15 Best Cafes in Istanbul – My Favorites

Istanbul’s vibrant café culture is exemplified by its top 15 cafés. Each one offers a unique atmosphere and a diverse menu, contributing to Istanbul’s rich gastronomic tapestry. From aromatic Turkish coffee to delightful pastries, these cafés provide a charming and unforgettable experience that caters to the city’s coffee enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

1- Galata Konak Café and Restaurant

The Aki family opened Konak Patisseries in 1975 in Nişantaşı. They are well-known for their crispy cakes and patisserie delicacies baked fresh daily. They broadened their scope in 2006, turning the place into a restaurant/café with a wider menu to include some international favorites. Galata Konak Café is located on a terrace roof–with seating for about 150 people–in the historic city center.

The terrace offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the Galata Tower, the Bosphorus and its bridge, the Golden Horn, and the Galata Bridge, which connects the peninsula to the five city hills, Tokapi Palace, Yeni Camii, Hagia Sophia, and the Süleymaniye Mosque. They are open from 8 am to 12 am, serving brunch on Sundays.

Beverages

• Iced Mocha
• Iced Latte
• Frappe
• Taze Sikma Meyve Suyu (Orange, pomegranate, apple, and carrot juice)
• Caramel Macchiato
• Mocha
• Turk Kahve (Turkish Coffee)
• Filter Coffee
• Turkish Coffee with milk
• Espresso Macchiato
• Latte
• Americano
• Bitki ve Meyve Çaylar (Turkish herbs and fruit tea)
• Karışık Bitki Çayı (Herbal tea with a French press)

Breakfast and Appetizers

• Elma dilim Patates (Fried apple slices)
• Patates Tava (Fries, potato platter)
• Su Böreği (Cheese rolls)
• Kaşarlı Gözleme (Melted yellow cheese and cherry tomatoes wrapped in Lavash)
• Patatesli Gözleme (Baked potato and vegetables with cherry tomatoes wrapped in Lavash)
• Beyaz Peynir Sandviç (Feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, vegetable sandwich with fries platter)
• Kaşarli Sandviç (Yello melted cheese, tomatoes, herbs sandwich with fries platter)
• Sahanda Sucuklu Yumurta (Scrambled egg with Turkish sausage)
• Menemen (Turkish omelet with tomatoes, egg, and green pepper)
• Peyniri Omlet (Cheese and egg omelet with tomatoes and cucumbers)
• Breakfast Tray (Tea, jam, honey, bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, fries, egg)

Desserts

• Çilekli Tartolet (Strawberry Tartlet)
• Sufle
• Triliçe (Triple flavors)
• Katmer
• Profiterole
• Dilim Pasta (Chocolate, strawberry, and banana pie)
• Brownie

Address: Bereketzade, Hacı Ali Sk. No:2, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

2- Çorlulu Ali Paşa Nargile

Residing in a school building built in 1709 and adjacent to Çorlulu Ali Paşa Mosque, this café is named for Çorlu’s Grand Vizier Ali Paşa. Stepping into the historic atmosphere of this establishment will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Once you enter the café, you leave the city behind. Inside, you will be met by the welcoming regulars and the warm ambiance. Many would argue this is the best place to smoke a water pipe or sheesha (“nargile” in Turkish).

Menu

• Su (Water)
• Soda
• Çay (Turkish tea)
• Türk kahvesi (Turkish coffee)
• Nargile Çeşitleri (Traditional snacks with sheesha)

Address: Mollafenari, Yeniçeriler Cd. No:38, 34120 Fatih/Istanbul

3- Kronotrop Cihangir

Kronotrop Coffee Bar and Roastery aims to take specialty coffee up a level with light and fruity notes. More and more people are starting to appreciate the flavors of specialty coffees, which have become increasingly trendy, as more cafés pop up around the city.

Starting out as a small, sidestreet coffeeshop in Beyoğlu, Kronotrop has quickly become a mecca for coffee enthusiasts. There are many options for customers to find a place, flavor, or atmosphere to their liking. Each shop uses its own unique blend of coffee, beans, and roasting techniques to develop a loyal clientele.

