Trying a traditional Turkish breakfast, otherwise known as kahvalti in Turkish, is a must on your trip to Istanbul, Turkiye. Turkiye is known for their picturesque food spreads, and Turkish breakfasts are no exception.
Consisting of a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, eggs, soft breads and sweet pastries, homemade fruit jams, juicy beef sausage, and endless amounts of black tea, Turkish breakfasts have something for everyone around the table to enjoy. You can find Turkish breakfasts all across Istanbul, attracting tourists and locals alike. From hole-in-the-wall spots to large cafes serving Instagram-worthy spreads, there are many restaurants across Istanbul where you can enjoy a Turkish breakfast.
After living in Istanbul for over a year and eating Turkish breakfasts weekly, I quickly discovered which spots were tourist traps and which worth a second (or third) visit. In this blog post, I’ll share the best places to eat a Turkish breakfast in Istanbul, Turkiye in 2024.
#1: Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti – Nisantasi
Nestled in the chic neighborhood of Nisantasi, Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti offers a culinary journey through the heart of Turkish breakfast traditions. This long-standing restaurant has a charming and comforting atmosphere that captures the essence of kahvalti. Over the years, Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti has become increasingly popular, requiring the business owners to take over multiple establishments across the same street to provide more seating for customers. Even with the restaurant’s expansion, you still may find yourself waiting a few minutes for a table on a busy weekend morning. As soon as you step into the restaurant, the aroma of freshly baked bread and Turkish black tea welcomes you.
One of the highlights at Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti is their signature bazlama bread, a soft and pillowy flatbread stuffed with a variety of fillings such as potato, cheese, and spinach. You’ll see Turkish ladies across the restaurant rolling out the bazlama dough and toasting the flatbread on the open-faced bazlama grills.
There is no set menu, rather, staff bring each dish to your table in an “all you can eat” style. You pay a set price for the breakfast and can request more of any dish as you please. From rich local cheeses to flavorful homemade fruit jams, every bite is a burst of authentic Turkish flavors. The attention to detail in sourcing fresh and high-quality ingredients is evident. You’ll quickly understand why this spot has earned its place as one of Istanbul’s top Turkish breakfast destinations.
I’ve gone to Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti nearly a dozen times and it’s never gotten old. This was my go-to Turkish breakfast spot that I would bring my visiting friends or family to.
For those seeking an Instagram-worthy breakfast that truly captures the essence of kahvalti, Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti is a must-visit on your trip to Istanbul. The set menu is priced at 485 ₺ or around $16 USD per person. Locals will tell you that this place is pricey compared to other spots, but I believe it’s well worth it for the sheer amount of food served and the “all you can eat” style. I recommend this for your first Turkish breakfast because you’ll have the option to try everything that makes up a traditional kahvalti and can discover your favorite breakfast dishes.
#2: Van Kahvalti Evi – Cihangir
Nestled in the heart of Cihangir is Van Kahvalti Evi, where breakfast is an art form. Locals and tourists alike frequent this cozy hole-in-the-wall. This was one of the first places I tried Turkish breakfast in Istanbul and I quickly became a regular customer.
The restaurant has a rich history that adds a layer of cultural significance to its inviting ambiance. Established over a decade ago, the restaurant has evolved into a beloved institution for locals and a cherished discovery for tourists seeking an authentic Turkish breakfast experience. This restaurant is a staple in the dynamic and artistic neighborhood of Cihangir.
The Van-style breakfast takes center stage, featuring unique delicacies and flavors specific to the Van region in eastern Turkiye. From creamy kaymak (clotted cream) to aromatic honey, and pişi (Turkish fried bread), each component of the breakfast creates a variety of flavors. The expansive spread, complete with cheeses, olives, and artisanal bread, transforms your breakfast into a cultural journey.
Beyond the plate, Van Kahvalti Evi goes the extra mile to provide a sophisticated and memorable breakfast experience. The cozy yet contemporary decor, paired with attentive staff, makes it the ideal spot for those seeking a memorable Turkish breakfast on their trip to Istanbul.
Their menu is not a set price, rather, you will pick and choose from typical Turkish breakfast dishes such as breads, cheeses, eggs, olives, and dips. Expect to pay around 400 ₺, or around $13 USD per person here.
#3: Emirgan Sütis – Sariyer
Tucked away in the charming upscale district of Sariyer, Emirgan Sütis is more than just a breakfast spot – it’s a legacy spread across generations. The establishment dates back to the 1850s in the country of Georgia, with the specific Sariyer location opening nearly 40 years ago.
While Emirgan Sütis is a bit pricier compared to other Turkish breakfast spots in Istanbul, the trade-off is breathtaking views of the Bosphorus in a peaceful atmosphere with top-notch service. Here you’ll indulge in a culinary experience where history, tradition, and taste converge, creating an unforgettable experience.
You can order breakfast here at any time of the day. You can pick and choose breakfast dishes a-la-carte style to create your own unique Turkish breakfast spread. From their variety of eggs to their homemade cheeses and breads, everything is curated to the highest of culinary standards to create an unforgettable Turkish breakfast experience.
Emirgan Sütis is one of my favorite Turkish breakfast spots in Istanbul. It combines quality dishes with beautiful views of the Bosphorus through an elevated experience. You can expect to pay around 900 ₺, or around $30 USD per person for a full Turkish breakfast spread here.
#4: Ethem Efendi Kahvalti – Kadikoy
Finally, in the vibrant district of Kadikoy on the asian side of Istanbul, is Ethem Efendi Kahvalti. This spot is a hidden gem, offering a delightful escape into the heart of Turkish breakfast culture. Tucked away from the bustling streets, this unassuming spot has captured the hearts of locals and in-the-know tourists seeking an authentic experience.
Ethem Efendi Kahvalti presents a curated breakfast spread that mirrors the true essence of kahvalti. From the moment you enter, the cozy atmosphere and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed Turkish tea create a comforting ambiance. Despite its growing popularity among tourists, Ethem Efendi Kahvalti maintains an intimate, local charm that sets it apart.
The menu is a testament to simplicity and quality. Each item, carefully selected and prepared, contributes to the traditional flavors that characterize Turkish breakfast. The establishment takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a farm-to-table freshness that elevates the dining experience. One of the highlights is the traditional Turkish simit, a sesame bread that pairs perfectly with the assortment of cheeses, olives, and homemade jams. The menu is crafted to showcase the diversity of Turkish breakfast, offering a mix of savory and sweet options that cater to a variety of tastes.
Similar to Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti, Ethem Efendi Kahvalti provides a set menu for customers, with the option to add additional dishes and enjoy the breakfast in an all-you-can-eat style. The pricing at Ethem Efendi Kahvalti is fairly budget-friendly. This, coupled with the authentic flavors and the quaint charm of Kadikoy, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic Turkish breakfast experience. You can expect to pay around 300 ₺, or $10 USD per person here.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the Turkish breakfast experience offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the local flavors of Turkiye. From the chic neighborhoods of Nisantasi to the lively streets of Kadikoy, each spot highlighted in this blog post adds a unique addition to Istanbul’s rich breakfast culture. Çesme Bazlama Kahvalti in Nisantasi, Van Kahvalti Evi in Cihangir, Emirgan Sütis in Sariyer, and Ethem Efendi Kahvalti in Kadikoy showcase the best of Turkish breakfast, each with its own charm and story to tell.
As you plan your visit to Istanbul, Turkiye, in 2024, consider venturing beyond the tourist traps and embracing in these longstanding local favorites to experience an unforgettable Turkish breakfast experience. Afiyet olsun 🙂
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