The Best 10 Places to Enjoy
a Refreshing Cup of Coffee
In Istanbul
In Turkish, there is a saying: “One cup of coffee is remembered for 40 years.”
Having leached into Turkish culture, coffee, is an essential part of it. As an Istanbulite girl, for me too, coffee has become an important part of my daily life and one of my biggest passions today.
Coffee, if you ask me, is one of the best excuses to put on hold the crazy pace of the life. Personally, whenever I need to take a break from the work, think about an idea or go on a little travel escape, I seek after a cup of coffee under my hand. (Or take with my travel mug just in case =) )
I’m sure I am not alone when I say that taking a break from your daily hassle to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and escape from that chaotic city life, makes one feel freshened up. Especially, if you are living in a metropolitan city like Istanbul.
Now imagine this enlivening experience in a city with a breath-taking landscape.
Thankfully, when it comes to breath-taking landscape, Istanbul is a generous city. And this makes coffee breaks much more delightful.
So here are the best 10 places that will double this pleasure with their magnificent views, yummy food options and cosy atmospheres.
A quick note though: Don’t be surprised to see that not all the options here are “coffeeshops“. This list is mainly reserved for places where you can enjoy the city, listen to its heartbeat along with a cup of coffee.
Let’s see the list:
1. Divan Brasserie, Bebek
As someone with experience at the food&service industry in the background, Divan is a business that I do appreciate a lot and one of my favourite places to go in Bebek (a classy zone in Istanbul). Serving with a restaurant down, and a patisserie upstairs, Divan is therefore fit to be a really good option for any hour of the day. Even if you are in a rush, taking a little coffee break here will be more than enough to raise your spirits.
At Divan, the sea is right beside you, literally at your fingertips. Therefore, everytime I visit Divan, I choose the table at the corner if possible, turn my chair towards the Bosphorus and love sipping my coffee this way. Ohh… What a pleasure!
I suggest that, while you are there, you do not miss the chance of trying their mouth-watering desserts as Divan is one of the classiest patisseries of Turkiye. Or enjoy their lunch/dinner menu which I am sure you’ll have hard time choosing from. If you are looking for a place to try the world-renowned Turkish breakfast, don’t you worry; Divan covers that too (during the weekends).
With their elegant interior design, marvellous view and their service manners which are always kept at the highest level, Divan will double the pleasure you’ll get from being here. And I believe that you will be satisfied at least as much as I do at every visit you’ll make here.
Location: Bebek Mahallesi, Cevdet Paşa Caddesi No: 28/A 34342 Beşiktaş/Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 263 29 73
https://www.divan.com.tr
2. Sheker Ahmet Pasha Tea Room & Limonluk Café, Besiktas
Ahh… I don’t even know how I could ever describe this place without romanticising it.
Think about it… A real palace, a breath-taking view… And you are sipping your coffee actually in it, gazing upon this landscape. Doesn’t it sound magical?
The part of Dolmabahçe Palace that used to be the quarter of the crown prince is now being used as Painting Museum by the Directorate of National Palaces.
And the Tearoom and the Café that I am talking about are located right there. You are not, however, required to buy a Museum ticket to enjoy the Tearoom or the Café. If you follow the left side before entering the Museum building, you can reach the Şeker Ahmet Paşa Tearoom, whereas if you go out to the garden, you will find the Limonluk Café. (“Limonluk” means “Orangery/Conservatory” in Turkish)
The thing that I love the most about both facilities is that they have been repurposed in a way that is harmonic with the palace. So you sort of conclude your trip with a delicious ending, but in the same familiar ambience, without disrupting those emotions you get from being surrounded with all those exquisite artworks.
If you can, I do suggest that you visit the Museum. Then you pass to the Şeker Ahmet Pasha Tearoom or Limonluk Café.
And thus, while the tiredness of the day flows away through the gigantic windows of the Palace towards the Bosphorus, you enjoy Istanbul’s beautiful scenery, along with a nice cup of coffee.
Location: National Palaces – Paintings Museum, Dolmabahce Palace, 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 236 90 00/1789
National Palaces | (millisaraylar.gov.tr/en)
3. Story Coffee, Moda-Kadıköy
The taste of their coffee, their delicious snacks and the cosy atmosphere they have linger in the visitors’ palates and memories wherefore making another visit inevitable. No wonder why it has become one of the most frequented cafés of Kadıköy and kind of a “meeting point of the neighbourhood” for the Kadıköy locals.
