Everyone in Istanbul, regardless of their social class, neighborhood, or daily routines, shares a common love for coffee and tea. Istanbulites cherish both the famous Turkish Coffee, with its grounds settling at the cup’s bottom, and the delightful tea known as çay.
In this bustling city that never sleeps, everyone takes a moment for a “coffee” break. Whether it’s on a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, in the lively alleys of Beyoglu, or on the fashionable terraces of Nişantaşı, there’s always time to enjoy a cup of coffee. Here are list of best cafes for a delightful break during your afternoon explorations of the city.
15 Best Cafes In Istanbul :
Table of Contents
1. The House Cafe
In Istanbul, you’ll come across cafes with the name “The House” all around the city. This trendy chain is especially popular among the youth of Istanbul.
In a modern and designer setting , a selection of drinks, snacks and light meals are served. A perfect address for a break during an afternoon of sightseeing and immersing yourself among the young couples, budding artists, housewives in the middle of a shopping spree, who have made The House cafés their favorite spots .
With 8 cafes spread across Istanbul’s shopping areas (Istiklal, Nisantasi, Oratkoy, Tünel, Kanyon) it’s hard to miss them. Three addresses to remember in particular: the branch of Ortakoÿ which has a magnificent view of the Bosphorus, the address of Tünel and its arty atmosphere and finally the café of Teşvikiye, housed in a renovated historic building, next to the eponymous mosque.
2. Galata Konak Cafe
A stone’s throw from the famous Galata Tower, the Konak Café is located on the top floor of a historic building. The tiny elevator leads to a somewhat dated café, but it is above all for the terrace that tourists and locals flock here. Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Sulthanhamet, rooftops of Beyoğlu, the panorama is splendid (a good alternative if you don’t climb the Galata Tower), the fresh juices are always delicious and the pastries are of good quality .
Breakfast in the sun, or coffee break in the afternoon, you will not be disappointed.
Address: Hacımimi Mh-, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turquie
https://www.instagram.com/galatakonakcafe/?hl=en
3. Emınönü Pier
Eminönu is a nerve center for Istanbul transport, at the crossroads of Istanbul’s main tram line, many bus lines and above all the starting point for vapör heading towards Asia, or on the contrary going up the Horn of Or in the direction of Eyüp. With more than 2 million people passing through it every day, the feeling of crowds can sometimes be dizzying.
But it is also an ideal place to take a break on the tiny plastic chairs installed on the platforms , order a coffee or a cay , and test the street food (fried fish in a cone, grilled corn or simit ) among the locals .
Address: Eminonu, Fatih, Istanbul, Turquie
4. Cafe Pierre Loti
Pierre Loti, the pseudonym used by Julien Viaud, a French naval officer and writer at the end of the 19th century, was strongly marked by Turkey and Istanbul, but the converse is also true.
It is therefore no coincidence that the café on the heights of Eyüp that he was particularly fond of took his name. A place of pilgrimage for fans of the author, it is also a very pleasant café , offering an unparalleled view of the minarets of the Eyüp mosque, the Golden Horn and the old town in the distant .
An old-fashioned coffee: the waiters still wear the traditional tricks, and the Turkish coffee is prepared to perfection . Easily accessible by the Eyüp funicular (2 TL) or by taxi.
Address: Gümüşsuyu Cad-/balmumcu Sk No:5; Eyup Merkez/Istanbul, Turquie
https://www.pierrelotitepesi.com/mekanlar2.asp?pg=teras
5. Happy Moon’s Cafe
Happy Moon’s is a café/restaurant located in a very pretty villa in Kadiköy on the Asian side of the city. In summer, everyone settles in the vast garden adjoining the house , where it is good to settle down and make the most of the charm of the place.
We particularly recommend the very generous breakfast , which is particularly popular with the locals.
Address: Fener Kalamış Cd No:73, Fenerbahçe Mh-, Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turquie
https://www.happygroup.com.tr/en/our-brands/happy-moons-cafe
6. Secret Garden
On the heights of Yeniköy, a chic village on the western shore of the Bosphorus (30 minutes from Taksim and 15 minutes from Bebek), the Secret Garden lives up to its name. The likelihood of meeting other tourists there is small as the place is so off the beaten path.
Initially reserved for private receptions (weddings, birthdays and other celebrations), the marvelous garden overlooking the Bosphorus , surrounded by century-old pine trees now hosts three restaurant-concepts accessible to all. Organic brunch or barbecue (where everyone can cook their own meat), you will be seated on large white tables in the shade of pine trees , with the feeling, not of being in a restaurant, but of having been invited to the vast property of a friend from Istanbul.
The ideal spot for a gently sunny Sunday afternoon .
Address: Yeniköy Mh-, Atadan Sk No:12, Istanbul, Turquie
http://secretgardenistanbul.com/EN
7. White Mill
Located in Cihangir, a bohemian district ,the White Mill is the perfect café to take a break after strolling through the narrow and steep streets of the district or having visited Istanbul Modern just a stone’s throw away.
Minimalist design in light and natural tones, menu based on fresh products from organic farming , vegetarian and vegan options , the White Mill is a restaurant / café popular with young locals who come there for lunch with a salad , drink a smoothie in the afternoon or test the new cocktails in the early evening. Additionaly the White Mill has a nicely landscaped interior courtyard, open summer and winter .
