Visitors consistently praise Çağdaş Büfe for its core strengths: the tongue-and-cheese sandwich, kumru and overflowing, fresh fillings. Several reviewers specifically mention the tongue sandwich as 'extraordinary' or 'the best in İzmir', and TripAdvisor notes the place as a decades-old local landmark dating back to 1991 according to the official site. Wanderlog and local food blogs echo that the portions are generous and the homemade rus salad addition is a standout tip from long-time customers.
That said, a recurring theme in reviews is uneven service and cleanliness. Multiple Google reviewers complain about dirty tables and inattentive staff at the cashier; one reviewer wrote that tables they sat at were dirty and staff paid no attention. Another regular customer reported recently receiving underbaked bread, and a TripAdvisor poster wrote about a perceived drop in quality after a 'change of hands'. Reviewers also warn that the place is tiny and can get crowded at lunchtime, so expect to 'wiggle around' to order.
Several reviewers point out practical negatives that matter to visitors: one Google reviewer explicitly notes there is no toilet or sink for handwashing, and a few reviews call the prices 'a bit high' though they often add that the taste makes it worth it. Others mention minor preparation choices: an 'English Teacher' reviewer said the stewed-meat-and-cheese sandwich had 'too much curly lettuce', while fans praise touches like arugula with mayo on the Arabesk sandwich.
Tips from reviewers you should heed: go early to avoid queues and limited seating, try the tongue-and-cheese and the kumru (both repeatedly recommended), consider adding their rus salad, and be prepared for basic seating and a bustling, informal vibe. The official website and longtime customers emphasize the shop's history since 1991, reinforcing its status as a neighborhood classic despite occasional service or consistency complaints.