Top 10 Coffee Shops in Istanbul

The English word coffee first came to be used in the early- to mid-1600s, It comes from the Ottoman Turkish kahveh. It was even banned in Ottoman Turkey in the 17th century for political reasons, and was associated with rebellious political activities in Europe.

Istanbul has been the center of coffee trade between East and West for centuries. Today coffee shops in Istanbul are popular more then ever, as they have spread like wild fire. The rushed business traveler rarely has to worry about where to find a cup of coffee. That’s because Starbucks is now ever-present in most areas.

Real coffee snobs argue that the best java is found at small local cafes where each cup is painstakingly crafted. Often tucked away in neighborhoods outside of a city’s financial district, these shops can be difficult to get to for a business traveler.

We recommends independent coffee shops in istanbul for business travelers bored with the same four hotel walls. Coffee houses are a great place to experience the local geography and culture.

Here are some of the top coffee shops in Istanbul Turkey. Because of recommendation by our visitors the list of coffee shops has grown and will be updated regularly.

• Simdi Cafe

  This chic, quiet cafe is called Simdi (Now) and it is the first floor of a very trendy old Pera building..
  The interior is well decorated and so much relaxing than having your coffee in Markiz Passage.

  If you like to chill out and enjoy meeting local intellectuals it is a nice place to go. The coffees and fresh juices are excelllent and take a piece of delicious Orange cake to go with it. Simdi is Located in Smyrna Beyoglu side streets

  Asmalı Mescit No:9 Beyoglu
  Tel: 0212 252 54 43

• The House Café

  The House Café, is one of Istanbul’s hip coffee shop chains. This trendy cafe with outlets in several locations, such as Ortakoy, Tunel and Nisantasi. All are styled by hot design team Autoban. The original in Nisanstisi on the Boshporus shoreline is my favourite with its secret entrance, tables scattered around and a cozy garden.

  http://www.thehousecafe.com.tr/

• Java Studio Istanbul

  A Coffee Shop and Art Gallery. Enjoy the finest coffees, teas and other refreshments Istanbul has to offer. Sample fresh treats made from authentic recipes in their international Bakery. View fine art by renowned local artist and shop for fine quality Turkish handicrafts in relaxing, pleasant surroundings, attended by helpful and knowledgeable staff.

  Java Studio was founded by Canadian, Jennifer Gaudet, she has created an environment out of a former carpet shop in a sidestreet of Sultanahmet that feels just like home when you’re half a world away from it.

  Cankurtaran Mahalllesi, Dalbastı Sokak, No:13A
  Sultanahmet / İSTANBUL
  Tel: +90 212 517 23 78
  www.javastudioistanbul.com

• Midpoint cafe

  Midpoint cafe, situated at the most heart beating points of the city like Bagdat caddesi (Baghdad street), Nisantasi, and Levent Kanyon.
  Cozy as well as a chic atmosphere. Midpoint is everybody’s meeting point.

  More info at http://www.midpoint.com.tr

• ADA

  A cavernous place that’s half book and music store and half bar-café, it has style and substance in equal measure. The house wine by the glass is Antik, an excellent quaffing drop, and the coffee is good too. They offer sales on books, cassettes and CDs to their members.
  Istiklal Caddesi 330, Beyoğlu
  Tel: (212) 251 38 78

• Starbucks

  Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. They are every where in Istanbul, and every one of them is full. They are also in every shopping mall. I don’t know the total number of stores in Istanbul now, but on Bagdat Caddesi (Street) there are now already 8 Starbucks cafe’s

  They are truly Turkish Starbucks. In recognition of the long-standing coffee drinking culture in Turkey, Starbucks also offers Turkish style coffee in Istanbul,

  More info at http://www.starbucks.com.tr

• Gloria Jeans Cafe

  With stores in over 20 countries, Gloria Jean’s Coffees is a leading specialty coffee retailer and one of the fastest growing franchise organisations in the world.
  Gloria Jean’s Coffees has a large range of specialty coffee including delicious flavoured coffees, and a complete menu of espresso-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, smoothie chillers, cocoas and gourmet teas.

  More info at http://www.gloriajeans.com.tr

• Second Cup Coffee

  Second Cup is Canada’s largest specialty coffee franchisor and has grown to more than 360 cafés across Canada and over 15 cafés internationally, making Second Cup a second home to hundreds of guests every day.

  Second Cup is located in Cities

  More info at http://www.secondcup.com/

• Fazıl Bey’s Turkish Coffee House

  One of the oldest stores in the bazaar, is trying to form a chain of stores to spread the smell of its own coffee in Istanbul. Stop by for a cup of Turkish coffee served with Turkish delight and a glass of cold water on a metal tray.

  Architect Fazıl Tuncalı was born in Kadıköy in 1923. Like every father, he never lost his fondness for Turkish coffee.

  More info at http://www.fazilbey.com

• Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co

  Barnie’s Gourmet Coffee & Tea Company® was founded over 2 decades ago and has grown into America’s largest privately owned gourmet coffee and tea purveyor. Barnie’s Coffee® offers the world’s finest hand selected gourmet coffee beans with an extensive selection of Flavored, Decaffeinated, Light, Medium and Dark Roasts.

  More info at http://www.barniescoffee.com

• John’s Coffee

  John’s Coffee brought the first “Specialty Coffee” to be served in the first “Coffee Shop” in Turkey.
  this little boutique shop, John’s Coffee, gives you peace wherever you are.

  More info at http://www.johnscoffee.com.tr/

• Kahve Dünyası

  Kahve Dünyası opened its first store in Eminönü in Istanbul in 2004 and also became a wholesaler. Today, it has 12 stores and 11 stands in Istanbul, Antalya and Eskişehir. Kahve Dünyası adopted the management model of its international rivals

  More info at http://www.kahvedunyasi.com

Will the trend of drinking foreign brand coffees get old?, the demand for Turkish coffee is tremendous and is catching up. A Turkish Coffee Cup Reading can only foretell the future.

Turkish citizen will never give up drinking Turkish coffee. Regardless of trends, Turkish coffee has always remained in the league.

Leave a comment if you think some good coffee shops are missing.