Best Places for Breakfast and Lunch in Istanbul
Yes, you’ve heard a lot about Turkish breakfast. And yes, we love to start the day with breakfasts like this. We had childhoods far from cereals, and especially when we return to our family homes on holidays, our favorite family activity is to sit at that delicious breakfast table altogether. Even though city life has taken us away from this life, breakfast is still one of the most valuable parts of our lives. Even companies prefer to hold their meetings over breakfast instead of dinner in the endless rush most of the time.
Here, we have suggested Turkish breakfast places that are interesting and aimed at different tastes.
Lades Menemen
Lades Menemen was founded in Beyoğlu for the first time in 1969. After all these years, it is still one of the most prominent values of the huge Beyoğlu today. Its “menemen,” which is scrambled eggs with options such as cheese and beef sausage, is legendary. And for generations, it’s been precious to see the powerful, kind owner Esra Çelikkol with her cheerful staff greeting us.
Feriye Palace Restaurant – Ortaköy
Meet the tiny 19th-century palace that has been carefully restored. Feriye Palace, only a step away from the Bosphorus, serves a feast worthy of sultans. This place is mainly preferred by couples who think romantic breakfasts have a different vibe. You will leave Feriye Restaurant satisfied with its lovely and extensive Turkish breakfast.
Bazlama Breakfast – Nişantaşı
This is the story of big smiling faces from Çeşme to Istanbul. You can hear many family success stories, but the best thing they have kept since day one is their warm, family-run spirit. Don’t even think of visiting “Bazlama Breakfast” on weekends without a reservation, and when you stop by, enjoy the dozens of varieties they bring to your table.
Restaurant Kruvasan – Nişantaşı
The best croissant place in the city. But for some reason, you cannot settle for plain croissants here. Decorate your table with a breakfast plate to share alongside giant croissants filled with mushrooms, eggs, or chocolate. Again, do not forget to make a reservation—especially for weekends.
Rami Restaurant – Sultanahmet
Rami Restaurant in Aya Sultanahmet Hotel is located in the heart of the Blue Mosque area. Right after entering the hotel, Rami offers a garden in the back with its high-standard service and design. It provides visitors with quality and relaxing Turkish breakfast and brunch. Rami Restaurant’s breakfast is not just an experience but a lifestyle, especially for groups of friends and couples.
Emilia – Suadiye
The “pinkest” café in town. It first became popular with its mini cakes and perfectly designed pastries. With its “flower café” concept, it quickly attracted Instagrammers, who flooded social media with photos of its beautiful dishes. In just a few months, it became one of the top locations for brunch. You can also find gluten-free and sugar-free options.
Minoa Café – Beşiktaş
This café stands out from the crowd with its bookstore concept: Minoa Bookstore-Café. It creates a friendly atmosphere with tiny tables and cozy corners. You may find yourself reading and socializing at the side table. Serving from breakfast to evening, this book café is ideal for enjoyable brunch snacks.
Beşiktaş Kahvaltıcılar (Breakfast) Street – Beşiktaş
Imagine a couple of colorful backstreets in the Beşiktaş district filled entirely with breakfast cafés—literally! Each café offers a similar menu at similar prices, showing the most modern and youthful form of neighborhood spirit in Turkish culture. If one café is full, just sit in the next; prices and menus will be almost the same. This is what we call a truly chill street.
Çınaraltı Çay Bahçesi (Tea House) – Çengelköy
The Asian side has a sweet tradition that hasn’t changed for decades: Çengelköy börek and Turkish tea. And Çınaraltı Çay Bahçesi is where you can live it flawlessly. Çınaraltı gets its name from the huge plane tree, hundreds of years old, beside the Bosphorus. All you need to do is take your börek from “Çengelköy Börekçisi” on the street and sit in the tea garden to order your tea. That’s it! Perfect for families with kids, friend groups, and couples.
Emirgan Sütiş – Emirgan
What distinguishes an ordinary-looking café from others? We say its history, service, and loyal regulars over the years. This café isn’t just another trendy place mentioned in magazines; those who visit are true Istanbul ladies and gentlemen. If you want to have your breakfast locally and in the most genuine way, Sütiş in the Emirgan area is for you.
The Final Word
We shared our list according to different interests and budgets. Although we sometimes skip full Turkish breakfasts for a quick toast or simit, nothing beats a leisurely breakfast and long conversations with friends. We hope whichever place you visit leaves you with perfect memories.