Coffee culture in Istanbul has its roots in the 16th century when the world’s first coffee shop opened, and today the city’s cafe scene is a mix of traditional Turkish coffee houses and trendy third-wave roasteries. The best cafes in Istanbul are a trip down the history of Turkish coffee with spots serving thick Turkish coffee and new-generation cafes with panoramic Bosphorus views.
If you want to taste authentic Turkish coffee, which has been made in a traditional cezve, or looking for a workspace with a productive atmosphere and high-speed internet, or are in the mood for a rooftop cafe where breathtaking views are to be seen, this guide lists the best coffee shops in Istanbul in different neighborhoods and at different price levels.
What Makes Istanbul’s Cafe Scene Special?
Istanbul’s cafes are all over the place – you’ll find cute spots in old houses and even former tram stations turned into coffee shops. A lot of them have cats hanging around, random old furniture, and awesome views of the Bosphorus or cool old buildings.
You can get both classic Turkish coffee and fancy modern coffee, roasted right there. This combo is what gives Istanbul’s cafe vibe its own special flavor.
1. Mandabatmaz – Great Turkish Coffee the Old-Fashioned Way
Where: Beyoğlu (just off Istiklal Street)
Mandabatmaz started way back in 1967, and from day one, they’ve been all about serving amazing Turkish coffee. It’s tucked away on a side street near Istanbul’s crazy-busy Istiklal Caddesi. People say it’s the oldest coffee shop in Istanbul that hasn’t lost its charm.
What Makes It Special
The name Mandabatmaz means so thick even a water buffalo wouldn’t sink. That’s how they describe the super-thick foam on their Turkish coffee!
The original shop is tiny, with simple wood benches, old newspaper clippings, and pictures of Atatürk. They’ve added a bigger, newer place, but they still make the traditional coffee in the little shop using a samovar and a two-burner stove.
The Coffee
The Turkish coffee here is top-notch. It’s supposed to have a thick layer of crema on top – a milky chocolate color rather than espresso – called köpük (foam). People always talk about the strong, flavorful taste and how it’s made the right way.
Vibe
- Small, real Turkish coffee shop feel
- Outdoor tables are great for watching people go by
- Nothing fancy, just really good coffee
- Gets packed, but it’s worth the wait
Best Time to Go
Go in the late morning or early afternoon to miss the biggest crowds. They open at 9:30 am.
Perfect For
Anyone who wants real Turkish coffee, coffee fans, tourists wanting to try something traditional, and people checking out Beyoğlu.
Cost: About £2-3 a cup
Note: They’re also known for their San Sebastian cheesecake, which is awesome with the coffee.
2. Brew CoffeeWorks – Your Modern Coffee Spot
Location: Karaköy (near Spice Bazaar)
Opening its doors in 2012, brew cafe has expanded to six outlets in Istanbul. Karaköy branch is located in the lively Spice Bazaar district and offers a modern alternative to the traditional coffeehouses.
Why It Stands Out
This coffee shop is located in the basement of the Legacy Ottoman Hotel building, a work by the First National Architecture Movement from the late Ottoman period.
Brew has a coffee roastery of its own and it uses 100% Arabica beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala.
Coffee Quality
Coming here, one gets a great cup of third-wave coffee brewed by knowledgeable baristas. For example, espresso-based drinks like flat whites, cortados, and pour-overs are the specialties of the house.
Visitors praise the quality of coffee beans and professional preparation methods.
Atmosphere
- Warm, comfy space with natural light
- Seating that is quite comfortable and perfect for working
- Stylish, clean design
- Dependable WiFi for working remotely
Best Time to Visit
Early morning to have breakfast or mid-afternoon for a quieter working session. It gets busy but is never overly noisy.
Who It’s Best For
If you are a digital nomad, remote worker, a specialty coffee lover, or just anyone who is around Spice Bazaar and needs a quality coffee break – then this place is perfect for you.
Price: £3-5 per coffee
3. Seven Hills Restaurant Panoramic Views
Location: Sultanahmet (historic district)
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Sultanahmet, Seven Hills Restaurant features stunning panoramic views of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus. Although it is technically a restaurant, it is among the top cafes in Istanbul for having a traditional Turkish breakfast and coffee with spectacular views.
