Istanbul also has its own share of cafes. And in a large city such as Istanbul, you will not be hard-pressed to find one during your meanderings and explorations. Usually, these are laidback and relaxed establishments, where one can find the chance to get connected with the world via hi-speed wireless internet while downing several cups of coffee. How’s that for relaxation? Mind you, this is not an exhaustive list, but a simple peek at what Istanbul cafes have to offer.
Here are just some of them:
Viktor Levi (Hamalbasi Cad. No: 12 Galatasaray, Old Pera District) This is actually a vinery that serves as a café. It is a well-known and well-established café. You can relax and let your hair down at this place beginning from 10:00 a.m. up until 4:00 a.m.
Taksimoda (Taksim Hill Hotel, Siraselviler Caddesi 5, Taksim Meydani, Taksim) Known for sumptuous cakes and sandwiches, accompanied by great coffee. The large windows afford wonderful views of Taksim Square – an excellent opportunity to go people-watching! During summers, you may eat your breakfast in the terrace, and observe this part of the city. Starting at 2:30 p.m. up until 6:00 p.m., you can have your cakes and drinks at happy hour mode.
Fes (Ali baba Turbe sok, No:25 Nuruosmaniye) Take a break from all that shopping and get your serving of salad and some coffee. Fes is inside the Covered Bazaar, so it comes in handy when you need to rest from carrying those bags you have from your shop-till-you-drop excursion.
The House Café (Salhane Sokak 1, Ortaköy) Hip and trendy, this serves up new and innovative food. It is known for its tasty calzones, as well as its carpaccio, which is to die for. The pizzas are also something you must-try – you won’t get them anywhere else. How about a pizza with honey and Roquefort cheese, or a pizza with pears? You’ll only find them here. The House Café also has several locations around Istanbul (the branches at Tunel and Istiklal, among them).
Kaktus Café (Imam Adnan Sokak) A great place to have a beer and a simple meal. This is where you go if you want to rub elbows with the literary chic of Istanbul.
Pano Sarapevi (Hamalbasi cad. No:26 Galatasaray) Another winery that also has memorabilia featuring the history of the restaurant.
Urban (Urban, Kartal Sokak 6/A, near Galatasaray Square) Classical music, omelets, light salads, sandwiches, coffee and beer provide an interesting combination that only Urban can provide. This café-bar is located at a back street and also features a room that used to be a cistern during the Byzantine era.
Cadde-I Kebir (Imam Adnan Sokak, near Istiklal Caddesi) With sidewalk tables that allow you to watch the world go by. The relaxed atmosphere and the easy-on-the-pocket prices make this a great choice.
Café Gramofon (Tunel Square, Istiklal Caddesi) Live music provides added fascination to this café.
K.V. (Istiklal Caddesi) The main attraction here is the passageway (that harks back to the 19th century) where they have tables and serve light meals, desserts and drinks. You should also try their teas, some are herbal teas, which are good which not just quenches your thirst, but also provides health benefits.