THE ULTIMATE NERD COFFEE GUIDE TO ISTANBUL
BY TREMOR CHRIST
Most of us have endured the token appreciation cup of coffee after haggling over a rug for an hour before realising "Do I really need a rug?", that dark sludge poisoning your teeth with grit that will stay there until new years. Smiling salesman ploughing you with caffeine until you quite literally lose all reason and surrender to the Visa machine.
Though Istanbul has more sights than you can shake Elvis' hips at, it also has a well defined Third-Wave coffee scene. Gone are the days of being limited to only a tiny vessel of thick murky intentions, the joy of a V60, slow-brew, cold brew, espresso based drink or aeropress are here to stay. Not only has the quality of coffee leapfrogged over the past decade, but the locations chosen to extract their drug of choice have also been contemplated with deep sincerity.
There are many coffee haunts below, some will be aimed solely at purists, some for the casual coffee flight artist, some still for those prepared to board public transport and suffer the indignity of human contact to venture out to distant neighborhoods for relief.
Istanbul, the mighty diamond, is now finally home to some black brilliance!
#THEMOUTHSCHOICE
PETRA ROASTING CO.
One of the first slingers of Third-wave coffee in Turkey, now with multiple locations, Petra is a great place to get a consistently tasty cup of coffee. From a minimalist house/garden in Bebek, to the sprawling behemoth in Gayrettepe, our favourite happens to be the small cosy cafe in Nisantasi where a book and an Ethiopian coffee hit the spot every time.
COFFEE DEPARTMENT
Another "chain" of coffee shops in Istanbul, bringing you great coffee time and time again. Our favourite locations are the tiny hidden one in Nisantasi, and the Balat location despite the tourist swarms a couple of blocks away.
COFFEE MANIFESTO
Another company with a few branches scattered around town, you can safely guarantee you'll get a better brew here than most places.
KARABATAK
Amidst the tourist melee of Karakoy (home to the epic lunchspot Nato), lies Karabatak in a quiet alley. Just far enough from the crowds, but easy enough to get to, this cafe has the perfect vibes for an afternoon work session or sunbathing while fawning over cats in the side-alley.
SPADA
This tiny cafe in Nistantasi with a few tables outside to soak up the rays, does excellent coffee. It also happens to be round the corner from Peleki, so you can go grab some bakery goods there or stretch your legs and grab a kebab at Adana Ocakbasi a 15 minute walk away.
CEKIRDEK
One of the OG spots for coffee of a different kind in Istanbul, this Kadikoy favourite offers exceptionally friendly service, nice pour-over, and a tiny sidewalk area to peer at strangers.
POSA ROASTERS
If you're out walking the tourist sights in Sultanahmet, and decide to head to Balat for some pondering, then drop by here for a cup of coffee. The space itself is a mix between an art students basement and a factory, but there are 2 tables outside if the sun is kind.
KRONOTROP
Though the signage doesn't inspire confidence, the coffee here is great. If you want to see how Turkish style coffee can be applied to different beans, then ask for the Ethiopian blend served in the local style. It's actually quite delicious.
FAHRIYE
Wrap your day in sad light and nostalgic furniture? Head to Fahriye and feed your solitude in a quiet corner.
MONTAG
Berlin vibes in Turkish surrounds, and solid coffee. They have a branch closer to the water with a terrace if people are such inclined.
BOHEMS
The coffee is perhaps not the highlight at this charming little cafe on the fringes of Nisantasi, but the tiny hidden location makes for a great place to read a book.
