The best cafes in Istanbul have roots in a long cultural tradition. While many visitors rush between the city’s mosques, palaces, and markets, one of the city’s most enduring cultural experiences is far simpler: savoring a cup of coffee. Introduced in the 16th century, Turkish coffee quickly became part of daily life. Coffeehouses, or kıraathanes, emerged as social and intellectual meeting places, from the time of the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to the streets of modern-day Istanbul. Coffeehouses became gathering spots for reading, debate, and dissent—a proliferation of free thought that led Sultan Murad IV to ban coffee in 1633, fearing it encouraged moral decay and political unrest. Unlike filtered or espresso-based coffee, Turkish coffee is unfiltered, brewed slowly over heat in a small pot called a cezve with the grounds left in the cup to settle. Whether you’re after history, conversation, a pick-me-up, or simply a rich, unfiltered brew in Istanbul, these are our picks of the best cafés in Istanbul.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.
The house blend at Le Oba is nutty and wonderfully rich, and the sweet treats are for sale are the perfect accompaniment.
Amelia Dhuga
1. Le Oba
The trendy Beyoğlu neighborhood has gained significant attention in recent years for its chic concept restaurants and backstreets lined with buzzy bars. Along Oba Sk Street, you’ll also find a collection of cool cafes. Seating spills out onto the pavement, with tables interspersed among spindly trees and the occasional parked motorbike. BookBar stands out for its quiet atmosphere and curated selection of artsy reads, while spots like MUUS tend to draw livelier crowds. My personal favorite, however, is Le Oba. Its signature sage green metal chairs occupy one of the largest plots on the street, with regulars often lounging outside for hours. The house blend is nutty and wonderfully rich, and an array of sweet treats are available for those looking to eat. Be sure to try the homemade Snickers bar; the chocolate-encased, peanut-filled cake is sprinkled with a heavenly helping of salt.