For centuries, Istanbul has stood at the crossroads of the East-West coffee trade. Today, coffee shops are more popular than ever, and they seem to appear on nearly every corner. For a busy traveler, that means finding a cup of coffee is rarely difficult.
Still, true coffee connoisseurs often say the finest brews are found in tiny local cafes, where each cup is carefully prepared. These places are usually tucked away beyond the financial center, which can make them harder for visitors to discover.
For travelers who are tired of the same four hotel walls, independent cafes offer a more memorable experience. Spending time in a local coffee shop is also one of the easiest ways to get a feel for Istanbul’s geography, daily rhythm, and culture.
Below are some of Istanbul’s best coffee cafes. This list has expanded through visitor recommendations and may continue to grow over time.
Best coffee shops in Istanbul
Fazıl Bey Turkish Coffee House
One of the bazaar’s oldest shops is attempting to establish a network of outlets throughout Istanbul to spread the aroma of its own coffee. Stop in for a cup of Turkish coffee and Turkish delight, served with a glass of cold water on a metal tray. If you are already exploring nearby landmarks such as the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar, it is an easy style of stop to add to your route.
The House Cafe
The House Cafe is a trendy coffee shop franchise in Istanbul. This stylish cafe has locations in Ortakoy, Tunel, and Nisantasi, among others. Autobahn, a trendy design company, has stylized them all. My favorite is the original at Nisantasi on the Bosphorus coastline, with its hidden entrance, scattered tables, and lovely garden.
Barnie’s Coffe Co
Barnie’s Gourmet Coffee & Tea Company has evolved to become America’s biggest privately held gourmet coffee and tea supplier in the last two decades. With a wide variety of flavored, decaffeinated, light, medium, and dark roasts, Barnie’s Coffee offers hand-chosen gourmet coffee beans from around the world.
Simdi Cafe
Simdi (Now) is a stylish, peaceful cafe located on the first floor of a fashionable old Pera building. The room is well designed and much more soothing than coffee in Markiz Passage. It is a great place to relax and meet local intellectuals. The coffees and fresh juices are wonderful, especially with a slice of orange cake. Simdi is located among the side alleys of Beyoglu, not far from the energy of Taksim Square.
Java Studio Istanbul
Here, a coffee shop and an art gallery come together. Enjoy some of Istanbul’s best coffees, teas, and other refreshments. In the international bakery, sample fresh treats prepared from genuine recipes. You can also view paintings by local artists and shop for Turkish handicrafts in a peaceful setting with educated and friendly staff.
Java Studio was established by Jennifer Gaudet, a Canadian, who created its atmosphere from a disused carpet store on a side street in Sultanahmet. Even if you are half a world away from home, it feels welcoming. If you are sightseeing in the old city, it also fits naturally into a day that includes Hagia Sophia and nearby historic streets.
Why Istanbul’s coffee culture still stands out
Istanbul’s cafe scene works on several levels at once. There is the enduring appeal of traditional Turkish coffee, the comfort of neighborhood cafes, and the rise of stylish contemporary chains and independent spaces. That mix is part of what makes the city so enjoyable for coffee lovers.
Many visitors come for the famous sights, but some of the most pleasant moments happen over a slow cup of coffee between attractions. Whether you prefer a metal tray and Turkish delight or a modern cafe interior with specialty roasts, the city offers both.
To learn more about the broader background of Turkish coffee, it helps to explore its historical and cultural place in the region as well.
In Istanbul, there are many excellent coffee shops and cafes, along with great restaurants and world-famous attractions. While you are in the city, be sure to try Turkish coffee at least once.