Hot Beverages

• Espresso
• Americano
• Mocha
• Latte/Cappuccino
• Flat White
• Cortado
• Vegan Latte
• Rooibos Cortado
• Filter Coffee
• Aeropress
• Turkish Coffee
• Chai Tea Latte
• Turkish Tea

Cold Beverages

• Affogato
• Iced Vegan Latte
• Espresso Milkshake
• Nitro Brew
• Coffee Kombucha
• Iced Chai Latte
• Orman fruit tea
• Japanese Iced Tea

Desserts

• Banana Cake
• Granola and Yogurt
• Apple and Carrot Cake
• Walnut Brownie
• Gluten-free Chocolate Cake
• Vegan Cupcakes
• Hazelnut Cookies

Address: Kuloğlu, Firuzağa Cami Sk. No:2/B, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

4- Mum’s Café

With an atmosphere evolving the French Passage, Mum’s Café also serves delicious homemade jams that are not to be missed while visiting Karakoy.

Their homemade milk jam is legendary on the streets of Istanbul. Created in-house in the café, the jam is available in cute, tiny jars if you want to take some home.

The smoked salmon and asparagus is perfect for those who love original flavors, and it pairs well with tea. Mum’s menu is simple when compared to others. The owners’ 15 years’ experience in Sweden has played a large role in creating the space which caters to those caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle.

Mum’s decor helps to create a more intimate atmosphere.
The continuous presence of Yıldız Dural’s beloved mother at Mum’s makes the place even more intimate. Where this café is concerned, Mum’s is synonymous with “mother” and “flavor.”

Breakfast

• Protein Bowl (Hummus, quinoa, avocado, black beans, and fresh pistachio)
• Egg Benedict (With or without bacon)
• Sahanda Sucuck (Scrambled eggs and Turkish sausage)
• Omelet
• Chia Pudding
• Kruvasan (Nutella, banana or cheese, cherry tomatoes)
• French Toast
• Menemen (Normal and cheese)
• Smoothie Bowl (Fresh fruit, almonds, and fruit yogurt)
• Sweet Banana Bread
• Pytti Panna (Sausage, onions, eggs and baked potatoes)
• Pistachio Hummus and Avocado (Eggs, bread, and onions)
• Grilled onions and Spinach (Eggs and bread)

Food

• Izgara Bonfile (Grilled meat, onions, and parsley)
• Izgara Somon (Grilled salmon, parsley, and fries)
• Vegan Burger (Quina, mustard, and spinach)
• Chicken Schnitzel Burger
• Grilled Chicken
• Isveç Kofte (Potato puree with mustard and special sauce)
• Caprese Sandviç (Mozarella, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and pesto)
• Somon Sandviç (Salmon sandwich)
• Tuna Salad (Corn, black olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and olive oil)
• Chicken Sezar Salad (Homemade sauce, parmesan, crouton, eggs, and cherry tomatoes)

Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Fransız Gç Sokağı 1/16-17, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

5- Fil Books Café

With space dedicated to books, coffee, cake, and workshops, this cross between a bookshop and coffee shop offers publications by artists, books on history, and the theory of photography, journals, independent publications, and cute accessories as well as great coffee. The concept of the Fil Café is to provide a place for people to meet while hosting workshops, artist talks, and panel discussions in addition to other group activities.

The Fil Café is designed as a collaborative space. Its main focus is photography and the philosophy behind the printed photographic image, but they are open to exploring other topics. They are primarily interested in giving talks and workshops by national and international artists, photographers, and publishers who come to Istanbul for book launches, screenings, pop-up events, fairs, and to participate in other projects. More importantly, Fil sells delicious coffee, cake, and sandwiches! 

Hot Drinks

• Turkish Tea
• Latte
• Espresso
• Mocha
• Turkish Fruit Tea
• Americano
• Turkish Coffee
• Roobios Tea
• Lemon and Honey Tea
• Hot Chocolate
• Ristretto
• Flat White
• Red Velvet Latte
• Fil Honey

Cold Drinks

• Seasonal Fruit Juice
• Red Fruits Smoothie (Yogurt, strawberry, cherries, and milk)
• Yellow Fruits Smoothie (Pineapple, mango, yogurt, and milk)
• Detox Power Smoothie (Cucumber, ginger, parsley, and lemon)
• Affogato
• Frappe
• Homemade Ice Tea (Lemon, peach, or mango)
• Frozen (Strawberry/Lemon/Apple/Blackberry/Melon/Blueberry)
• Milkshake (Banana/Chocolate/Strawberry)

