Eats and Treats on South Istiklal, Istanbul

Eats and Treats on South Istiklal, Istanbul

Brooke Yool
Istiklal Street, nestled in the heart of Istanbul, pulses with vibrant energy, where the modern and traditional seamlessly blend. Cobblestone paths are flanked by grand European-style buildings housing boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. By day, the rhythmic hum of conversations in multiple languages mixes with the melodies of street musicians. The food scene on Istiklal mirrors the vibrancy and diversity of the city. Cozy cafes invite visitors to enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or tea. It's easy to find a quick bite or a more substantial meal -- here are some of my favorite suggestions.
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Kahve Dünyası Algötür - Pera
@ImOuttaHereTravel
At this local chain, you can choose a rich Turkish coffee or indulge in a Western-style espresso drink. The Pera location is open until 11pm -- a great post-dinner stop.
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Midpoint
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Relax at one of the indoor tables or the covered outdoor seating at this diverse cafe. Midpoint is a solid place to have a light snack or a full meal. You can enjoy an alcoholic beverage here, or choose from one of many delightful mocktails.
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Minoa Pera
@ImOuttaHereTravel
A cafe within a colorful bookstore. If you're craving some English language reading material as well as a coffee, this is the place for you!
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Varuna Gezgin Cafe - İstanbul
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Tucked on a side street just away from the hubbub of Istiklal, this cafe serves a wide variety of eats with a nod to backpacking and seeing the world. Varuna Gezgin was started by a math teacher who wished to inspire his students to travel -- and the fun decor reflects this mission.
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Şanlı Kebap&Lahmacun
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Definitely off of the tourist path. Head down the hill through a local neighborhood and grab a kebab from this local kebab shop. The chicken is moist and grilled to perfection.
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Van Kahvaltı Evi
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Van Kahvalti is internet-famous for a good reason. Their breakfast, reflective of Van in Eastern Turkiye, is top-notch, but still very affordable. If you're not up for the large breakfast spread, you can purchase individual items. I love the bal kaymak (local honey with clotted cream) and the bread.
Add to
Details
Kahve Dünyası Algötür - Pera
@ImOuttaHereTravel
At this local chain, you can choose a rich Turkish coffee or indulge in a Western-style espresso drink. The Pera location is open until 11pm -- a great post-dinner stop.
Add to
Details
Midpoint
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Relax at one of the indoor tables or the covered outdoor seating at this diverse cafe. Midpoint is a solid place to have a light snack or a full meal. You can enjoy an alcoholic beverage here, or choose from one of many delightful mocktails.
Add to
Details
Minoa Pera
@ImOuttaHereTravel
A cafe within a colorful bookstore. If you're craving some English language reading material as well as a coffee, this is the place for you!
Add to
Details
Varuna Gezgin Cafe - İstanbul
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Tucked on a side street just away from the hubbub of Istiklal, this cafe serves a wide variety of eats with a nod to backpacking and seeing the world. Varuna Gezgin was started by a math teacher who wished to inspire his students to travel -- and the fun decor reflects this mission.
Add to
Details
Şanlı Kebap&Lahmacun
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Definitely off of the tourist path. Head down the hill through a local neighborhood and grab a kebab from this local kebab shop. The chicken is moist and grilled to perfection.
Add to
Details
Van Kahvaltı Evi
@ImOuttaHereTravel
Van Kahvalti is internet-famous for a good reason. Their breakfast, reflective of Van in Eastern Turkiye, is top-notch, but still very affordable. If you're not up for the large breakfast spread, you can purchase individual items. I love the bal kaymak (local honey with clotted cream) and the bread.
Add to
Details

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brooke Yool
Hello -- memnun oldum! I am Brooke, an American who lives part-time in Istanbul, Turkiye. It is my goal to make my favorite country accessible to everyone! Who vibes with me: Couples, solo travelers, and groups who want an authentic local experience. I know all the best local food places, and how to avoid tourist traps. Things that aren't really my jam: Travel with kids, nightlife, theme parks. Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest at @im.outta.here.travel for travel inspiration from around the globe!
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