Besides the abovementioned “pluses”, I prefer Story Coffee for their animal-friendly manners and their support for women entrepreneurs. Especially on Christmas, a small Christmas market is set in Story Coffee where women put up many handicrafts, from jams to cookies and handmade decorations, for sale. Definitely worth a look.
Story Coffee has another location in Yeldeğirmeni zone of Kadıköy, where, if you stop by on Mondays, you may catch the coffee beans roasted freshly on-the-spot.
Their kitchen, however, is at their Moda location, wherefore food options are wider. So, beware when you make your pick. Regardless of your choice, though, you may rest assured that you will have a delightful coffee & food experience. So you can stop by, with no hesitation, at Story Coffee whether it be for social networking, reading or working.
Location: Halitağa Cd., No.61, Rasimpaşa Mahallesi, Kadıköy/Istanbul
Tel: +905309537379
https://www.storyroasters.com/location
4. Yalı Lounge – Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus
Yalı Lounge is the café & restaurant part of Four Seasons at the Bosphorus which is one of the most exquisite hotels in Istanbul.
It’s one of the most outstanding places where you can, let’s say, ‘quaff’ the Bosphorus view while sipping your coffee.
But we are talking about the Four Seasons quality here. So, when it comes to the delicious experiences, there is more to it than that. Like their famous afternoon tea menu, cocktails to help you unwind, or a pleasant wine&dine experience with their menu that is full of world cuisine selections, from burgers to pizzas, from sushi to Indian cuisine; along with the, of course a must-try, Turkish cuisine essentials.
(I would not miss the igloo experience in winters if I were you. You can thank me later ; ) )
They are bound with the highest standards when it comes to service quality. And making their guests feel special is literally their credo. Therefore I can always keep my expectations high at the Four Seasons.
You can visit Yalı Lounge every day between 08:00 – 24:00.
Location: Çırağan Cd., No:28, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Tel: +90 212 381 40 00
www.fourseasons.com
5. Healin Foods, Nişantaşı
Dedicated to the healthy nutrition, ever since they stepped into the Istanbul life, Healin Foods stands out amongst many other restaurants and became one of the favorite places in Nişantaşı. Set out with the motto of “Natural, fresh and clean food.”, Healin Foods does not allow any products such as processed sugars, flours, artificial sweeteners in their kitchen.
From breakfast to main dishes; desserts to drinks, there are so many options with regards to the healthy alternatives in their menu that you may have a hard time choosing. Don’t think that you need to follow a certain diet to have a reason to visit Healin. Rest assured that you will find plenty of moreish dishes that you’d like to feast upon for any meal of the day.
Located at Nişantaşı, one of the poshest districts of Istanbul, Healin has a lively design which can be observed at every detail, from interior/exterior space to its plates. And this gives Healin an atmosphere that is literally a feast to the eye. (The design belongs to the Space Architects and Designers which should be complimented for creating a design that reflects the brand’s vision and mission so well.)
In the light of all the foregoing, I guarantee you that, stopping by at Healin even for a small coffee break, watching the city life flowing by is such a pleasant and refreshing experience. (Although, I would order one of their must-try desserts while you’re at it and double my pleasure;) )
Location: Hüsrev Gerede Cad. No: 110 Teşvikiye/İstanbul
Tel : +90 212 260-0808
https://healinfoods.com/
6. Velvet Cafe, Balat
Just like probably any customer of Velvet Café, which has opened its doors at Balat, one of the oldest districts of Istanbul, I find it quite an original idea that you can choose one of the coffee cup that you like from their collection full of the cutest selection of cups and order your coffee with it.
Every customer that happens to visit Velvet Café, agrees upon the tastiness of both the coffee, drink and the food they serve; the beauty of the place and the attentiveness of the staff. I don’t know what else we would need to add a place to our must-see list.
I am sure giving a coffee break at Velvet Café after a jolly walk through the streets of Balat which are redolent of history, will do you a heap of good like it does to me.
It is open everyday between 09.00 and 20/21:00.
Adress: Balat, Çimen Sk. No:8a, 34087, Fatih/İstanbul
Tel: +90 545 225 05 28
7. Cup of Joy, Nişantaşı
All right folks! That’s all from me for now.
What are your favorite coffee filling stations that you run to when you crave for some good cup of joe? Where do you find that coffeeshop ambience that pleases your soul?
