Istanbul is popularly known as multicultural mecca, and it stretches over the continent Europe and Asia. The city represents a stunning amalgamation of plenty of cultures namely European , ottoman and Middle East. The cultures and traditions are represented by the restaurants and cafes in Istanbul. Istanbul is a city of sacred traditions, and coffee is one of the age old traditions cherished by all. The fact that coffee houses in Istanbul are more famous than bars and pubs. If you are planning a trip to11 Istanbul soon. Don't forget to make time for relaxing in the cafes scattered across the city and relish the variation of cafes.
Traditional 'Turkish' Coffee Culture in Istanbul
Istanbul is famous of Turkish coffee, that will make you forget all your espressos and Latte. A special procedure is used to prepare the Turkish coffee in Istanbul and the method dates back to 5th century. It is made by mixing in fine coffee grounds with boiling water which creates a smooth layer of foam at the top of the traditional copper coffee pots. Later the coffee is mixed in with a sugar cube and gelatin candy. If preferred, you can ask for milk to add into your coffee as well.
Best Cafes in Istanbul That Must be Explored
There are multiple coffee houses in Istanbul that must be explored at least once. Visit the cafes and relish the coffees and traditional snacks that you will never forget.
1. Kybele Hotel & Cafe
Kybele Hotel & Cafe located in center of Istanbul is one of the most iconic hotels in the city. You can sense the subtle luxury at this famous coffee shops in Istanbul. The hidden terrace with stunning vibrant design is the special feature of this cafe that entice tourists and expats. The entrance too will instantly make you fall in love with itself. Hop in relax with and extensive menu offered here dominated by Turkish food.
Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. No:23, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
2. Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi
Are you in quest of authentic Turkish coffee? You can checkout Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi located in the center of Grand Bazaar. The moment you step in you will frolic into the ambience wrapped in the fragrance of ground coffee. You can also take up the pre wrapped coffee to go. The vintage interiors of the coffee house makes it a stunning place to go in Istanbul. Be rest assured, here you are going to have the best cup of coffee ever.
Location: Rüstem Paşa, Tahmis Sk. No:66, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
3. Ara café
Know as a food heaven, Ara cafe is of the must visit places in Turkey that will take you on an indelible culinary journey. Nestled on a dead end street behind Yapi Kredi Cultural Center, is a prefect place to hang out with friends. While you are their don't forget to try their succulent falafel plate, and çökertme kebab. If you are planning to go on Sunday, try to catch breakfast there as they host delightful buffet breakfast on Sundays. It’s one of the best cafes in Istanbul for people who love hideout cafes that are located away from the hustle bustles despite being at the famous places.
Location: Tomtom, Ara Güler Sk No:2, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
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4. Viyana Kahvesi
It is a place that hails from the coming together of traditions from Turkey and Vienna. Learn and relish the international taste of coffee. Viyana Kahvesi is a very popular coffee shop around the world and has been declared as the world heritage by UNESCO. While you are there don't miss on their Galata cafe which is a combination of different coffee culture. Make time for yourself from the hectic life and sit alone with a steaming hot cup of coffee and soak yourself in the tranquil ambience of the place.
Location: Türkali, Ihlamurdere Cd. No:32/A, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
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5. Emelia cafe
Emilia cafe renders and unforgettable experience that will cater to all of your senses. All you got to do is hop in and enjoy the freshest mug of your favorite coffee at one of the prime location in. If you are looking for a happy place to shun of all the worries and tension then visiting this coffee shop is the best thing to do in Istanbul. Located in Kazım özalp cad. no3 suadiye İstanbul, you must try their sebzeli and Tavuklu wraps.
Location: Kazım özalp cad. no3 suadiye İstanbul
6. Coffee Sapiens
A very popular coffee joint among the travelers and localites, coffee sapiens is located in Karakoy. It is a brain child of two coffee enthusiasts with the passion of providing finest coffee in Istanbul. Takeaway your favorite cup of coffee and enjoy it with a stroll around the streets of the city or just relax and enjoy the interiors of the coffee shop. The uniqueness of this cafe in Istanbul comes from the coffee bought from all over the world and roasting it. One thing that not many people know is they call themselves coffee roaster than simply a coffee shop offering wide range of coffee from different origin.
