If I could give you just one piece of advice about traveling in Istanbul, it would be to skip the hotel breakfast. Yes, buy an Istanbulkart for public transport, yes, watch your belongings in crowded areas, blah‑blah‑blah… But above all, head out early and go to one of the neighborhood cafés to experience the food‑coma that is breakfast in Istanbul.
You see, breakfast in Istanbul is such a special and magical experience that it shouldn’t be left to chance. If I had to choose one word to describe a traditional Turkish breakfast, it would be “abundance.” Dozens of tiny plates cover the entire table—so many that you can’t see the tablecloth. Every plate holds freshly prepared food: eggs, cheeses, olives, fruit jams, hazelnut spread, and honey…
And of course, tea. Not the sad tea bag floating at the bottom of a mug you often see in the U.S. or Europe. Instead, freshly brewed, deep Turkish tea served in a tulip‑shaped glass—refilled again and again, as much as your heart desires.
So, without further ado, let me tell you about the 7 wonderful breakfast spots in Istanbul that I tried and absolutely loved! They’re all in popular neighborhoods and close to major sights, making them a perfect place to start your day of exploring.
If you are interested in this content, we recommend that you take a look at our Places to Visit in Istanbul content.
Where to Find a Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
1. Cafe Privato
Cafe Privato appears on almost every list of the best breakfast places in Istanbul, and for good reason.
First of all, the ambience is fantastic—a bit hipster, a bit old‑school. If you visit in the warm summer or autumn months, be sure to grab an outdoor table. There’s plenty of open‑air seating with colorful tables and chairs.
Second, the food is phenomenal — and plentiful. I’ve had my fair share of traditional Turkish breakfasts in Istanbul, but the spread at Privato Cafe left me spellbound.
First came the vegetables, cheeses, olives, jams, and honey. I had already counted at least 15 plates when the waiter told me that the hot dishes hadn’t arrived yet!
The second round brought eggs, gözleme, and crêpes. And tea, of course, was bottomless.
Plan to spend at least 90 minutes here, because it’s physically impossible to finish all that food any faster.
The price is quite high compared with the other spots on this list, but the variety is much wider and it will keep you full until late at night.
📍 Location: If you’re planning to visit Galata Tower, Cafe Privato is a perfect place to start your day. The café is only a 2‑minute walk from the tower! 🚶♂️
Cafe Privato — Şahkulu, Tımarcı Sk. #3, Beyoğlu.
2. Van Kahvaltı Evi
This place introduced me to Turkish breakfast about four or five years ago. On my last trip to Istanbul, I went back to see if it still lived up to the hype. The verdict? It absolutely does!
Van Kahvaltı Evi serves Kurdish‑inspired breakfasts. Van, the city from which it takes its name, sits on the Turkey–Iran border and has a predominantly Kurdish population.
Here are some Kurdish specialties you can try:
- Otlu Peynir 🧀: Salty white cheese mixed with local herbs
- Murtuğa 🍳: Eggs whisked with butter and flour
And of course, the tea never ends! ☕ Instead of refilling your own glass, a waiter circulates with a tray of tea glasses and periodically sets a fresh glass in front of you.
📍 Location: Van Kahvaltı Evi is located in the Cihangir neighborhood.
In nearby Çukurcuma, vintage shops, boutique stores, and art galleries are waiting to be explored! 🎨🛍️
One of the main attractions close by is the Museum of Innocence 🏛️—a must‑visit if you’ve read Orhan Pamuk’s novel of the same name.
Van Kahvaltı Evi — Kılıçali Paşa, Defterdar Ykş. 52/A, Beyoğlu.
3. Lokma
While most restaurants offer a fixed‑price breakfast menu, at Lokma you can mix and match dishes to suit your taste.
I probably wouldn’t choose Lokma for my very first Turkish breakfast in Istanbul because you haven’t yet learned the basics or which dishes pair well. But if you have some experience, picking exactly what you like is a thrill.
Another perk is that, compared with a fixed spread of dozens of plates, ordering only a few dishes means you’re less likely to overeat.
My partner and I went for egg dishes:
- Sucuklu menemen for me (spicy sausage with eggs)
- Plain fried eggs for him
- Fresh watermelon with cheese
- A few freshly baked simits (the best I’ve ever had)
- My personal favorite: honey with kaymak
Besides the delicious food, the stunning Bosphorus view is another reason to spend your morning here.
📍 Location: Lokma sits right by the waterfront, perfect for a stroll after breakfast. Just 10 minutes away is Rumelihisarı Fortress, one of Istanbul’s top sights.
Lokma — Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd. #18, Sarıyer.