Let us know your “must-see” coffee stops in the comments below.
All right folks! That’s all from me for now.
What are your favorite coffee filling stations that you run to when you crave for some good cup of joe? Where do you find that coffeeshop ambience that pleases your soul?
Let us know your “must-see” coffee stops in the comments below.
Cup of Joy, one of the most beloved coffee stops of Istanbul that has even made it to the list of the best 3rd wave coffee shops by a world-renowned food&wine critic, Vedat Milor, has now another location at Nişantaşı. It is so well hidden behind greenery amongst the crowd of the district that it is quite possible that you may pass by and miss it.
Among all the other locations they have, this one’s ambience is my favorite due to its indoor/outdoor space and design.
Cup of Joy, as mentioned earlier, has been listed as one of the best places where you can have a third wave coffee experience. And their appetizing menu contains classical tastes as well as “fit” options such as gluten-free and raw alternatives. You can even order these delicacies or coffee beans via their website. (Only available within Turkiye)
If I were you, I would find the spot they are hiding in Nişantaşı and give it a go.
Location: Meşrutiyet, Şair Nigar Sk. No.11, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Tel: 0212 231 48 31
https://cupofjoy.com.tr/
8. Maple Coffee Shop & Roastery, Büyükada
Stepped into the Istanbulites’ lives at Büyükada (one of the Princes’ Islands), Maple Coffee Shop has originally been established in Tekirdağ. And ever since they opened their doors, they have become one of the top hot spots of the coffee lovers.
The top-sellers of the Shop are their fresh-from-the-oven croissants and granola, as well as the delicious coffee selection they serve.
Because the Islands (especially Buyukada) are my second home, for me, what comes first and foremost about the newly opening businesses is whether they are in harmony with Buyukada’s one-of-a-kind look and spirit as this indicates their mentality. And I must say that in that regard, I like Maple Coffee’s minimalist and relaxing design.
If you happen to pass by Büyükada, definitely keep Maple in you mind for a coffee break.
Location: Büyükada-nizam, Fenerbahçeli Lefter Sk. No: 30/A, 34970 Adalar/İstanbul
Tel: +90 531 377 76 91
https://maplecoffeeshop.com/
9. Brew Coffeeworks
Brew Coffeeworks opened its doors in the most historic districts of Istanbul, like Karaköy, Sirkeci and Balat with a quite standout interior design.
Each of their location has an idiosyncratic design that represents the district it is located at. In this respect I find them highly successful. In fact, that’s how I discovered Karaköy and Sirkeci locations of Brew: With their eye-capturing design that suddenly made me freeze during my daily bustle and pulled me in with a great curiosity.
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However, it’s not only their design that makes a visit worthwhile. It is also the coffee and accompanying tasty snacks they serve.
So if you are around one of these historical districts and suddenly notice a salient blue tone catches your eye, it is probably Brew Coffeeworks. If that’s the case, grab your coffee and snack to enjoy the relaxing, warm atmosphere inside, or head to their outdoor space to gaze of into the Istanbul life that is flowing before you while you are enjoying your coffee.
Location: Brew Sirkeci (principal shop): Hobyar, Hamidiye Cd. No:60, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul
Tel: +90 212 520 96 42
www.brewcoffeeworks.com
10. M.O.C. Coffee–Roastery, Nişantaşı
M.O.C. (Ministry of Coffee) is one of the first coffeeshops that comes to mind when third wave coffee experience is in question and therefore continues to be one of the most popular places of the coffee lovers in Nişantaşı ever since it’s opened.
The indoor space has a quite pleasing view with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. And although with such a design, it gives a feeling of library, it would not be right to expect a full library tranquility as the shop is quite frequented. It is available, though, to grab your book or laptop and to continue your work with the company of a cup of adeptly brewed, delicious coffee.
If you are in the search for a luscious escape from the hubbub of the city life, a small coffee break at the M.O.C. will suffice to replenish your joy.
Online order is also available via their website (I will note herein below) if you want to enjoy their coffee or tasty snacks in your cozy home.
Location: Teşvikiye Mah, Şakayık Sk. No: 4/A, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Tel: (0212) 234 44 65
https://www.moc.com.tr/
All right folks! That’s all from me for now.
What are your favorite coffee filling stations that you run to when you crave for some good cup of joe? Where do you find that coffeeshop ambience that pleases your soul?
Let us know your “must-see” coffee stops in the comments below.
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