Best Breakfast Spots in Istanbul (2025 Guide)

Breakfast Should Have Something to Do with Istanbul

“In breakfast there should be a relation with happiness,” says Cemal Süreya in his poem “Breakfast.” We absolutely agree, and we would like to adapt that thought to Istanbul: “Breakfast should have something to do with the Bosphorus, with seagulls, with a sense of calm tucked inside the crowd.” In this city, breakfast is not only a morning ritual. Sometimes it is a lovely excuse for long conversations with friends, sometimes it is a sweet pause to unwind after a busy week.

In this guide, we have prepared a selection of breakfast stops favored by both locals and international travelers. Save this list of the best breakfast places on both sides of Istanbul, and do not forget to discover your own favorites at the first opportunity.

1. Bosphorus View Breakfast Places

Emirgan Sütiş - Emirgan, European Side

In operation since the 1950s, Emirgan Sütiş is a timeless classic for those who cannot give up the traditional Turkish breakfast of simit, menemen, and honey with clotted cream. As the brand’s flagship branch, it has never lost its status as one of the first addresses that come to mind for breakfast in Istanbul. Try to arrive before 9 a.m. to secure a table with the best view, as weekends get very crowded.

Rumeli Kale Café - Rumelihisarı, European Side

Warm bread, menemen served in copper pans, the fortress walls of Rumelihisarı, and the Bosphorus view. This spot has a special place in Istanbul’s breakfast tradition and is ideal for those who prefer peaceful morning meals. For a short walk in the fortress area after breakfast, the most pleasant hours are between 10:00 and 11:00.

Çengelköy Çınaraltı - Üsküdar, Asian Side

How about enjoying an affordable breakfast at one of the city’s most nostalgic venues? The Historic Çınaraltı Family Tea Garden ranks among Istanbulites’ top breakfast spots with its location and authentic atmosphere. You can bring pastries or börek from your favorite bakery and eat them here, or choose from the venue’s own snack menu.

Kuleli Yakamoz - Çengelköy, Asian Side

Having breakfast right next to the Kuleli Military High School is comparable to a panorama show. With a large terrace and a waterfront location, it has stood out for its generous spread breakfasts in recent years. A reservation may be needed.

Feriye Lokantası - Ortaköy, European Side

For a classic Turkish breakfast enhanced with modern touches and framed by one of Istanbul’s most striking views, the Feriye complex between Ortaköy Mosque and Çırağan Palace is a great address. Housed in an Ottoman-era building, it also stands out with elegant service and meticulous presentation.

Big Chef’s Kuzguncuk - Kuzguncuk, Asian Side

Among all chain venues, one of the branches with the most “Istanbul” atmosphere is Big Chef’s Kuzguncuk. After strolling through colorful streets, you reach this Bosphorus-facing corner for a legendary spread breakfast. Finding outdoor seating on sunny days can be difficult.

Mükellef Karaköy - Karaköy, European Side

You have probably heard of it through celebrity chef Arda Türkmen. Located on the terrace of The Haze Karaköy, it offers cheese platters, freshly baked simit, special jams, and distinctive flavors like olive salad, all with views of the Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn. Demand is especially high for weekend brunch.

Halat by Divan - Kuruçeşme, European Side

At the Rahmi Koç Museum’s restaurant, you can combine a museum visit with breakfast. It sits right by the water in a refined setting. Against the backdrop of the Historic Peninsula, enjoy Divan’s classic breakfast options and gourmet plates. There is also an open buffet on weekends.

2. Local or Village-Style Breakfast Places in Istanbul

Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı - Nişantaşı, European Side

With branches in Izmir, Istanbul, Dubai, and Spain, Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı brings the spirit of Aegean towns to the city center. Bazlama breads are cooked fresh on the griddle, trays arrive with homemade jams, and alongside country-style menemen and pişi, the menu tempts with flavors like coriander olives and three-cheese eggplant. Tea is unlimited, and the fixed menu is excellent.

Hatay Gurme - Ataşehir, Asian Side

Hatay Gurme brings the famed cuisine of Antakya to Ataşehir’s breakfast tables with products that have geographical indication status. The “Dahiye Sultan Breakfast” menu offers a wide range, from sourdough bread made with a 23-year-old starter to walnut pepper paste, sürk cheese, and hummus. You can purchase your favorite items from the retail section after breakfast and take them home.

Van Kahvaltı Evi - Cihangir, European Side

There are many breakfast places using this name in Istanbul, but for us, this venue symbolizes the concept of local breakfast in the city. We are talking about the Cihangir Van Kahvaltı Evi, offering the most popular Van-style spread with roasted wheat halva, molasses, murtuğa, kete, and of course herb cheese. It is naturally very busy all the time.

