Fuel Your Day At These Istanbul Coffee Shops

Istanbul has fully embraced the global trend for artisanal coffee in recent years. As new coffee shops appear all across town, several of them stand out thanks to their vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff and, most of all, their relentless pursuit of serving delicious, top-tier brews.

Starting the day with a cup of premium coffee is a daily ritual for many Istanbulites. Offering a precious break from the city’s hectic lifestyle, coffee shops are places where people can socialise and wind down. In recent years, an ever-increasing number of cafés have popped up across town to respond to this growing demand. Whether you prefer to get your daily fix through frothy lattes or refreshing cold brews, there’s a coffee to suit every taste in Istanbul. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Petra Roasting Co.

With its unique interior decoration, expert baristas and artisanal coffee, Petra Roasting Co. is an ideal place to fuel up for your day. Its Gayrettepe branch provides a great breather right in the middle of the bustling business district. Taste its special espresso blends made from various South American beans, accompanied by a delicious breakfast burrito. The shop also houses a small art gallery and a design store filled with eclectic items, including antique grooming kits and designer neckties.

A small coffee shop located inside the Yasemin Pasaji shopping centre in the upscale neighbourhood of Bebek, Cup of Joy offers a laid-back environment in the middle of an otherwise bustling area. To defeat the afternoon crash, order a freshly brewed cortado (espresso with milk) and a parfait. With a warm wooden interior design and a welcoming atmosphere, this café is perfect for freelancers looking to get some work done. Due to its popularity, Cup of Joy has opened another branch in the popular Zorlu Center.

Kronotrop Cihangir

Kronotrop stands out as a friendly place in the bohemian Cihangir district, with an extensive menu that includes unique concoctions such as a rooibos cortado, coffee cocktails and Kyoto-style cold drip coffee. Patrons come by here for the delicious snacks and to get their caffeine fix, and a tasteful and lively atmosphere awaits those who can find an empty table. Producing its own line of beans, Kronotrop has quickly become an essential pit stop for coffee enthusiasts.

Voi Central

Voi Central occupies an elegant building within a beautiful garden area in the residential Etiler neighbourhood. This coffee shop offers smoothie bowls, assorted salads plus gluten-free and low-calorie dessert options to quell your cravings. A delicious combination to order is the blue matcha latte and luscious lemon-kumquat tart. With its comfortable tables and bright outdoor area, this place also provides a productive setting to type your day away.

MOC Nişantaşı

Bringing Australian-style brewing techniques to the coffee scene in the city, MOC continues to deliver its signature flavours to the residents of Nişantaşı. MOC prepares its variety of coffees with 12 kinds of beans from numerous regions, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Kenya. With its fruity undertones, the cold brew here is a delicious drink to enjoy during the hot summer months. The shop’s cosy interior, consisting of high ceilings, comfy armchairs and large shelves filled with books, provides the ideal backdrop for your coffee break.

Drip Coffeeist

This casual and laid-back shop on Bağdat Avenue draws visitors inside with its variety of innovative coffee brewing machinery. Its Japanese siphon coffee, prepared by filtering the coffee instead of boiling it, is a crowd favourite. With a second branch in the Beyoğlu district, Drip Coffeeist delivers authentic brews to its devotees across the city.

Coffee Department

Avid photographers exploring the colourful streets of the Balat district can drop in for their caffeine fix at Coffee Department. The spacious shop offers plenty of seating and natural light, making it the ideal place to read and work. Interested visitors can watch the baristas carefully prepare coffee at the counter and learn more about the process at workshops conducted at this store. Coffee Department also has an outdoor space for those who want to enjoy their cup of freshly brewed coffee out in the sun.

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