Breakfast

• Fil Breakfast Tray (Boiled egg/Aged gouda cheese/Feta cheese/String cheese/Olives/Smoked turkey/Butter/Jam/Tomatoes/Herbs/Fresh fruits/Bread/Pretzel/Granola, and Turkish tea)
• Pancakes (Chocolate, cream, fruits, syrups, yogurt, honey, or milk)

Cakes

• Red Velvet
• Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Cookies
• Fresh homemade seasonal cake

Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Ali Paşa Değirmeni Sk. 1/1, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

6- Han Karaköy

Not only does Han Karaköy have a huge, exciting menu, but its also a charming spot if you want to feel the city’s unique history. Here, you can explore the streets through photographic scenes depicting graffiti, colorful umbrellas, and stairs. The hosts always have a huge smile for patrons when they come through the old, giant gate at the entrance.

Each floor of the café has a different design. The entryway is spacious and bright, while the second floor will make you feel like you’re at home. Seating–covered with soft, brightly colored fluffy cushions–is available beneath the long bank of windows, along with small coffee tables and chairs.

This is a great place to sit and read a book, enjoy the music they play in the background, or get lost in your thoughts, especially while drinking a cup of Han’s hot herbal tea.

Breakfast

• Menemen
• Scrambled Egg
• Tahini-Molasses
• Grilled Haloumi Cheese
• Scrambled Eggs with Turkish sausage

Hot Beverages

• Jasmine Green Tea
• Apple Tea
• White Tea
• Linden Tea
• Honey Clove Tea
• Blackberry Tea
• Chamomille Tea
• Sage Tea
• Vanilla Latte
• Hazelnut Latte
• Turkish Coffee
• Sahlep
• Cappuccino
• Flat White
• Cookie Latte

Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hoca Tahsin Sk. No:17, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

7- Forno Fırın

Forno is cozy and graceful, located in the lovely Balat neighborhood. On weekdays, enjoy the decor, which is designed to resemble a traditional bakery and lunch/dinner place of old. On weekends, celebrate with their buffet-breakfast, featuring local ingredients.

With a homey atmosphere away from the busy city of Istanbul, time seems to stand still in the Balat quarter, where Forno remains the place for people who love good things, authentic tastes, and quality ingredients. 

Breakfast

• Buffet Breakfast (Butter croissants, warm pide, homemade bread, bagel, buffalo clotted cream, honey, organic jams, feta cheese, traditional Turkish kasseri, braided Turkish cheese, butter, green olives, black olives, olive paste, chocolate spread, muesli, fruit salad, olive oil, stone oven-baked eggs with toppings of your choice, and tea)
• Alacarte Breakfast (Warm pide, homemade bread, cream, honey, organic jams, feta cheese, traditional Turkish kasseri cheese, braided Turkish cheese, butter, green olives, black olives, olive paste, chocolate spread, muesli, olive oil, stone oven-baked eggs with toppings of your choice, and tea)

Pide

A traditional Anatolian dish, boat-shaped dough, and toppings of your choice.

• Pide with spicy Turkish Sausages and Black Sea Cheese
• Pide with Special Sirloin Meat and Black Sea Cheese
• Pide with Minced Meat, Tomatoes, Parsley, and Red Pepper
• Mixed Pide with Beef, Sausages, and Cheese

Drinks

• Homemade Lemonade with ice and Fresh Mint
• Fermented Turnip Juice
• Turkish Coffee
• Cappucino
• Homemade Ice Coffee

Address: Balat, Vodina Caddesi, Fener Kireçhane Sk. No:13/A, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul

8- Café Naftalin K

Café Naftalin K is a paradise for cat lovers. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the purring creatures that want nothing more than to be petted by you–or ignore you if they aren’t in the mood. They are cats, after all. In this vivid, spacious café, they serve great coffee, healthy juices and smoothies, and tasty snacks.

Though the menu is vegan and vegetarian, so the selection is limited to a few simple and popular vegan dishes along with a few innovative options developed in-house, Naftalin isn’t just about the food. People go there to spend quality tie with friends in a hipster atmosphere, socialize, relax, and enjoy the crowd.

