Where to Find Best Turkish Coffee in Istanbul: 13 Coffee Shops (2025)

Turkish coffee, also known as Eastern coffee, is made from high-quality Arabica beans. Interestingly, these beans don’t originate from Turkey but come from Central America, Brazil, and Ethiopia. They undergo a meticulous process of sorting, roasting, baking, and finally, grinding into a very fine powder. The result is a medium-bodied coffee with a slight acidity and a hint of sweetness. The flavor is rich with notes of chocolate and exotic spices.

You can find Turkish coffee in almost any café in Turkey, but there are a few standout producers. The most famous is Mehmet Efendi, whose coffee is available in every local supermarket and at their flagship store in the Eminönü district, where it’s freshly ground daily. Another excellent option is Nuri Toplar, also located in Eminönü and established in 1890. This shop is highly recommended by locals.

We’ve curated a list of the best places to enjoy Turkish coffee across different districts!

The History of Turkish Coffee

Coffee has been an essential part of Turkish culture for centuries. Turkish coffee has a unique brewing process that involves finely ground coffee beans and a cezve, a small copper or brass pot. The coffee is brewed slowly over low heat, and the result is a thick, strong coffee with a layer of foam on top.

When ordering Turkish coffee in Istanbul, it’s essential to know the right terminology. The most common way to order is by asking for “bir Türk kahvesi, lütfen” (one Turkish coffee, please). You can also specify how sweet you want it by saying “az şekerli” (less sugar) or “çok şekerli” (more sugar).

Taste Unique Turkish Coffee on a Local Tour

Where to Find the Best Turkish Coffee in Istanbul

Mandabatmaz: Top of The Tops

Mandabatmaz is a small, iconic spot tucked away in an alley, where they’ve been serving the same coffee since 1967. It’s famous for its thick, foam-topped Turkish coffee, with a big indoor sitting area added recently, though the original small space is where the coffee magic happens. Their menu is simple: Turkish coffee, double Turkish coffee, or Turkish coffee made with milk instead of water (a rare choice but once a home remedy in Anatolia).

Kurukahvesi Mehmet Efendi

Kurukahvesi Mehmet Efendi is a must-visit for coffee lovers, located right by the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) in Eminönü. Established in 1871, it was the first shop in Istanbul to offer roasted and ground coffee, revolutionizing the way locals brewed their coffee at home. Today, it’s famous for its rich aroma that fills the air and the long lines of customers eager to get a taste.

What to Expect:

• Coffee: Enjoy a strong, freshly brewed cup of Turkish coffee right in the shop. The coffee is ground daily and packed on-site, so you can take some home as a perfect souvenir.
• Souvenirs: The nearby café-shop offers branded items like coffee, books, coffee sets, and tote bags. You can also grab a leaflet on how to brew Turkish coffee and a brochure on coffee grounds fortune-telling (“fal”).
• Floors: On the first floor, you’ll find a shop with a variety of coffee products and branded souvenirs. Coffee pots range from 200 to 1,500 liras, offering options for every budget. The second floor features a cozy café and a library filled with coffee-related books. The third floor is dedicated to a coffee museum. Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.

Kurukahveci Nuri Toplar

Just around the corner from Kurukahvesi Mehmet Efendi, on Hasırcılar Street, you’ll find another historic local favorite, Kurukahveci Nuri Toplar. Known for its excellent coffee and competitive prices, this shop is a great alternative to the more famous Mehmet Efendi. Here, you can also buy souvenirs and enjoy a variety of flavored coffees.

Bebek Kahvesi

• From Sultanahmet and Eminönü: Take the T1 tram to Kabataş.
• From Taksim: Take the F1 funicular down to Kabataş.
• From Kabataş, catch bus #22 and get off at Bebek stop. From there, it’s about a 100-meter walk towards the mosque by the Bosphorus.
• Alternative Route: From Eminönü, you can take a ferry towards Rumeli Kavağı and get off at Bebek Pier (4th stop).

Bebek Kahve is a top-notch coffee spot located in the prestigious Bebek neighborhood. Its prime location offers an unparalleled view of the Bosphorus, making it a favorite among coffee lovers. Over its 65 years of operation, this café has attracted a loyal following, including many Turkish celebrities.

Fazıl Bey’in Türk Kahvesi

If you’re looking for traditional Turkish coffee on the Asian side of Istanbul, Fazıl Bey is the place to go. Established in 1920 as a coffee roasting shop, it became a trendy café in the 1980s. They roast their coffee using antique machines, offering a genuine taste of Turkish coffee on Kadıköy’s historic bazaar. Experts say Fazıl Bey serves the best Turkish coffee in Istanbul, with a smooth chocolatey note instead of the usual acidity.

Şark Kahvesi

Located near the historic Grand Bazaar, Şark Kahvesi offers a coffee experience steeped in tradition. The café has been serving Turkish coffee for decades and is beloved for its cozy atmosphere and vintage décor. Once a favorite spot for artisans and traders, today it’s a popular refuge for tourists seeking a break from shopping.

