Istanbul's 10 Best Cafés: From a Photography Legend's Spot to a 60-Tea Tea House

Save

Share 0

IstanbulcafesKarakoy

Istanbul's 10 Best Cafés: From a Photography Legend's Spot to a 60-Tea Tea House

Whether you're after a hearty salad or simply a cup of coffee, the answer lies in a café. Here's our round-up of the best cafés in Istanbul.

屏幕截图 2026-08-24 110328.png

Ara Cafe (İstiklal Caddesi)

The interior of this Beyoğlu favourite is lined with awe-inspiring photographs by legendary Turkish-Armenian photographer Ara Güler, the café's owner and namesake. The food and drinks are dependable (if a little overpriced), and both the indoor and outdoor seating make a great spot to soak up the buzz of the area.

Cuma (Çukurcuma)

Cuma opened in Çukurcuma and quickly became a local favourite. Located just a hundred metres from Orhan Pamuk's Museum of Innocence, its breezy terrace has an almost tropical feel. Owner Banu Tiryakioğulları focuses on Turkish cuisine — menemen, eggs with sucuk, a cheese-and-herb omelette and toasted sandwiches — plus options such as gazpacho and eggplant-tomato linguine, with ingredients sourced from local organic markets.

Dandin Bakery: Karaköy's beloved patisserie

Karaköy's sweet spot reopened with a bigger space. The breakfast menu offers teas, coffees and hard-to-find dishes such as avocado on toast with goat cheese and scrambled eggs (26 TL) or scones with blackberry jam. Dandin's tour de force is the cake and pastry buffet, made fresh daily at reasonable prices (8-15 TL).

FiLBooks (Karaköy)

A haven for Istanbul's photography fanatics, FiLBooks boasts an extensive photo-book library and doubles as a café where workshops are held. It hosts ateliers, talks and interviews on art and photography; legendary photographer Martin Parr has been among its famous visitors.

Şimdi (Asmalımescit)

Hidden on a side street descending from İstiklal Caddesi, Şimdi is a cosy café, bar and restaurant. Its laid-back vibe makes it a great spot for an early-morning coffee or after-work drinks.

180° Coffee Bakery (Moda)

In Moda, the dessert menu and counter will take your breath away the moment you walk in. Check out the library at the entrance; the apple crumble and date cake are in a close contest for best flavour.

Mums Cafe (Karaköy, French Passage)

Reflecting the peaceful atmosphere of the French Passage, Mums Cafe serves delicious homemade jams you shouldn't leave Karaköy without trying — including the legendary homemade milk jam. The smoked salmon and asparagus is perfect for lovers of original flavours. "Mums" means "my mother" in Swedish.

Dem Karaköy (Karaköy)

Alongside white, green, oolong, black, smoked and fermented teas, Dem offers a menu for every palate. With 60 teas to choose from, "tea smelling" sessions help you decide; operator Eylül Görmüş has created recipes designed specifically to complement the teas.

Ops Cafe (Karaköy)

The small open kitchen turns out flavours that reflect the venue's spirit. The Albanian breakfast comes with eski kaşar, feta and örgü peynir, plus Bosnian-style dry meat. Breakfast is served all day, and the dry-meat cheese Balkan toast is a highlight.

Dem Moda (Moda)

A modern take on the traditional Turkish tea room, the newly revamped Dem Moda blends art and tea, with works by Moda-native artists on its walls. Celebrated for its cheesecakes, it also offers simit-based plates such as simit skewers and simit bruschetta.