Drinks

• Turkish Coffee
• Latte
• Espresso
• Cappuccino
• Flat White
• Turkish Tea
• Fruit Tea
• Cold Brew
• Mocha
• Hot Chocolate
• Iced Coffee
• Apple Tea
• Green Tea
• Jasmine Tea
• Pomegranate Tea

Food

• Omelet
• Toast (Tomatoes, cheese, and mint)
• Naftalin Breakfast (Bread, cheese, mint, and tomatoes)
• Grilled Stuffed Eggplant
• Stuffed Green Pepper

Address: Balat, Yıldırım Cd. No:27/A, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul

9- Cooklife Balat

This little café is a must-try, given its delicious menu, chill atmosphere, and charming staff. Here, you can enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast or European-style food. They serve the best smoothie bowls in the city alongside great artisanal coffee and an impressive lunch menu. The atmosphere is great for relaxing or socializing with the other guests and your friends.

Cooklife Balat melds our interest in lifestyle and food. It’s a known hangout for hipsters and artists from around the world, who gather in the bright, spacious, chic environment.

Breakfast

• Croissants Breakfast (Two croissants, seasonal jam, and gouda cheese)
• The Garden Breakfast (Cheese, olives, cream, butter, honey, jam, honey, eggs, hazelnut, cucumber, tomato, fruits, and tea)
• Pancake with Forest Fruits
• Egg Benedict
• Omelet with Herbs
• Norwegian Breakfast (Poached egg, salmon fillet, and special sauce)
• Granola Bowl
• Avoblanca
• Scrambled Eggs with Sauteed meat
• Turkish Egg Bread

Food

• Zucchini Balls
• Goat Cheese Balls
• Goat Cheese Salad
• Pesto Fettuccini
• Beer Wheat Salad
• Three Cheese Tortellini
• Salmon and Avocado Salad
• Smoked Rib Steak

Address: Balat, Akçin Sk. D:No: 3/B, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul

10- Cumbalı Kahve

Cumbalı Kahve exudes an air of informed Turkish coffee culture. They do not sell anything but coffee here–no tea, no breakfast…nothing but coffee and water; that and thehistory of the neighborhood of Balat.

Cumbalı Kahve is located on the corner of the street. Its design is elegant, and the books they sell will catch your attention right from the start. Most of the books are about Balat and coffee, such as Fener-Balat-Ayvansaray by Ahmet Faik Özbilge and Topraktan Fincana Kahve (Coffee from the Soil to Your Cup) by Cenk R. Girginol. Serhat.

Address: Ayvansaray, Kürkçü Çeşmesi Sk. No:12, 34087 Balat/Fatih/Fatih/Istanbul

11- Velvet Café

This small café has only five or six tables, but they serve an authentic Turkish breakfast. It is decorated like your grandmother’s living room in the ’60s, and has artifacts from the era on display, such as the owner’s grandmother’s wedding dress and antique teacups.

The interior is vivid and warm. The wooden doors and window coverings give the place a tinge of nostalgia to enjoy as you drink your favorite variety of authentic Turkish coffee.

Drinks

• Turkish Tea
• Turkish Coffee
• Detox Smoothie (Apple, lemon, parsley, and ginger)
• Filter Coffee
• Hot Chocolate
• Fresh Seasonal Juice
• Latte

Food

• Omlet ( Cheese, egg, and herb omelet)
• Menemen (Scrambled egg, green pepper, and tomato)
• Cheese Toast
• Yogurt and Fresh fruit

Address: Büyük Hendek Cd kule Çukmazı S 7a, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

12- Montag Café Kadıköy

Established in November 2014 in the neighborhood of Kadıköy, Montag qualifies as both a coffee shop and roasting house. Montag’s roasting philosophy ensures its roasters achieve “taste clarity,” and this dedication is reflected in the beans’ unique gastronomic properties.

Montag knows what it’s doing when it comes to top-quality beans, and clean, bright, aromatic, sweet coffee. This is the place to go if you want gorgeous bespoke, hand-roasted, drip coffee in Istanbul.

