Top 13 Spots for the Best Breakfast in Istanbul
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Some people scoff at the lengths foodies would go for the perfect breakfast.
“It’s just breakfast!” they exclaim.
Well, Istanbul will prove that breakfast isn’t just anything.
Typically, Turkish people greet the day with generous variety: platters of cheese, olives, egg dishes, tomatoes, honey, jams and the most succulent fresh bread. You might even indulge in spiced meats and soups.
Treat yourself to the best breakfast in Istanbul (whether that means traditional dishes or the right ambiance for you) with these top 13 eateries.
1. Mangerie
One name that repeatedly makes “best breakfast in Istanbul” lists is Mangerie.
Nestled in a beautiful period building, the all-day breakfast restaurant is a Bebek local with an international guest list. You might even spot celebrities on this most-photographed terrace.
Amazing views, big portions and cozy atmosphere – what else can you ask for?
Why, the menu of course!
Traditional flavors run from pear-mascarpone toast and focaccia to fresh jams and different types of cheese. Wash down the nut butters and rich pancakes with some Turkish tea.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 12:30 AM
Address: 69 Cevdet Paşa Caddesi, Bebek
2. Dün
Often overlooked by weekend crowds, Dün is perhaps Moda’s best-kept secret. The space may be small but food quality is over the roof!
It’s also a more affordable option for those traveling on a budget.
Serving up organic ingredients and beautifully plated food, the menu is largely traditional.
Nuts and fruits are mixed with leafy greens to freshen up your morning; you can also drool over the eggy, tomato and paprika bake.
Let’s just say the inventive dishes are both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Address: Lutfu Bey Sokak, No: 42-6 Kadikoy
3. Emirgan Sütiş
Checkered tiles, fancy script and extended patio seating make for a cozy but elegant breakfast place in Istanbul – the Bosphorus views don’t hurt either.
Plop down for a meal at Emirgan Sütiş before hitting up Sabancı Museum next door.
Delivering farm to table, their famous milky desserts are crafted with self-produced cheeses. Their ovens also hum 24/7 to spoil you with freshly baked bread.
Apart from the thickly sliced cheese sandwiched between cold cuts, make sure to order the scrambled egg bowl and artisanal sausage.
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM
Address: Sakıp Sabancı Cad. No. 46, Emirgan-Sarıyer
4. Namlı Gurme
Are you the type to waffle over breakfast choices forever because you want to try everything?
Like a life-size charcuterie board, Namlı-Karaköy lets you mix and match an unbelievable breakfast set.
Not only is it budget-friendly since you price your own meal; they cater with vegan and vegetarian options too.
Their roasted omelet and olive oil items aren’t the only factors that awarded them “Best Breakfast Place” and “Best Shopping Place” every year between 2009 and 2015, but they’re definitely classics!
Conveniently placed right behind Karaköy Pier, weekend mornings are inevitably crowded.
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi, Rıhtım Cad. Katopark 1/1, Beyoğlu
5. Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı
Are you tempted by the idea of an all-you-can-eat breakfast?
The masses demanded and Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı delivered – opening a second shop to keep up with the crowds.
Your breakfast table will be a literal sprawl of bowls, plates and small dishes.
Cheese platters are colored with slices of cucumber and tomato; sweet and savory crepes served with a chunk of butter.
Fresh yogurt is sprinkled with pomegranate while the menemen sits toasty in the middle.
To eat more, go in stretchy pants.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Address: Tesvikiye, Osman F. Seden St. No: 8, Şişli
6. Van Kahvaltı Evi–Cafe
If authenticity is the sole criteria for choosing the best breakfast in Istanbul, Van Kahvaltı Evi–Café definitely hits the spot!
This Cihangir classic features dishes from a Turkish city called Van – a royalty amongst breakfast cities.
Bite-sized delicacies invade your table (and heart), from rich cheeses to menemen (one-pan egg scramble) and the gozleme crepe. Other guest favorites include fried doughnuts, honey and clotted cream (kaymak), and unlimited tea.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Address: Kilic Ali Pasa Mahallesi, Defterdar Yokusu, No: 52 A Cihangir
7. Cuma
If you’re pining after some solitude, you’ll experience the best breakfast in Istanbul within the rustic, moody interior of Cuma.
