Best Cafes in Turkey & Istanbul: A Comprehensive Guide

The history combined with the modernity of Turkey perfectly describes the overall atmosphere of the cafes as well as the influence of the country’s culture. Whether located in the energetic city of Istanbul or in serene rural areas, Turkish cafes are famous for their friendly environments, high-quality coffee, and delicious baked goods. This guide will cover some of the most interesting and delicious cafes in Turkey and Istanbul, and what’s special about them.

1. The Cafe Culture of Turkey: Cafe culture in Turkey is a unique mix of traditional and modern world. Coffeehouses also known as kahvehane have been a part of Turkish culture since the Ottoman Empire where people used to gather to discuss politics, literature and other events in their lives. Today, the cafes in Turkey follow this tradition and at the same time, they are able to offer a range from traditional Arabic and Turkish coffeehouses to modern and stylish cafes.

The Legacy of Turkish Coffee: Turkish coffee is a popular beverage that is an indelible part of Turkish coffee culture. Considered to have a robust, full-bodied taste and concentrated texture, it is prepared from highly-ground coffee grains and offered in tiny cups. As for beverages, it is customary to have Turkish delight, which is a sweet cake with a center, or a glass of water after drinking Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is unique and much attention is paid to its preparation and serving; most coffee shops follow the standard traditional method of preparing coffee.

Modern Influences: Unfortunately, over the last decade or so there has been a shift towards importing foreign concepts to the burgeoning fields of Turkish cafe. The café culture, from coffee roasters to stylish dim-lit cafes with exquisite interior designs, is as rich as the culture of Turkey. Today the cafes in Turkey accommodate both traditional and modern décor as a result of which the cafe offers an exquisite blend of both the worlds to people who have a penchant for coffee.

2. Top Cafes in Istanbul: Istanbul, as one of the largest cities in Turkey, truly reflects the variety of different cultures and directions, and these tendencies can be seen in the movement concerning cafes. The city is home to numerous cafés of all distinctive types and the number is only growing. Here are some of the best cafes in Istanbul that you should not miss:

Çukurcuma 34: A cafe situated in the picturesque Cukurcuma area, Cukurcuma 34 unites shabby chic with postmodernist motifs. The café is characterized by embracing ambiance, antique furnishing, and a wide range of coffees and teas. They have a specialty in Turkish coffee, which is prepared in the best way possible and is served with delight. The café also includes pastries, snacks or light meals to accompany the visitors in a perfect afternoon.

• Location: Çukurcuma district

• Open: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Specialty: Shabby chic and postmodernist styles, Turkish coffee with pastries.

Arkaoda: Arkaoda, located in the culturally vibrant district of Kadıköy, is a popular café that also hosts concerts and art performances. The décor of the café is industrial but with a twist of some complication in the food offers a very lively theme. Arkaoda offers specialty coffee, craft beers, homemade lemonade and juices as well as creative cocktails. The coffee café also has a very laid-back atmosphere with an artistic flare and is perfect for both hanging out with friends and getting some work done.

• Location: Kadıköy district 

• Open: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM

• Specialty: Specialty coffee, craft beers, creative cocktails, hosts concerts and events.

Mendel's: Mendel’s cafe is situated in the dynamic Karaköy area, it is a new wave café with a clean industrial look and solid concentrate on the quality of the coffee. The café gets the beans from local roasters and provides numerous brewing techniques, from pour-over to French press. Mendel’s is also famous for an extensive choice of dishes for breakfast combining both Turkish and continental cuisine. The café interior is rather elegant, and the atmosphere is welcoming, which adds to the popularity among both locals and tourists.

• Location: Karaköy neighborhood

• Open: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 

• Specialty: Locally roasted beans, pour-over and French press, Turkish and continental breakfast.

Karabatak: Karabatak, situated in the beautiful area of Cihangir, is a popular café which is famous for its homely garden. The café includes the most popular types of coffee, such as Turkish, American, Italian, and Cafe Latte etc. Karabatak’s menu specializes in a variety of delicious pastries and great snacks to go with your coffee. Convenient for coffee breaks due to its comfortable atmosphere and a few chairs and tables placed on the territory of the café.

• Location: Cihangir area

• Open: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

• Specialty: Homely garden setting, Turkish, American, and Italian coffee blends.

Cafe Privato: Cafe Privato is located in the Galata district and is quite popular among the locals as a representative of true Turkish customs while being fully compliant with the European standards of an exquisite café. It is famous for its tasty rich Turkish coffee, freshly made croissant, and mouth-watering börek. The interior and the general atmosphere of Café Privato provide a wonderful location for people both when they come with groups of friends or with no company.

• Location: Galata district

• Open: 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM

• Specialty: Traditional Turkish customs, rich Turkish coffee, croissants, börek.

3. Best Cafes Outside Istanbul: Despite that, there are other exciting cafés to be discovered in Turkey apart from the ones in Istanbul. Here are some of the best cafes outside Istanbul that you should consider visiting:

 Mokka Cafe (Izmir): One café that has attracted a lot of people; both locals and tourists is the Mokka Café located in Izmir. Established for its good coffee and a casual environment, the place is capable of preparing Turkish coffee, espresso, and cold brew. On the menu, Mokka Café also offers light meals and desserts, which makes it suitable for casual lunch or just grabbing a cup of coffee.