Location: Karakoy, Istanbul
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7. Bond Coffee Co.
Not just a coffee they serve a cup full of paradise. Visit Bond coffee co. and you will get to understand the difference yourself. While you are their you can attend the small workshop to learn about the coffee culture and the procedure to brew coffee at home. It is an ideal place to visit in Turkey for relaxing in the aroma and taste of coffee, situated in Ortaköy, it serves a wide range of coffees that are brewed using eight different techniques. Apart from the usual espresso, latte, cappuccino, and mochas, they serve and exclusive range from their Bond brews prepared with AeroPress, Chemex, cold brew, v60 drip techniques. Do not miss the opportunity of to visit this cafe in Istanbul that has been intoxicating people on coffee since 2017.
Location: Ortaköy Istanbul
8. Petra Roasting Co.
Petra Roasting Company can be found in six different locations in Istanbul and is considered as best coffee outlet in the city. Petra Roasting Co is popular for importing best green coffee seeds from different countries and roasting in Istanbul. The coffee serves here is a single origin product, and they do not mix any flavoring in their coffee this is the reason it is one of the best cafe in Istanbul. Apart from coffee you ca also try their seasonal coffees, filter coffees, and teas, including Spice Tea and Matcha.
Location: Gayrettepe, Hoşsohbet Sokaği Selenium Residence D:Mağaza 1, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a dream destination for many globetrotters that come from across the boundaries. Apart from serving tremendous coffees there are many romantic destinations in Istanbul, that must be explored by couples. There are plethora of cafes in Istanbul that serve authentic as well as fusions coffee apart from serving as an ideal place for food lovers. If you have not visited the city yet then you must plan soon and explore the enriched traditions and culture.
FAQs
There are multiple coffee houses in Istanbul that must be explored at least once. Visit the cafes and relish the coffees and traditional snacks that you will never forget.
- Kybele Hotel & Cafe
- Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi
- Ara café
- Viyana Kahvesi
- Emelia cafe
- Coffee Sapiens
- Bond Coffee Co
- Petra Roasting Co.
A special procedure is used to prepare the Turkish coffee in Istanbul and the method dates back to 5th century. It is made by mixing in fine coffee grounds with boiling water which creates a smooth layer of foam at the top of the traditional copper coffee pots. Later the coffee is mixed in with a sugar cube and gelatin candy. If preferred, you can ask for milk to add into your coffee as well.
Ulus 29, Banyan, Asitane and Nicole are few of the best places to visit in Istanbul for a meal. These places are perfect for formal and casual dining.
Coffee Sapiens is located in Karakoy, Istanbul. It is a brain child of two coffee enthusiasts with the passion of providing finest coffee in Istanbul. The uniqueness of the Coffee Sapiens comes the coffee bought from all over the world and roasting it. One thing that not many people know is they call themselves coffee roaster than simply a coffee shop offering wide range of coffee from different origin.
Ara cafe is of the must visit places in Turkey that will take you on an indelible culinary journey. Nestled on a dead end street behind Yapi Kredi Cultural Center, is a prefect place to hang out with friends. While you are their don't forget to try their succulent falafel plate, and çökertme kebab.
Kybele Hotel & Cafe located in center of Istanbul is one of the most iconic hotels in the city. You can sense the subtle luxury at this famous coffee shops in Istanbul. The hidden terrace with stunning vibrant design is the special feature of this cafe that entice tourists and expats.
Petra Roasting Co is popular for importing best green coffee seeds from different countries and roasting in Istanbul. The coffee serves here is a single origin product, and they do not mix any flavoring in their coffee this is the reason it is one of the best cafe in Istanbul.
Yes, why not! Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi is a perfect place for family outings. The moment you step in you will frolic into the ambience wrapped in the fragrance of ground coffee. You can also take up the pre wrapped coffee to go. The vintage interiors of the coffee house makes it a stunning place to go in Istanbul.