Unlike the quiet atmosphere however, the breakfast menu is an explosion of seasonal flavors.
Veggie and meat lovers have plenty of options. Their whole wheat breads are the perfect base for the traditional Turkish spread of jams, honey, and cheeses.
Sourcing straight from farmers, the café emphasizes quality ingredients. Enjoy your egg-based brekkie on soft sofas indoors or outdoors on the patio.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM
Address: Çukurcuma Caddesi, No: 53/A Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu
8. Çınaraltı Tea Garden
What was a cozy indoor space had grown into a Bosphorus favorite – the Çınaraltı Tea Garden hasn’t known a day of anonymity since it was first featured in a 1990s TV serial.
Under the lush canopy of a 1000-year-old Çınar tree, customers indulge in tea and coffee. Barring terrible weather, you’re going to be one of them!
Order böreği pies stuffed with cheese, walnut, meats, or pair cheese and olive plates with a traditional menemen.
Feed both eyes and stomach at affordable prices here.
Opening Hours: 12 PM to 12 AM
9. Minoa
For those who like a blend of sweet and savory, Minoa is one of the most unique breakfast places in Istanbul that offers both.
This specialty coffee shop is in fact a bookstore! You can literally eat, browse, eat, browse and eat some more.
Busier Istanbulites grab freshly-baked pastries on the way to work but you might want to settle in for a peaceful cuppa.
Bread variety ranges from soft pogačato the circular simit; the spread of cakes, tarts and pies also number among the top in the city. Their pancakes and French toast are also delish.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 12 AM
Address: Vişnezade, Süleyman Seba Cd. 52/A, 34357 Beşiktaş
10. Beşiktaş Breakfast Street / Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı
On your hunt for the best breakfast in Istanbul, eat your way down Beşiktaş Breakfast Street!
Located within the student district, you bet the restaurants and cafés here are all about quality at affordable prices.
While small, they offer true Turkish flavor – they’ll whip up the traditional olives, clotted creams, honeys, eggs and more within minutes.
Also, these restaurants serve pişi, a traditional breakfast item made from flour and oil, tempered with chocolate, cheese or Turkish sausage.
Do go early on Sundays because the lines are no joke!
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 3 PM / 8 PM
11. Privato Cafe
Missing the coziness of home?
The inviting lamplight of Privato Cafe delivers all the hominess you need, alongside impeccable service and a delicious breakfast spread.
The view of Galata Tower will make anyone envious; park yourself on the balcony if possible!
You can also opt between indoor, garden or street-side seating.
Traditionally Turkish, the menu treats you to simple but flavorful dishes.
Praised for the lightness of its food compared to the heavier fare of most restaurants, the cafe has perfected breakfast and brunch – from vegetarian mezze to a full Village Breakfast spread.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 11 PM
Address: Şahkulu, Tımarcı Sk. No:3, 34421 Beyoğlu
12. Emek Cafe
It’s local, tasteful, and right by the Bosphorus – Emek Cafe is a classic spot to greet the morning.
Located in Yeniköy, the cafe is easily accessible and smackdab in Istanbul’s hottest neighborhood.
The pier is right around the corner, so you can hop on a Bosphorus cruise after fueling up.
The usual tea, sandwiches, and traditional breakfast set is served speedily and at a reasonable price.
For the full experience, aim to get there early before all the seafront seats are taken!
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
Address: Yeniköy, Köybaşı Cd. No:57, 34464 Sarıyer
13. Galata Konak Cafe
The vintage interior of Galata Konak Cafe is a great smokescreen for the spacious terrace.
Step outside and the views open up – you’ll be treated to an incredible panorama over the Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus River.
If you’d rather skip the lines at Galata Tower, this coffee house is the perfect ‘cheat’ location for stunning photos.
Order a hot cuppa coffee, a side of simit katmer (a crunchy pistachio pancake you don’t want to skimp on), and sigh happily at this laid-back breakfast deal.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 12 AM
Address: Bereketzade, Hacı Ali Sk. No:2, 34425 Beyoğlu
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this food guide has helped you hunt for the best breakfast spot in Instabul.
Whether you’re packing up for a picnic or breaking fast to views of the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul spoils you with choices for breakfast.
Just a head’s up – some places get really crowded during brunch hour so try to reserve ahead if possible!
Which Turkish breakfast eatery are you most excited to try out?
