Istanbul’s cafe culture has always been popular. Turkish coffee and tea are deeply engrained into everyone’s daily life that it’s almost impossible to go a day without consuming one or the other. In a city that is two and a half times larger than New York City, there are countless cute cafes in Istanbul to grab a coffee or tea.
This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase using a link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog going.
What is Turkish coffee?
Turkish coffee was discovered by the Turkish Governor of Yemen, Ozdemir Pasha, around 1517. He thought that the Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent would want to try it, so he brought it to the palace.
It was here, at the palace, that the Sultan’s staff ground the beans using a mortar and prepared the grinds in a new way using an ibrik, which is a fancy narrow teapot with a long spout. The drink was a tremendous hit within the palace and the elite society of the Ottoman Empire.
Eventually, the drink made its way to the people and coffeehouses started to pop up. These coffeehouses were usually places where politics were discussed which was frowned upon, threatening their existence.
Nonetheless, Turkish coffee spread throughout the Ottoman Empire and into Europe.
It is prepared using finely ground coffee beans and a cezve, which is a small pot with a long handle typically made of brass or copper. The amount of sugar desired is added during the boiling process and the coffee is not filtered.
When you are served Turkish coffee, you will be brought a small glass of water along with the coffee. The water is used to cleanse your palette so you enjoy the full flavor of the beans, so remember to drink the water first.
What is Turkish tea?
While Turkish tea doesn’t have as long of a history as Turkish coffee, it is the top hot drink of choice among Turks.
The mass production of tea within Turkey didn’t begin until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. At this time, coffee was getting too expensive and tea was offered as a substitute. It took some time to find the ideal region to farm tea, but it was eventually decided that the eastern Black Sea coast in the province called Rize would be the best option.
Since 1950, Turkey has grown to be one of the top tea producers in the world. Turkey has the highest per capita tea consumption in the world at around 7 pounds per person. Its most popular black tea is consumed daily throughout the country.
Turkish tea is prepared using a çaydanlık which is a two-tier teapot. The larger bottom pot is used to boil water while the smaller top pot is used for the tea leaves to steam and expand. The tea is served in small tulip-shaped glasses called ince belli.
Cute Cafes in Istanbul on the European Side
Origami
Address: Teşvikiye, Nişantaşı Ihlamur Yolu Sk. No:17 D:1A, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Origami is located in the shopping district of Nisantasi on the European side. This neighborhood is more upscale and trendy. The cafe is most well-known for its handmade croissants. They are flakey with lots of layers and also come in different sandwich varieties or covered in chocolate.
Seating in this cafe is indoor and outdoor. However, there is no garden, just some tables outside the main entrance.
Orders can be placed at the counter for takeaway. If you are eating at the cafe, someone will come to take your order.
Many people like to set up their computers to work here for a couple of hours so the cafe does fill up by lunchtime.
F’Roses
Address: Arnavutköy, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:26/A, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
F’Roses is located in the historical seaside district of Arnavutkoy. This neighborhood has a lot of old wooden houses from the 19th century. The architecture is intricate and unique with embellished frames and handcrafted woodwork.
F’Roses is a small and cozy cafe that has a rose theme which is apparent from the exterior with a cute pink wooden door and flowers framing the storefront.
Inside you’ll be greeted with a rose-covered wall on the left side and clean modern girly furniture and decorations.
The menu is typical of any cafe in Istanbul with lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, tea, and sweets. Going along with the rose theme, there is rose-flavored coffee and sweets available.
Seating is indoor and outdoor but is very limited. Outside there are only 2 tables and inside there are 5.
This cafe also doubles as a florist where you can buy an assortment of roses as gifts or for your home.
Mare Mosso
Address: Ayvansaray, Leblebiciler Sk. No:40/b, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Mare Mosso is located in the quiet neighborhood of Balat in the Fatih district. Balat was a Greek neighborhood, however, over the years many other ethnic groups also settled in the area.
This boutique coffee and tea shop first opened in 2017 and has been very popular ever since. Mare Mosso was inspired by the brave workers that traveled through the Mediterranean using galleys to deliver and spread coffee all over the world.
Their menu offers an extensive variety of coffee and tea in countless different flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon, cherry, chocolate, banana, mint, orange, etc.
And because it’s impossible to try all the flavors, you can purchase coffee beans and tea leaves to take home with you.
Mare Mosso also sells coffee equipment and accessories on their website.
Cafe Naftalin
Address: Balat, Yıldırım Cd. No:27/A, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul
Cafe Naftalin is also located in Balat. This is one of the cute cafes in Istanbul to chill with friends and enjoy an afternoon coffee.