Address: Pürtelaş Hasan Efendi Mh-, Beyoğlu/Istanbul
http://whitemillcafe.com/?lang=en
8. Terrace Bar at the Grand Hotel de Londres
The Grand Hôtel de Londres, located in the Pera district, is one of those faded palaces where you immediately feel like you’ve traveled back in time thanks to a decor that seems intact since the end of the 19th century : old coal stoves, ornate birdcages and period photographs.
During the summer, skip the lobby and head straight for the hotel terrace . Overlooking the Golden Horn, it offers a splendid view of the city and is a dream location to enjoy a refreshment in front of the setting sun.
Address: Asmalı Mescit Mh-, Mesrutiyet Cd No:53, Istanbul
https://londrahotel.net/contact/
9. Cafe Naftalin
Naftalin is probably the best coffee shop located in the picturesque area of Balat and is actually the second part of an old antique shop with the same name, just across the road. When you step inside Naftalin, you’ll be charmed by its delightful interior. They use old vintage crockery, and you’ll find antiques like grandfather clocks and typewriters, which make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Cat enthusiasts will also adore this café, as several resident cats call it their home.
Keep in mind that Naftalin can get busy, especially during peak times, so you may have to wait for a table.
Address: Yıldırım Cd. No:27/A, 34087 Balat, Fatih
https://www.instagram.com/cafenaftalink/?hl=en
10. Limonluk Cafe
Cafe Limonluk is located in the lush gardens of Dolmabahce Palace and features a charming pond with swimming swans and an abundance of magnolia trees.
Nestled in a corner of this delightful part of the Palace grounds, Limonluk Café stands out with its unique glass structure, which fills the interior with bright and welcoming light. The indoor water fountain is the highlight, adding a touch of royalty and creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Combine the stunning surroundings with the exceptional coffee, cakes, and desserts available, and you’ve discovered one of the finest cafés in Istanbul.
Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş
https://qrmenu724.com/limonluk/
11. Emilia Cafe
Emilia Café looks absolutely charming in pink. This café is a dream come true for Instagram lovers, as its interior is adorned with beautiful floral themes. It’s a fun and quirky place, and the best part is that the food and drinks served here are made with the freshest ingredients.
The menu at Emilia Café offers eye-catching colored coffees, refreshing mocktails and tasty wraps.
The staff at Emilia Café are incredibly friendly and fluent in English, ensuring great service throughout your visit.
Address: Suadiye, Mücahit Sk. no:402/B, 34740 Kadıköy
https://www.emiliacafe.com/en/home-2/
12. Suflor Kadikoy
A visit to Suflor Kadikoy feels like entering the pages of a real-life comic book. Its black-and-white animated décor is truly mesmerizing.
The walls are adorned with creative sketches, and even ordinary room features like window sills, and curtains have been transformed into elements straight out of a sketchbook. It’s a one-of-a-kind place that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Staying true to the monochrome theme, Suflor Kadikoy also offers chess for those who enjoy a game or two.
We can’t forget to mention the main highlight: the soufflés that the café is named after. Interestingly, these fluffy, self-rising delicacies are the sole focus of the menu.
Address: Osmanağa, Nihal Sk. No:5/a, 34714 Kadıköy
https://www.instagram.com/suflorkadikoy/
13. F’Roses
F’Roses is a picturesque and girly café that will make your Instagram feed pop with its display of pink and white roses, along with other beautiful flowers. As you step inside, the pink theme continues with pink booths, pink tea cups, and even a delightful pink latte on the menu.
Located by the banks of the Bosphorus in Istanbul’s Bebek neighborhood, it’s a bit further out compared to the other cafés on our list, but actually it can give you the opportunity to venture out and explore a less visited part of the city.
Address: Arnavutköy, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:26/A, 34345 Beşiktaş
https://www.instagram.com/frosesfloralcafe/?
14. Karabatak Cafe
Located in the historic neighborhood of Karakoy, Karabatak is a coffee shop that exudes a charm. Despite being situated in one of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods, Karabatak stands out with its many streetside seatings and wide-open windows.
Stepping into Karabatak offers a perfect escape from the bustling energy of Istanbul. The exterior is beautiful, and if you’re seeking shelter from the scorching Turkish sun, the interior is equally stunning. The exposed brickwork walls are adorned with works of art.
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Karaali Kaptan Sk. No:7, 34425 Beyoğlu
15. Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi
To immerse yourself in a truly traditional Turkish experience, make your way to Istanbul’s historical Fatih district, where you’ll find one of the city’s hidden gems.
Known as Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi, this establishment is technically a shisha bar but holds a special place in the hearts of locals for decades. People of all ages gather here to unwind and savor the pleasure of a flavored shisha (hookah) along with some of Istanbul’s finest Turkish teas or coffees.
While it may require a bit of effort to find this spectacular place, but be sure that your journey will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Address: Emniyetevleri Mah. Eski Büyükdere Cad., Emniyetevleri, Yamaç Sk. No: 7, 34415 Kağıthane/Kâğıthane/İstanbul