Namlı Gurme - Karaköy, European Side

This is essentially a delicatessen where you can find almost every regional specialty under one roof. To put it simply, Kars gruyere, Trabzon butter, za’atar olives, Kayseri pastrami, and Balıkesir cheeses can all share the same table at Namlı Gurme. Opened with the “gourmet” concept of Namlı, one of Turkiye’s leading delicatessen brands, it is ideal for both shopping and breakfast.

Anzer Sofrası - Sarıyer, European Side

Set at one of the finest viewpoints on the Bosphorus, this spot serves an outstanding Black Sea breakfast. Think muhlama and kuymak, fragrant corn breads, stuffed collard greens, rich butters, and the legendary Anzer honey among the world’s most special. Tea is unlimited, and the view is superb.

Havva Hanım Trabzon Köy Kahvaltısı - Suadiye, Asian Side

Another Black Sea style breakfast spot on the Asian side. If you miss the flavors of Trabzon, this venue, which looks like a Black Sea village in the middle of the city, sets a natural table with authentic Trabzon products. Havva Hanım has many devoted regulars, so the kuymak can sell out quickly.

3. Concept Breakfast Places in Istanbul

Guido’s - Teşvikiye, European Side

Guido’s brings Italy’s renowned sandwich culture to Istanbul. The menu features great bagels and focaccia sandwiches that make you feel like you are having breakfast in Florence. Open every day except Monday.

Apartıman Yeniköy - Yeniköy, European Side

With bohemian decor and a calm atmosphere, this place truly feels like a family apartment. All ingredients are sourced from organic farms, and even the breads are made with a 13 to 14-year-old sourdough starter. Fresh fruits, tasty omelets, poached eggs in yogurt, pancakes, and oven-fresh croissants shine on weekend mornings.

Kruvasan - Nişantaşı, European Side

With sweet and savory croissants and buttery doughs, Kruvasan brings a French breeze to Nişantaşı’s side streets. Here you can have a minimal and chic breakfast like a Parisian and start the day quietly with coffee.

Naan Bakeshop - Moda, Asian Side

Artisanal bakeries are among the most popular venues lately, and Naan Bakeshop in Moda is one of them. Since it is primarily a bakery, a variety of breads take center stage at breakfast. After eating, you can buy your favorite loaves to take home.

Misk Floral Cafe - Reşitpaşa, European Side

Misk Floral Cafe offers a breakfast experience in an atmosphere you have likely never tried before. It is the only place we know that combines a flower shop with a breakfast concept. The interior smells of fresh flowers, and the breakfasts are delicious. Avocado options and hazelnut cream pastries are menu favorites. We think you should try it.

Perispiri - Balat, European Side

Hardly a day passes without a new breakfast spot opening in Balat. In this neighborhood that has become a hotspot for food and drink, Perispiri stands out with its retro design and warm atmosphere. It is also an art studio. The ground floor is a gallery, and the upper floor serves as a restaurant. The best part is sitting at antique tables and sipping your tea from antique cups. Sunday brunch has many loyal fans.

Brekkie - Moda, Asian Side

Brekkie presents the most modern take on breakfast with its Australian inspired all day breakfast concept. It caters to those who like to step outside the classic Turkish spread. Egg toasts, croissants with biscuit cream, sandwiches with thyme and za’atar, and smoothie bowls are essentials here.

Maybe - Kalamış, Asian Side

Located near Kalamış Marina, this refined venue stands out for its healthy breakfast. In addition to gluten free and sugar free choices, it offers various granolas, smoothie bowls, and house made sausages that are very popular. Maybe is open every day except Monday and Tuesday. It is wise to go a bit early to find a table.

Rustique Mutfak - Arnavutköy, European Side

In Arnavutköy, one of Istanbul’s favorite breakfast districts, this venue is rustic, simple, and elegant, just like its name suggests. Sourdough artisan breads, smoked meat toasts, and egg dishes rank among the favorites. The most delightful detail is that items are served in handmade ceramics.

Mahatma Café - Yeldeğirmeni, Asian Side

Options for vegan and vegetarian diners are now plentiful. Among them, we chose Mahatma Cafe, which carries Yeldeğirmeni’s bohemian spirit into breakfast with a simple yet distinctive style. Everything here is entirely local and natural. Be sure to try the tahini leek bread, the bean cream, and the tiramisu.

180 Coffee Bakery - Kadıköy, Asian Side

We wanted to close the concept section with 180 Coffee Bakery, which serves excellent English style breakfasts and is one of Kadıköy’s most talked about venues. Combining third wave coffee culture with an artisan bakery, everything here is baked at 180 degrees. For breakfast, you can opt for poached eggs, granola bowls, and fresh croissants. Do not forget to pick your brew from the extensive coffee menu afterward.