Desserts

• Cheesecake
• Cinnamon Roll
• Brownie
• Olive Salty Cake
• Granola
• Cookies

Beverages

• Turkish Coffee
• Latte
• Flat White
• Mocha
• Cold Brew
• Iced Americano
• Ethiopian Coffee
• Peruvian Coffee
• Brazilian Coffee
• Iced Chai Latte
• Kombucha

Address: Caferağa Mah. Muvakkıthane Caddesi No:16/A D:Kat:1, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul

13- 180° Coffee Bakery

Feel the spirit of modern Istanbul here when you try the fresh daily milk or latte along with the lovely service. Pick your coffee here before setting out on your Sunday walk, or come in and settle at a table inside. The staff is friendly, they speak English, and they are more than happy to help you with tips or suggestions about what to order during your visit.

The menu has both Turkish and international items–remember: this place also serves bacon!

Breakfast

• English Breakfast (Sausage, egg, mushrooms, beans, and bacon)
• Eggs Benedict (English muffin, bacon, eggs, and a special sauce)
• Eggs Florentine (Spinach, eggs, English muffin)
• Avocado Mash (Bread, eggs, and herbs)
• Avocado Scrambled Eggs
• Croque Madame (Baloney, cheddar cheese, and eggs)
• 180 Eggs (Scrambled eggs and bacon)
• Hash Brown Plate (Potato, Turkish sausage)
• Egg & Bacon Muffin (English muffin and cheddar cheese)
• Pancakes (Fresh forest fruits and honey)
• Eggs & Hummus (Turkish sausage, special sauce)

Drinks

• Cappucino
• Latte
• Turkish Coffee
• Fuse Tea
• Balm Tea
• White Tea
• Camomile Tea
• Apple Tea
• Jasmine Tea
• Green Tea
• Linden and Honey Tea
• Caramel Mocha
• Iced Chai

Address: Caferağa, Dr. Esat Işık Cd. Erdal Apt. 36/a, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul

14- Yer Café

One of Moda’s coziest café, Yer Café’s charm lays in its mismatched vintage furniture and framed local art. Let’s not forget that the bathroom door is hidden behind a thick velvet curtain! Serving everything from breakfast,  midday coffee, and evening cocktails, this café also serves delicious Turkish comfort food.

Moda has been called the coolest neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side. This is evident in its abundance of hip boutiques, small cafés, and trendy restaurants, each of which contributes to Kadıköy’s bohemian vibe.

Breakfast

• Yer Breakfast (Olives/Eggs/Cream/Honey/Jam/Chocolate/Fresh fruits/Yogurt/Eggplant)
• Hot Breakfast (Bacon/Cheese/Olives/Eggs/Hummus/Grilled mushrooms)
• Egg Bread (Olives/Jam/Cheese)
• Menemen (Turkish omelet with eggs, pepper, tomatoes)
• Mushroom Plate (Grilled cheese/ String cheese/Tomato)
• French Toast (Cheese/Vegetables)
• Kreps (Hazelnut cream/Banana/Chocolate)

Food Courses

• Grilled Chicken and Avocado
• Spinach and Grilled Mushroom
• Bonfillet Plate
• Chicken Schnitzel
• Salmon fillet
• Bacon Burger
• Quinoa burger and vegetables

Address: Caferağa, Ferit Tek Sokagi 25/A, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul

15- Blum Coffee House

This small coffee shop serves quality coffee and delicious and healthy bakery products, including sugar- and gluten-free options. The interior decor is charming, bright, and inviting, and it’s hipster-meets-industrial vibe pairs perfectly with the health-conscious menu.

Blum Coffee House is located in Maçka near Nişantaşı. Here, you will find excellent service and reliable Wi-Fi in a quiet space that’s distraction-free.
Given its swing chairs and other decorative features, Blum Coffee House is the perfect place for Insta-worthy photographs, sure to attract a ton of “likes.”

Breakfast

• Breakfast Tray (Tomatoes/Cheese/Egg/Cream/Chocolate/Butter/Bread/Jam/Honey/Olives/Fruits)
• Indian Cheese Sandwich
• Pretzel Cheese Sandwich
• Blum Scrambled Egg
• Kruvasan Cheddar Sandwich
• Granola Dish

Drinks

• Flat White
• Espresso
• Macho
• Latte
• Lavender Tea
• Fruits Tea
• Affogato
• White Chocolate Mocha
• Turkish Coffee
• Turkish Tea
• Milkshakes
• Smoothies
• Mushroom Latte

Address: Vişnezade, Süleyman Seba Cd. 64/A, 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul