-carved on stone.

With its large garden and lovely ambiance, Primitif offers an experience kind of similar to "biergartens" in Germany. They even have pretzels on the menu - not something usual for the menus in Istanbul. There is something here you wouldn't find in Germany though: the cats of Istanbul accompanying you at your table, especially if you are eating their favorites, like the crazy chicken burger :).

The food menu is rather limited but adequate, consisting mainly of the burgers and snacks such as pretzels, mac & cheese balls, mozzarella waffles,  onion rings and hot dogs. However, the beer menu is large; you can find both international and local craft beers here. I haven't tried them all, but the 3 Kafadar American was quite delicious (please note that I am not a beer fan though:)). The cocktail menu is simple, yet satisfying; I guess everyone can find something to their taste. If you are into fresh cocktails like me, you can try the Basil. Check out their menu on the Instagram page @primitifbirahane.

Primitif is quite lively, especially on the weekends, and gets busier towards the evening. They don't take reservations but it is worth trying for the variety of beers and the atmosphere.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Caferağa, Dr. Esat Işık Cd. No:98, 34710 Kadıköy

Cocktails:

TL

285

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Life Foto Studio

Korean Playtime in Istanbul

Life Foto Studio in Moda turns an ordinary day into playful memories! Enter the Korean-style photo booths, pick your favorites tools, strike a pose, and let loose.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 17, 2025

Boden

Cool ambiance for a chillout

Thanks to Boden, it is now possible to find a chic ambiance, tasty cocktails, food and reasonable prices all in one place in Kadıköy.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu

A Rooftop Escape

Among the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu lies a hidden gem with breathtaking views at the rooftop of the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Best hammam experience

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı Istanbul is the best choice if you're looking for a great Turkish bath experience. It's pricier than other places but so worth it!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Vildan

Ay

Oct 15, 2025

Frankestayn Kitabevi

Empowering pages in Beyoglu

Frankestayn Kitabevi celebrates gender, feminism, and the voice of marginalized authors and it's a hidden gem in the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 13, 2025

Filiz Restaurant

Local way of fish and meze

Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 13, 2025

Hasanpaşa Gashouse

Industrial heritage

Hasanpaşa Gashouse, which has been providing the Kadıköy District for 130 years with gas, has finally opened as a cultural centre and a museum...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Oct 13, 2025

Bohem's Coffee

The heartfelt hospitality

The real highlight of Bohem's Coffee wasn't just its ambiance or décor—it was the genuine warmth of the owner.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 12, 2025

Moda Nostalgia Tramvay

Ride On The Asian Side

Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 2025

Az Cok Thai

Flavors of Thailand in your plate

At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 2025

The Museum of Innocence

Beauty of Storytelling

This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 2025

Batard Bomonti

French Bistro in Istanbul

Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

241 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 500 Spotters.
Filters