Istanbul's Best Brunch Spots With A Bosphorus View

Turkish Breakfast
Turkish Breakfast | © Tanyel/WikiCommons
Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

Breakfast is a big deal in Turkey, and when it comes to the weekend, everyone wakes up with a longing for Serpme Kahvaltı, the traditional Turkish breakfast with various cheeses, olives, tomatoes, eggs, jams, and endless rounds of hot tea. Apart from the Turkish breakfast spread, Istanbul also has more international options like pancakes or eggs benedict, depending on your preference (or what you had to drink the night before). Culture Trip picked out the best brunch spots that also happen to have an amazing view of the Bosphorus.

Kale

A classic Istanbul breakfast spot since 1983, Kale is nothing to write home about in terms of décor, but it serves some of the best morning grub in the city. With a great view of the Bosphorus, Kale has several options when it comes to breakfast. If you’re a big group, take on the Serpme Kahvaltı with grilled Halloumi cheese, tomato salad, olives, cheese platter, clotted cream and honey, and eggs with sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage). If you are still hungry, order extras like menemen (eggs with chopped onions and tomatoes), gözleme (thin dough filled with cheese or sucuk), or an omelette with cheese.

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Yeniköy Kahvesi

After walking up a few stairs, you will come upon Yeniköy Kahvesi nestled under the trees with a great view of the Bosphorus. Located in a neighborhood known for its Ottoman mansions and hidden churches, the café serves up an excellent organic breakfast platter with eggs, honey, jams, olives, butter, tomatoes, and cucumbers. If you have a big appetite, add cheese and sucuk to your eggs, and make sure to ask for plenty of Turkish tea. In the winter, Yeniköy Kahvesi is also very popular for sahlep, a sweet hot beverage made from dried orchid root and topped with cinnamon.

Mangerie

Bebek is one of Istanbul’s trendiest neighborhoods, and Mangerie is the area’s favorite café and brunch spot where the cool crowd comes to eat and hang out. Inside, you will find homey but modern décor with wooden tables and the day’s freshly baked goods on display. Make sure to get a table on the terrace for a fantastic sea view (Mangerie is located on the third floor). The famous brunch, which often requires waiting in line for a table, includes excellent eggs benedict with bacon or prosciutto, pancakes, and granola (along with many other options).

Müzedechanga

Müzedechaga’s location on the top floor of the Sakıp Sabancı Museum already says a lot about its menu – mainly that its dishes are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Featuring one of the best Bosphorus views, appearing between the deciduous museum garden, the fine dining venue’s brunch is a favorite on the weekends. Apart from the classic Turkish breakfast assortments, special dishes such as French toast with pear, smoked Çerkez cheese, walnuts, and honey syrup are served perfectly. If you really want to make it a memorable brunch, order the Passimoza cocktail made with passion fruit, orange juice, and Prosecco.

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