What Makes It Special
The terrace up on the roof gives you 360-degree views of the very famous landmarks in Istanbul. You can take photographs without anyone getting in the way as they have a special spot for that.
Coffee Quality
Regular Turkish coffee and standard international selections. Mainly, the location and views are the main reasons for your spending rather than specialty coffee.
Atmosphere
- Wonderfully charming rooftop terrace setting
- The sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner is excellent
- The tourist-friendly staff speaks English
- An ideal spot for photographers
Best Time to Visit
Very early in the morning to beat the crowds and get a terrace table. Breakfast is served until noon, and the dining room hours are 8 am to 11 pm.
Who It’s Best For
People who are new to the city and want to see the famous Istanbul views, photographers, couples in love- looking for romantic places, and, of course, those who are celebrating.
Price: £5-8 (a little bit more pricey for the views)
Note: Reservation is strongly advised even for hotel guests.
4. Old Java Cosy Neighbourhood Spot
Location: Beyoğlu (near Galata Tower)
Near the Galata Tower in Beyoğlu, Old Java offers a warm vibe inside with their caned chairs, plants and even a feline resident to keep you company.
Why it Quietly Wins
A perfect little community cafe with a laid-back, hospitable vibe. Plus, the cortado is spot-on and the dessert cabinet is visually inviting.
Coffee Quality
Finely sourced coffee that is skillfully brewed by professional baristas. There are literally hundreds of options if you’re into espresso-based drinks.
Atmosphere
- Bohemian, laid-back vibe
- Comfortable furniture for sitting
- Cute and friendly house cat
- Ideal spot for casual meetings
Best Time to Visit
You can go there anytime but it’s lovely especially in the afternoon when you want to have your coffee break while walking around Beyoğlu.
Who It’s Best For
For people who are serious about their coffee, cat lovers and those who are visiting the Galata Tower area.
Price:£3-4 per coffee
5. Café Naftalin K Regional Coffee Specialities
Location: Balat
Naftalin cafe in the Balat area is among the best places where one can indulge in regional coffee specialities. Some of these are menengiç coffee which is made from wild pistachio berries, dibek coffee with home spices and the delicious spicy-cardamom Syriac-style coffee.
Why It Stands Out:
It is one of the rare places in Istanbul where besides the normal Turkish coffee one can enjoy traditional local Turkish coffees. The fact that the café is situated in Balat which is considered one of the most colourful neighbourhoods of Istanbul adds to the overall charm.
Coffee Quality
They serve peculiar coffee types that you won’t be able to come across in any other places. Menengiç coffee, for example, gives you a totally different flavour profile than what you usually get from standard coffee.
Atmosphere
- Off-beat, diverse interior decoration
- Situated in the trendy district of Balat
- Great for taking Instagram photos
- Easy-going, bohemian atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
In the afternoon, after you get some fresh air in the colourful streets of Balat and visit some historical sites.
Who It’s Best For
The ones who like to try different coffees, the ones who are already in Balat and those who come with a desire to experience the unique regional coffee.
Price: £2-4 per coffee
6. Karabatak Industrial Chic
Location: Multiple Locations Including Beyoğlu
Karabatak is a café known for its vibrant energy in a rustic setting located in the loft of a former metal workshop. The café is named after the black cormorant (karabatak in Turkish), the local water bird encountered in Istanbul.
Why It Stands Out
The unique combination of industrial and rustic decor contributes to the creation of a lovely ambiance. It is a great meeting place for locals and baristas, where character, history, and a friendly vibe are blended by the café.
Coffee Quality
High-quality third-wave coffee served by passionate baristas who really do care about their work. There is an equally good assortment of different brewing methods.
Atmosphere
- Blending of industrial and rustic styles
- Emphasis on the community aspect
- An invigorating vibe without being overwhelming
- Favored by Istanbul’s artistic crowd
Best Time to Visit
Early in the day for a peaceful environment, and in the afternoon for a lively atmosphere.
Who It’s Best For
Creative professionals, those who wish to experience the local culture authentically, and coffee lovers who want to be a part of the contemporary coffee culture in Istanbul.
