This short guide covers the best Turkish breakfast spots in Istanbul, including suggestions to suit all budgets. Let’s go!
Let’s get things straight. Turkey has one of the best breakfasts in the world. And I can promise you its capital, Istanbul, fully lives up to this reputation. In this short but concise post, I’m going to share with you some of the best Turkish breakfast spots in the city.
If you go to Istanbul and don’t go out for a ‘hahvati‘ Turkish-style breakfast at least once, you’re missing out big time. It’s basically criminal, almost like going to Italy and not going for a gelato.
So, what is a traditional turkish breakfast?
A traditional Turkish breakfast is all about small plates. No matter what breakfast spot you go to, there’ll always be lots of small plates consisting of olives, salads, nuts, homemade jams, honey, assorted cheese, butter, pancakes, cream. Oh, and unlimited tea and Turkish coffee.
Eggs also hold a prime place on the table, and each place will serve different kinds of eggs. You’ve got menemen (scrambled eggs), sahanda yumurta (fried eggs) or yumurta kapama (soft-boiled eggs). No matter where you go, they’ll always be some bread, which tends to always be unlimited.
Turkish breakast is my favourite kind of breakfast, designed to be enjoyed over a good few hours and will definitely fill you up for the rest of the day – no need to worry about lunch.
Also, visiting Istanbul’s breakfast spots and chatting with the owners is a real opportunity to learn more about the country’s food and regional cuisine diversity.
how much is a turkish breakfast in istanbul?
Inflation has hit Turkey hard, which means that you, as a potential visitor, can expect to pay at least 2x higher price than breakfast once was. And who can blame the restaurants? The cost of everything has gone up.
Don’t trust a menu from Google Reviews dated back to 2021 or 2022. The prices change so regularly.
Despite an increase in price, there is a range of breakfast spots in Istanbul to suit every budget. And without further ado, here are my tried-and-tested five recommendations below, going from $ to $$$.
The 5 Best TURKISH Breakfasts in Istanbul for every budget
1. Limon Kahvalti Evi
Price: $ – At around TRY 300 (10 EUR) for two people, Limon Kahvalti Evi is Istanbul’s best value-for-money breakfast spot, and the low price has no effect on the quality and taste.
The owner is extremely knowledgeable and proud of his food. I’d recommend sitting outside under the lemon tree, but if you pop into the small restaurant to go to the toilet, you’ll see two older women cooking up everything in the back. It’s very local and homemade.
Find it here.
2. Yiğit Sofram Gözleme and Kahvalti
Price: $/$$ – At around TRY 450 (15 EUR) for two people.
Just around the corner from Limon Kahvaltı Evi, you’ll find, in my opinion, the best breakfast place. Maybe it had to do with it being our first one when we arrived in Istanbul, but I still dream about the yumurta kapama (soft-boiled eggs) and halloumi. You’ll find mostly locals dining here!
Find it here.3. DOĞACIYIZ GOURMET
Price: $$ – At around TRY 550 (19 EUR) for two people.
Also, just the street over from the latter too (a breakfast haven neighbourhood!) is really locally loved spot serving the best breakfast from Antakya, located in the Southern region of Turkey.They serve delicious flatbread coated in crumbled cheese. They’re homemade peanut butter is also to DIE for. Really local and fresh ingredients.
Find it here.4. hadika kahvalti evi
Price: $$/$$$ – at around TRY 600 (20 EUR) for two people.
Another delish breakfast place serving Antakya-style breakfast We ate breakfast here twice as it was just around the corner from our Airbnb in Nisantasi. It’s a very hidden, unpretentious plate with really sweet staff.
Although it’s a tad on the expensive side in my opinion, I’d still recommend going there if it’s in your budget!
Find it here.5. Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı Nişantaşı
Price: $$$ – At around TRY 450 (15 EUR) per person, but with this, you can get an unlimited amount of everything.
If your budget allows and you want to go to THE breakfast place in Istanbul, go here. Expect a really special breakfast and who can turn down the unlimited option?
Find it here.
So, that’s my round-up of the best traditional Turkish breakfast spots in Istanbul. I’d go for Limon Kahvalti Evi if you’re on a small budget. If you have more to spend, visit Yiğit Sofram Gözleme and Kahvalti. And if you have the dolla dolla dolla and want the ultimate, unlimited Turkish breakfast experience, go to Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı Nişantaşı.
