Top 10 Restaurants and Coffee Shops in Istanbul You Will Love

Are you looking for a good place to get breakfast/lunch/dinner or drink a cup of coffee/tea in Istanbul?

Last time I visited Istanbul, I spent there two weeks with my local friend Ahmet and here is the list of the places we both can highly recommend (on the European side, mostly in Besiktas district). I believe you’ll love them!

For sure there are many good restaurants and coffee shops in Istanbul you can find on Tripadvisor as well.

Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu (Besiktas)

This place is a unique local Turkish spot for breakfast. It’s hidden on a tiny street with many other breakfast places, but this one stands out, as you’ll see immediately. When you’re going through the street, many waiters will try to attract you to their places, but this one doesn’t do that as it’s quite busy.

The staff is genuinely friendly, caring, and speaks good English. They serve typical Turkish breakfast, and their menu is in English as well. Don’t expect a fancy place, as this restaurant is very simple, but the food is fresh, super delicious, and affordable.

I’ve heard many young people and students eat in this area. I can highly recommend traditional Menemen and White Cheese with honey. It was so delicious. Btw. kahvalti means breakfast :)

Address: Celebi Oglu Sokak 8

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (7 days a week)

Minoa Bookstore and Cafe (Besiktas)

Minoa Bookstore and Cafe is not really a traditional local place, but it is such a cute spot where I went almost every day for breakfast/brunch as my apartment was just a few steps away. It’s a lovely bookstore connected with a cafe and sitting area outside.

The staff is super friendly, some speak English, and they have an English menu as well, so you won’t feel lost. They serve all kinds of tasty and healthy soups, delicious salads, fresh smoothies, homemade lemonades, but also burgers and some meat dishes.

It’s a great spot for digital nomads or people working remotely. You’ll see many young people who bring their laptops and work there for hours, sipping a cup of tea or coffee. This place has also an outside terrace where you can sit, drink a ginger tea and read a book.

Address: Suleyman Seba Caddesi 52/A

Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM , Fri-Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM, Sun: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Blum Coffee House (Besiktas)

This is a place serving delicious coffee and healthy, organic, natural, delicious pastries. It was close to the apartment where I stayed, but I didn’t go there even if many people talked about it. Such a pity! It should be one of the best places if you like coffee, desserts, or a sweet breakfast. So, give this place a try and let me know!

Address: Suleyman Seba Caddesi 64/A

Opening hours: Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM , Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sunday: Closed

The House Cafe Ortakoy (Besiktas)

The House Cafe Ortakoy on the shore of Bosphorus is strongly recommended by my local friend Ahmet. This place has a nice restaurant and two large terraces to sit outside with a great view of the water and the Ortakoy Mosque. They serve tasty meals, delicious desserts, coffee, and tea. It’s a little bit pricier and fancier, but it’s worth visiting. I can also recommend it for an afternoon tea, coffee and drinks enjoying the amazing views.

Address: Ortakoy Salhanesi Sokak 1 (only 2 minutes away from the Ortakoy Mosque)

Opening hours: Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM , Weekend: 8:00 AM - 1:00 AM