• Location: Izmir

• Open: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Specialty: Turkish coffee, espresso, cold brew, light meals, desserts.

Cafe Hush (Ankara): Cafe Hush is a contemporary café situated in Ankara which specializes in serving excellent coffee and has a fashionable décor. Offering a range of organic coffee beverages such as latte, cappuccino, cakes, and sandwiches are some of the food and beverages offered at Café. Café Hush is well-regarded for its friendly environment and excellent customer relation, which has garnered it many fans in the city as a coffee shop.

• Location: Ankara

• Open: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

• Specialty: Organic coffee beverages, cakes, sandwiches, modern friendly vibe.

Cafe & Bistro Veli (Bodrum): Cafe & Bistro Veli in Bodrum is a pleasant café with a somewhat informal setting and clearly Mediterranean influence. A range of the beverages include Turkish coffee and then there are other standard espresso bases. This menu also provides a selection of juicy brunch foods such as fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastries. The establishment has an outdoor area for dining and that offers fabulous views of the scenery around the café makes a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee.

• Location: Bodrum

• Open: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM

• Specialty: Mediterranean influence, fresh salads, sandwiches, outdoor seating with views.

Cafe Rüzgar (Antalya): Cafe Rüzgar in Antalya is one of the most famous cafés which offers a warm atmosphere and of course coffee. This café offers a range of coffee beverages and other hot and cold beverages, and also has a range of homemade cakes and pastries. Another speciality at Café Rüzgar is brunch consisting of eggs Benedict and freshly prepared fruit salads. It is cozy and comfortable with friendly staff, ensuring the clients find a favourable environment to relax and enjoy their time in the café.

• Location: Antalya

• Open: 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM

• Specialty: Warm atmosphere, homemade cakes, brunch items, diverse coffee options.

Cafe Meltem (Marmaris): Cafe Meltem in Marmaris is one of the most famous café bars with a lovely atmosphere and great coffee. The café menu includes Turkish coffee and espresso-based beverages such as cappuccino and latte, and an array of pastries and sweet dishes are available. Café Meltem is laid back with a beautiful view over Marmaris and perfect for accommodation while drinking coffee.

• Location: Marmaris

• Open: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Specialty: Laid-back atmosphere, Turkish coffee, espresso-based beverages, stunning views.

4. Unique Café Experiences in Turkey: Apart from the conventional coffee shops and trendy cafes, Turkey has some special types of cafes that you might not find in many places. Here are a few noteworthy examples:Here are a few noteworthy examples:

The Ottoman Café Experience: To get a glimpse into the Ottoman period, one can try some of the Ottoman café which are many. Such cafes do tend to have old-fashioned style interiors with retro furniture, wooden panelling, and mosaic tile work, and offer traditional Turkish/Ottoman coffee and oriental sweets. What the experience offers is the showcase of the exciting history of Turkish cafés and their importance in Turkey.

Café with a View: Some of the cafes in Turkey which serve coffee with scenic backdrops include those that are close to the sea, countryside or even the city skyline. These cafés’ stunning locations are perfect for sipping a cup of coffee and appreciating the view. Some examples are cafes located by the sea, particularly on the Bosphorus in Istanbul or in Antalya along the Mediterranean Sea.

Artisanal Coffee Roasters: Turkey is home to a growing number of artisanal coffee roasters that focus on high-quality, single-origin beans and innovative brewing methods. These cafes often feature an extensive selection of coffee varieties and brewing techniques, allowing customers to explore the nuances of different beans and roasts. Visiting an artisanal coffee roaster offers a unique and educational coffee experience.

5. Tips for Enjoying Turkish Cafes

To make the most of your café experience in Turkey, consider the following tips:

Embrace the Tradition: If you are lucky enough to visit one of the typical Turkish cafés, do not hurry up to drink Turkish coffee. Take time to take a sip at a time focusing on the experience of the fine taste. So don’t forget to enjoy the Turkish delight or other sweets that are perfect for drinking coffee with.

Explore the Neighborhoods: Some of the recommended cafes hide in beautiful districts that are likely worth a visit. Exit the café and walk around the neighborhood to feel the atmosphere of the region and look for additional interesting venues.

Try Local Specialties: The Turkish cafés may also include traditional foods such as börek, simit, and poğaça, which are sold independently or at breakfast. You should definitely give these authentic pastries a try in order to complement your café experience.

Engage with the Baristas: One more thing that can be noted about Turkish cafes is that baristas who work there really like what they are doing. Everything depends on you, do not be ashamed to ask for a suggestion or on the contrary, see more about the coffee you are consuming. Interacting with the staff can also be a plus in your stay.

Enjoy the Atmosphere: Turkish cafes are usually warm and have quite a casual and informal approach. It is advisable to find a good place to sit down and just breathe and take in the environment. Whether you need to meet your friends for a chat or simply just need a coffee break from the touristic attractions, Turkish cafes would suit your needs perfectly.

To sum up, the best cafes in Turkey and Istanbul range from traditional coffeehouses in town squares that haven’t changed for years to highly artistic cafes where one can enjoy a cup of coffee with friends over contemporary art. From gourmet coffee lovers to the tourists who want to learn more about the culture of the country they are visiting, Turkey is perfect for café lovers. Admire the beauty of charming neighbourhoods, taste revitalizing Turkish coffee, and appreciate the special mood of these marvellous cafes.

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