Price: £3-4 per coffee
7. Pierre Loti Café Historic Hilltop Views
Location: Eyüp (Golden Horn)
This beautiful café, which was the frequent writing spot of the French novelist Pierre Loti, who eponymously gave it the name, is situated on the hill above the Eyüp gondola and offers an incredible view of the Golden Horn.
Why It Stands Out
The café is on the top of a hill which can be reached by cable car and from there one can have great views of the Golden Horn.
Coffee Quality
Almost all the traditional Turkish coffee and tea is available. Here the emphasis is more on the ambiance and the view than on the coffee.
Atmosphere
- Quiet hilltop environment
- Historically beautiful
- Spectacular view of the Golden Horn
- A quiet spot, away from the Istanbul craziness
Best Time to Visit
You can have a Turkish coffee together with a traditional Turkish breakfast at the cafe consisting of cheeses, olives, eggs, and cured meats.
Who It’s Best For
It is the best place for history lovers, those who are looking for quiet places, breakfast lovers, and those who want to see the less-touristy side of panoramic views.
Price: £3-5 per coffee, more for a full breakfast
Getting There: Hop on the Eyüp cable car to get to the café.
Quick Comparison: Best Cafes in Istanbul
| Cafe Name | Location | Best For | Price Range | Coffee Type |
| Mandabatmaz | Beyoğlu | Authentic Turkish coffee | £2-3 | Traditional Turkish |
| Brew CoffeeWorks | Karaköy | Remote working | £3-5 | Specialty/Third-wave |
| Seven Hills | Sultanahmet | Views & photos | £5-8 | Standard variety |
| Old Java | Beyoğlu | Relaxed atmosphere | £3-4 | Espresso-based |
| Café Naftalin K | Balat | Unique regional coffees | £2-4 | Regional specialities |
| Karabatak | Beyoğlu | Industrial vibe | £3-4 | Third-wave |
| Pierre Loti | Eyüp | Scenic views | £3-5 | Traditional Turkish |
Practical Tips for Visiting Istanbul Cafes
Payment
Most of the cafes in Istanbul will accept either cash (Turkish Lira) or cards. If you wish to pay by card, multinationals such as Starbucks and Nero offer the highest chance of success. If you want to pay cash, smaller traditional places like Mandabatmaz may expect a cash payment.
Working in Cafes
Both Brew CoffeeWorks and Karabatak have the most pleasant atmosphere for remote work, offering reliable WiFi, comfortable seating, and laptop-friendly policies.
Peak Times
The cafes of Istanbul usually start to get crowded from 11 in the morning till 2 in the afternoon on weekdays and are completely packed over weekends. Therefore if you want to avoid crowd, visit the cafes either early in the morning or in the mid-afternoon.
Turkish Coffee Etiquette
Traditional Turkish coffee is served with a glass of water to refresh your taste buds. The coffee grounds fall to the bottom – you should avoid drinking these. One of the popular Turkish customs here is a fortune telling (fal) by interpreting coffee grounds, which some cafes offer as an extra service.
Language
If you go to well-known tourist spots such as Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, you will find that English is spoken by many people. Knowing and using a few Turkish words can be helpful and is appreciated but it is not mandatory.
Finding More Great Cafes
For more cafe picks and ideas for your coffee journeys around the UK, check out bestcafes.co.uk that offers hand-picked guides of top quality coffee shops.
Concluding Remarks
There are many reasons why people enjoy the coffee culture of Istanbul ranging from the quaint coffeehouses that serve traditional Turkish brews to the more contemporary roasteries with skilled baristas. The coffee establishments in Istanbul not only provide great tasting coffee but also let you enjoy the surroundings which can be either landscapes, settings with history, or trendy loft décor.
The oldest coffee shop in Istanbul, Mandabatmaz is still one of the few places to get a genuine Turkish coffee and trendy cafes like Brew CoffeeWorks in Istanbul, serve specialty coffee for the discerning customer and also offer facilities for remote working.
If you want to immerse yourself in the complete spectrum of the reasons that make the coffee scene in Istanbul so special, then make sure to go for multiple cafes.