The cozy interior feels like a home with wooden foldable chairs and tables. Old antiques from the neighborhood thrift stores fill the walls. Each table features a different colorful crocheted tablecloth.
Seating is available inside and outside. There are many cats that will join you for a coffee while you’re here too.
Fil Cafe
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hoca Tahsin Sk. No:25, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Fil Cafe is located in Karakoy. This neighborhood is small but full of hip cafes and bars as well as gift shops and traditional Turkish restaurants.
What’s unique about Fil Cafe is that is it also a small bookstore. Inside there are 3 levels. The main floor has a barista and a display of all the available sweets. There are a few tables available but most of the seating is on the next 2 floors.
One floor up from the main floor is where some of the books are. There is also a fun swing seat to relax in while you’re reading. Other seating includes a corner sofa and tables and chairs.
The next floor also has big cozy furniture to unwind in.
The cafe offers the usual coffee options, but I like getting their lavender coffee.
Cafe Privato
Address: Şahkulu, Tımarcı Sk. No:3, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Cafe Privato is located near Galata Tower. This is one of the unique cute cafes in Istanbul because it has old antique furniture and dishware with an incredible view of the Galata Tower. What more could you ask for?
Their breakfast is very fulfilling with many different kinds of cheese, fruits, vegetables, and baked items. They also have fresh season fruit juices.
Because this cafe is located in one of the main tourist areas, it is very full on the weekends. So if you like having a lively breakfast, definitely stop by.
Cute Cafes in Istanbul on the Asian Side
Vanilin Chocolate
Address: Kuzguncuk, İcadiye Cd. No:78, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Inspired by Belgium chocolates, Vanilin Chocolate started in 2016 in Kayseri, which is close to Cappadocia. However, after countless hours of perfecting their chocolate recipe, the owners decided to move their shop to Istanbul to the historical neighborhood of Kuzguncuk.
And I’m really glad they did because these chocolates are the best. They have so many truffles on display inside the shop. You can order gift boxes or just take them home for yourself. I won’t tell anyone.
Seating at this cafe is limited to outdoors only. They don’t have any indoor seating which is kind of a downside, especially in the winter.
Village
Address: Rasimpaşa, Recaizade Sk. No:54/A, 34716 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Village is honestly my favorite cafe on the Asian side of Istanbul. I always include it on any food list. The reason that I like Village so much is that it’s tucked away from all the rush of the city. They have a nice quiet garden in the back that’s covered with trees so it’s cool in the summer. During the winter, they have heaters to keep warm.
Inside, the decor is artsy with big wall murals and a rope swing.
Their menu is pretty good as well. They offer some breakfast options, smoothie bowls, pasta, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Dem Moda
Address: Caferağa, Şair Nefi Sk. 9/A, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
DEM Moda is a place where you should go if you like cheesecake. They have many different options and they change according to the season. It’s so hard to choose which one to eat when you visit.
To pair with your cheesecake, they offer many varieties of tea that you can order by the pot ranging from white, green, oolong, fruit, herbal, and rooibos. I’m a green tea person, so my favorite is Moroccan Mint Tea.
And if you’re not a tea person, don’t worry, they do have coffee too.
Seating is available inside and outside. The inside dining area is fairly spacious with a modern design and booth seating along the edges.
Brekkie
Address: Osmanağa, Yoğurtçu Parkı Cd No:24/1, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Brekkie is famous for its buttery delicious croissants that come in a variety of sandwiches. This place is always packed on the weekends for breakfast. There is a designated window where you can place an order for takeaway if you don’t want to sit at the restaurant, or if there is no room.
Brekkie is a good place to meet up with friends, but for working as it can get loud with many people around. They also close at 6 pm every day and most of their croissants sell out by closing time.
They also have a cute raccoon mascot logo that is on everything.
Across the street is a great park where you can bring your food if you order takeaway. The park connects to the coastline and bike paths.
3008 Bakery
Address: 19 Mayıs, İnönü Cd. No:87/A, 34736 Kadıköy/İstanbul
3008 Bakery is located in the district of Kadikoy but not in the main area. It is reachable by metro, stopping at Kozyatağı then walking for about 10 minutes. I actually discovered this shop on one of the delivery apps in Turkey. They have amazing chunky gooey chocolate chip cookies and chocolate brownies.
It’s also a good quiet place to work with your laptop. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area has many green plants that hide you from the city sidewalk.
More Things To Do in Istanbul
After you’ve eaten your way through Istanbul, check out these historical palaces.
Explore the Asian side of Istanbul with all the best restaurants and things to do.
Considering exploring the rest of Turkey? Check out my full guide on where to go and what to see in the country.
Don’t forget to download these apps if you will be in Turkey for a few weeks.
