17 Instagram-Worthy Cafes in Istanbul
Istanbul is a city of many contrasts; old meets new and East meets West. And while this may seem like an impossible feat to balance, Istanbul somehow manages to do it.
Whether you’re thirsty for Turkish coffee or looking for some truly unique Turkish tea blends, this culturally diverse city has something for everyone.
Here are the top 17 cafes in Istanbul that will surely steal your heart with their inviting atmospheres and charming environments.
Cafes in Beyoğlu
1.Federal Coffee Company
The lofted coffee shop may overlook touristy Galata, but retreat inside for an alcove of quiet.
Federal Coffee Company serves a well-praised breakfast menu and extensive coffee bar. Think avocado, salmon and salads – the menu blends Turkish flavors with an Australian twist.
To complement, their full-bodied coffees range from 100% Arabic beans to Ethiopia Sidamo to Guatemala El Jaguar.
Afternoon visitors may enjoy a dessert menu while people-watching by the windows.
Check out their website to learn about this multi-branch coffee shop in Istanbul.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 12AM (midnight)
Address: Sahkulu Mah. Kucuk Hendek Cad. No: 7, 34420 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
2. Coffee Sapiens
Glass canisters filled with coffee beans, rough stone walls and a narrow lofted nook make Coffee Sapiens prime choice for hipsters.
In an ever-changing neighborhood, Coffee Sapiens’ tiny shop in Karakoy is a welcome blast to the past.
With the beans hand-roasted and ground by the team, many prefer it to commercialized chains.
Grab to go or try your luck with their limited outdoor seats!
Their espresso, mocha and Japanese cold brew come highly recommended.
You can find them at Kanyon and Haskoy as well.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 10PM
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kılıç Ali Paşa Mescidi Sk. No:10 D:C, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
3. Kronotrop Coffee
Growing from a humble coffee shop in 2012 to the multi-branched coffee connoisseur that it is today, Kronotrop Coffee has clearly done many things right.
Their commitment to coffee shows in various ways: partnering with organic farms, self-roasting coffee in small quantities for maximum flavor, and committing to sustainability with energy-conserving machinery.
It’s no wonder they top the list when it comes to many “best cafe in Istanbul” reviews!
For hip vibes, great coffee and equally great cookies, drop by Kronotrop for the coolest coffee bar.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 11PM
Address: Firuzağa Cami Sokak 2/B, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
4. Cafe Cuma
Café Cuma does it all; all-day restaurant, coffee shop and private event space.
Sourcing coffee from 1882 Caffe Vergnano and serving freshly baked, hand-kneaded breads, Cuma is a homegrown hangout spot.
The understated décor carries a European flair, but their seasonal breakfasts and lunches are international.
Pastries, bite-sized meats, dumplings, traditional Turkish fare lure you into the moody interior.
As for your cuppa, sip slowly in either homey comfort indoors or out on the patio.
Opening Hours: 9AM to 10PM
Address: Firuzağa Mh, Çukur Cuma Cd. 53/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
5. Sirin Firin Cafe & Bakery
It is pastries, cakes, and Turkish delights galore at Sirin Firin Café & Bakery.
Morning risers and late-night strollers will love that this café opens early and closes late – there’s so much to try!
The shop opens onto the street with the counter and food display on the left, a small seating area on the right.
Just 2 minutes from Galata Tower, order a cheesecake or pistachio-filled pastry for the road.
You can also order breakfast here, although seats are in high demand.
Opening Hours: 6AM to 11PM
Address: Sahkulu Mahallesi, Buyuk Hendek Caddesi No: 16/A, 34420 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
6. Dandin Bakery
The almost-ceiling to floor windows let you peek into Dandin Bakery, which offers ample seating with a second floor.
The elevated space overlooks the rest of the bakery, whose rustic décor sets up an inviting ambiance.
What people stick around for, however, is the food!
Avocado, goat cheese, scones and other breakfast eats are in high demand during the morning rush.
The cake and pastry buffet too, keeps the crowd coming; paired with a decent beverage menu to become Karakoy’s favorite.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 2AM (next day)
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kılıç Ali Paşa Mescidi Sk. No:17, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
7. Velvet Café
Described as “lovely” and “sweet”, Velvet Café is a must-try breakfast stop at the heart of Galata.
Vintage décor, warm lighting and its colorful shop front proves that the best cafes in Istanbul are often the homiest ones.
Order their menemen or helva; or the entirety of their Turkish breakfast.
Your coffee is served in Japanese porcelain cups, with every mismatched piece displayed on open shelves.
Reviewers give their breakfast menu and service the full 5 stars.
Opening Hours: 10AM to 7PM
Address: Büyük Hendek Cd kule Çukmazı S 7a, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Cafes in Beşiktaş
8. Blum Coffee House
Blum Coffee House brands itself as your “3rd wave soulmate” and we can see why.
Hanging chairs and cute decor, anyone?
Likewise, their dishes offers pops of colors, whether it’s the pistachio rim of your morning coffee or the chocolate-y cakes.
Their coffee menu is extensive, serving everything between espresso-based drinks to peanut paste garnishes, refreshing smoothies and specialty teas.