Inside, the atmosphere is nostalgic with wooden tables and chairs, colorful Anatolian-style tablecloths, antiques, and old-school black-and-white photos adorning the walls. Şark Kahvesi is known for three things: brewing coffee in a copper cezve on hot sand, its classic wooden interior, and its prime location in the heart of the tourist district.

Nev-i Cafe

Nev-i Cafe is located in a historic mansion along the shores of the Golden Horn, right in the heart of Eminönü’s old district. In the past, such coffeehouses offered more than just coffee; they were venues for theater performances, poetry readings, and lively discussions about politics and trade. The open windows expanded the space, allowing passersby to exchange greetings with the patrons inside, blending the line between the street and the café.

Velvet Cafe

• From Eminönü: Take the T6 tram and get off at Bebek stop. Walk through the park, cross Marselpaşa Street, and reach the café in about 8 minutes. Or take bus 99A from the old city centre or Galata.

Velvet Cafe in Balat offers a unique and delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts. It’s the only café in Istanbul where you can choose a cup from their antique collection, each with its own story from various countries. This personalized touch allows you to connect with the café’s rich history and appreciate the cultural significance of each cup. The cozy atmosphere, complete with knitted tablecloths, homemade pies, vintage furniture, and a collection of old coffee cups, creates a warm and inviting space. The café also features a tranquil green courtyard where cats roam freely.

Sade Kahve

• From Sultanahmet or Eminönü, take the T1 tram to Kabataş.
• From Taksim, take the F1 funicular to Kabataş.
• From Kabataş, take bus 22 to the Rumeli Hisarı stop.

Sade Kahve offers more than just a great cup of coffee. Situated near the scenic Bosphorus waterfront and the historic Rumeli Hisarı fortress, it provides a delightful experience of traditional Ottoman coffee. The café is known for preparing coffee slowly over coals, a classic Turkish brewing method that enhances the rich, aromatic flavor of the coffee.

Tarihi Bagdat Kuru Kahvecisi

• Option 1: Take the Marmaray to Feneryolu Station, then walk to Bağdat Avenue and keep strolling along the avenue until you reach the café.
• Option 2: Take a ferry to Kadıköy, then take bus 16D or 32D to Şaşkınbakkal stop. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the café.

Tarihi Bagdat Kuru Kahvecisi is a coffee shop in the Anatolian region of Istanbul that blends Turkish and Aegean flavors. This is one of the oldest Turkish coffee shops on the famous Bağdat Avenue. The cafe offers many types of Turkish coffee with mastic, saffron, or ice cream, and a lively atmosphere with Greek music playing in the background. You can also purchase mastic Turkish delight and paste from the island of Chios in Greece. Tarihi Bagdat Kurukahvecisi is well-known for its extra-foamy Turkish coffee!

La Pierre (Arnavutköy)

La Pierre is a traditional Turkish bakery located in the quiet Arnavutköy neighborhood, known for its beautiful waterfront. Although it’s not a place you’d visit on its own, it’s worth stopping by for aromatic coffee, croissants, and cookies if you’re in the area.

Şam Kahvesi on Darüşşafaka

Şam Kahvesi offers a traditional coffee experience with local sweets and a view of the Fatih Mosque.

Şekerci Cafer Erol

Established in 1807, Şekerci Cafer Erol is renowned for its delicious sweets and traditional Turkish ambiance. Not only is their coffee exceptional, but their desserts are also among the best in Istanbul. The café captures the essence of a Turkish fairy tale with its rich flavors and historic charm.

Locations:

• Moda
• Galataport
• And more across the city

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Sand Turkish Coffee in Istanbul

Sand Coffee, or “Közde Kahve,” refers to a traditional Turkish coffee brewing method where coffee is cooked in sand. This technique involves placing the coffee pot (cezve) in a bed of hot sand to evenly heat the coffee, resulting in a rich and aromatic brew.

How to Find:

Look for cafés that offer “Közde Kahve” as part of their menu, and you’ll likely find one nearby. This method of brewing is popular in Kadikoy & Karakoy.

Kadıköyfal (Cafe 23)

Located near the post office on Mühürdar Caddesi, this café is known for its traditional Turkish coffee brewing methods. Walk up the hill from the post office towards the shops, and you’ll find this spot along with other cafes and waffle places.

Mola Közde Kahveci (View on Map)

Sand Coffee In Karaköy

• Iskele Mola Cafe (View on Map)
• Nostalgia Cafe Karaköy (View on Map)

The Best Turkish Coffee Brand in Istanbul

Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, the best coffee brand in Istanbul, is a good place to buy ground coffee. You can buy Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi’s coffees from the shop next to the Spice Bazaar. There is also a shop in Kadikoy on the Asian Side.

Tips for Drinking Turkish Coffee in Istanbul

When drinking Turkish coffee in Istanbul, it’s essential to know how to drink it like a local. First, take a sip of water to cleanse your palate. Then, take small sips of the coffee, allowing the foam to settle on your tongue. Don’t drink the coffee too quickly, as it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly.

Map of The Best Turkish Coffee Places in Istanbul

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