4. House Cafe
House Cafe, which started in Istanbul, now has 15 branches across Turkey and worldwide. You can find nine locations in Istanbul alone, but the one I tried and highly recommend is House Cafe Ortaköy.
Just like Lokma, The House Cafe is worth visiting for the beautiful Bosphorus view alone. Be sure to reserve a table on one of the two large terraces overlooking Ortaköy Mosque right on the water.
The indoor space is equally impressive. Its eclectic design provides a relaxed yet chic atmosphere for quality dining.
I can’t comment on the lunch or dinner menu, but the breakfast was fantastic. The café can seat up to 450 guests, yet still delivers fresh dishes and fast service.
📍 Location: There are nine branches in Istanbul, but House Cafe Ortaköy boasts the best Bosphorus view. After breakfast you can visit Ortaköy Mosque or take a Bosphorus cruise from Ortaköy Pier.
The House Cafe — Yıldız, Salhane Sk. #1, Beşiktaş.
5. Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu
When talking about breakfast in Istanbul, you can’t skip Beşiktaş’s Breakfast Street. Yes, there’s a street filled with dozens of cafés that serve only breakfast!
Actually, it’s more than a single street; it’s a U‑shaped zone packed with amazing morning eateries.
With so many cafés in such a small area, choosing just one can be hard. But I recommend starting with the original.
Breakfast Street is said to have started with Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu. About 15 years ago Şah İsmail Çakmak from Erzincan opened his café in what was then called Eskiciler Street. At first it seemed like an odd location, but soon many breakfast cafés opened side by side.
One of Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu’s signature dishes is pişi—a delicious fried dough similar to lokma.
📍 Location:
Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu sits in the bustling heart of Beşiktaş. After breakfast you can:
- Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, just a 13‑minute walk away.
- Stroll through Beşiktaş’s lively streets,
- Explore the neighborhood fish market.
Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu — Sinanpaşa, Çelebi Oğlu Sk. #8, Beşiktaş.
6. Peynir Ekmek Cafe & Breakfast
Peynir Ekmek is another popular café on Beşiktaş’s Breakfast Street. On my last visit I stayed in the neighborhood for a few days, and the street became my morning ritual.
What sets Peynir Ekmek apart is its focus on cheese. The word “peynir” (cheese) refers to the fresh white cheese commonly eaten at breakfast. But the real reason I came was to try the traditional Turkish mıhlama.
Mıhlama: The Legendary Taste of the Black Sea
Mıhlama is a delicious breakfast dish made by mixing melted aged cheeses with coarsely ground cornmeal. Although it’s served all over Turkey, it originates from the Black Sea region.
Served piping hot in a small pan, mıhlama is scooped up with pieces of fresh bread—no cutlery needed!
Budget‑Friendly Options on Breakfast Street
Many cafés on Beşiktaş’s Breakfast Street, including Peynir Ekmek and Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu, are very affordable. You’ll pay about half of what you’d spend at Privato Cafe or Lokma, yet still enjoy a varied and satisfying breakfast.
📍 Location:
Peynir Ekmek sits in the center of Beşiktaş. After breakfast you can:
- Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, just a 13‑minute walk away.
- Wander the busy streets of Beşiktaş,
- Check out the neighborhood fish market,
Peynir Ekmek Cafe & Breakfast — Sinanpaşa, Çelebi Oğlu Sk. #14, Beşiktaş.
7. Journey Lounge
My final recommendation for a great breakfast in Istanbul is Journey Lounge. If you still crave Turkish food but your partner can’t face another menemen, this is just the place.
Honestly, I thought Turkish breakfast could never get boring. I was wrong. It took seven full days to find a light and healthy option.
Natural and Seasonal Ingredients
Journey Lounge stands out for its use of natural and seasonal ingredients:
- Home‑made breads and pickles
- Organic milk and yogurt
- Organic chicken sourced from a nearby farm
Journey Breakfast: A Minimalist, Balanced Meal
The Journey Breakfast includes all the classic Turkish breakfast items you’ll find elsewhere, but the difference is that they’re served on a single board instead of many small plates.
Portions are smaller, making it a perfect single‑serving breakfast.
Western‑Style Alternatives
If you prefer something more Western, you’ll also find:
- Crêpes
- English muffins
- Granola
- Yogurt
In short, this is a more stylish and modern café compared with the other spots on this list, and its Cihangir location suits it perfectly.
📍 Location:
Journey Lounge is in Cihangir, known for its vintage shops, boutique stores, and art galleries. Take time to explore Cihangir’s narrow streets after breakfast.
Journey Lounge — Kılıçali Paşa, Akarsu Ykş. 21/A, 34425 Beyoğlu.
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I hope this guide helps you find a fantastic breakfast in Istanbul no matter which neighborhood you start in. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and I hope to add more restaurants when I return to the city.