If the breakfast plate is too generous for you, scour their appetizers and tartine options.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 8PM
Address: Vişnezade, Süleyman Seba Cd. 64/A, 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul
9. Bond Coffee Co.
One of the rare cafés in Istanbul with a hidden garden out back, Bond Coffee is perfect for hanging out with friends or getting some work done.
Omelets, poached egg toasts, lotus cheesecake, and pancakes; the menu is decidedly western.
Their coffee has gained a reputation for both consistency and taste.
Many praise Bond Coffee for their alternatives; delicious espressos, cappuccinos, cortados and flat whites are all done extremely well.
Other favorites include their chai latte and iced drinks.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 12AM (midnight)
Address: Ortaköy, Dereboyu Cd. 121-123/A, 34347 Beşiktaş/Istanbul
10. F’ROSÈS
Listed among the prettiest Istanbul cafés, F’ROSÈS is an Instagram dream!
Flowers frame the front door to create a magical pink place for coffee, tea and chocolate.
The menu is limited but those who visit are here for the ambiance – the velveteen seats and pink-themed dishware match perfectly with the florals.
If you’re in need of unique souvenirs, they sell boxed flowers too.
Opening Hours: 10AM to 8PM
Address: Arnavutköy, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:26/A, 34345 Beşiktaş/Istanbul
11. Mangerie
If we’re talking Istanbul cafes with a view, Mangerie definitely makes the cut.
Climb up a flight of stairs to this terrace café, right across the street from the Bosphorus.
Minimal décor keeps the space open and airy – who needs it anyway when there are better views out the window?
They do operate on reservations mainly (for breakfast), so don’t forget to put your name down.
The menu is rather varied, offering noodles, avo toasts, croissants, cakes and Turkish delicacies.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 12:30AM (next day)
Address: Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd. No:69, 34342 Beşiktaş/Istanbul
Cafes in Şişli
12. Cup of Joy
Bringing you literal cups of joy is the multi-branched Cup of Joy Café.
Combining coffee shop, patisserie and breakfast nook in one, all 5 branches are dedicated to making your life healthier but no less delicious.
Some branches, like Nişantaşi, offer an all-day breakfast menu crafted for athletes.
Others cater to alternative diets, serving vegan, raw, gluten-free and sugar-free bakery products.
When you’re indulging in those nut-based treats, don’t forget to grab an espresso-based coffee!
Opening Hours: 9AM to 10PM
Address: Meşrutiyet, Şair Nigar Sk. no 11, 34365 Şişli/Istanbul
13. MOC Coffee
Industrial-styled MOC in the Nisantasi district is pretty cool, especially with its lofted seating.
The large space and ample seating make it great for work and meeting friends, as do the wide selection of coffee beans.
While its breakfast set is decent, reviewers come back for their cakes and beverages.
Order a pour-over espresso and choice of cake, then sit back and bask in the background music.
Check their website to see where their other branches are.
Opening Hours: 7:30AM to 11:30PM
Address: Teşvikiye Mah, Şakayık Sk. No: 4/A, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Cafes in Fatih
14. Balat Antik Cafe
Nestled within the rainbow-colored neighborhood of Balat is an incredible coffee shop. Everything is colorful and vibrant, from the umbrella canopy to the sitting booths.
This outdoor Istanbul café will have you posing in front of the painted stairs and brick walls; even on the chairs embroidered with flowery motifs.
Likewise, the food platter is equally colorful! If you’re looking for a change in pace and style, take a break at Balat Antik.
Note, this cafe is also known as the Dimitrie Cantemir Museum Café.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 12AM (midnight)
Address: Balat Mh. Vodina Cd, Sancaktar Ykş. No:6, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul
15. Coffeetopia
Coffeetopia is truly a utopia of coffee and desserts! This two-storied space is no doubt one of Istanbul’s best cafes in terms of ambiance and menu.
Food items run from traditional Turkish breakfast to smoothie bowls and pancakes; lunch fare such as wraps and tartines are also available.
Dessert offers the gamut, serving brownies, double-tiered cakes, lemony goodness… you name it.
As for coffee? Their filter or Turkish coffee is best strong; the espresso-based iced drinks and specialty brews are quite popular too.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 10:30PM
Address: Hobyar, Arpacılar Cd. No:4, 34112 Fatih/Istanbul
Cafes in Kadiköy
16. Walters Coffee Roastery
You might recognize influences from the TV show Breaking Bad at Walter’s Coffee Roastery.
Yellow and white tile accents characterize their brand, as do the periodic tables pasted on the wall.
Known for being Istanbul’s first coffee laboratory, they sure take the term seriously! They even offer lab costumes for you to pose in.
Apart from being bright enough to do work in, Walter’s Coffee Roastery offers a great selection of coffee beans.
According to repeat customers, the brownies and donuts pair best.
Opening Hours: 10AM to 11PM
Address: Caferağa, Bademaltı Sk. No:21, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul
17. Coffee Manifesto
As the name suggests, the best Istanbul cafes show immense dedication to coffee.
At Coffee Manifesto, the menu is carefully curated so that everyone gets their perfect fix.
Looking for coffee with caramel notes? Try their Vital blends. For a smooth taste palate, ask for the Flattering single-origin espresso.
To taste the traditional (and maybe try your hand at fortune-telling), their Turkish coffee is best.
Best of all, it comes with a terrace so you can mingle.
Opening Hours: 8AM to 10PM
Address: Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:40A, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul
