Koço

Koço is an old-timer hosting mostly local elderly in a clean, green outside garden looking at the Moda shores. The food here is not the best you can find, but the balance between calmness and cheer, young discovery and old müdavimlik, gives you a very cozy and homey vibe despite the size of the place. It is in essence a neighbourhood meyhane.

What to order: I suggest getting classic mezes like the charred eggplant puree, garlicky seaweed and the fried squash. During summer, which is when you should visit Koço, you can have the tekir fish or my favorite summer product the sardines (sardalya). Though a bit dried due to over grilling, your saliva mixed with a sprinkle of lemon juice will make up for it

What to know: There is a Rum (Turkish Greek) holy fountain within the premises where you can visit and light up a candle and pray for anything but ideally more rakı, while you are already feeling closer to God in your heightened state of mind.
There is a valet service, but it’s a nicer walk to go through Kadıköy or walk from the Moda park on the shore. And there is a taxi stop nearby, yet the popular nightlife of Kadıköy could empty it pretty easily. A good idea is to check for concerts at the Kayıkhane venue right across from Koço, for an after.