11 Best Restaurants in Istanbul for Breakfast

Turkiye has a great reputation for food and drinks thanks to its blend of eastern and western civilizations. Every region is famous for a certain type of food or drink, from Anatolia to the Black Sea and the Aegean region. And they all come together in Istanbul to make the city’s cuisine truly unique.

In Istanbul every meal is special, but breakfast is particularly important in the daily life of the Turkish people. So, for the authentic Istanbul experience, you’ll want to make a meal of breakfast. The Turks don’t eat only one type of food for breakfast; the meal should include different types of milk and cheeses, varieties of olives and thyme, fresh vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, and different kinds of eggs. This is in addition to the honey added to locally sourced cream.

If you’re visiting Istanbul you may wonder, where I can have the best breakfast in Istanbul? What are the most popular places for breakfast in Istanbul? Where are the best restaurants in Istanbul? How can I find the best brunch in Istanbul? Well, we’ve got the answer. We’ve compiled a list of the best places for breakfast in Istanbul to help you experience the taste of Turkiye.

1. Zennup

Zennup is one of the famous Turkish chef restaurants in Istanbul. Located in Fişekhane, one of the shopping in Istanbul areas, Zennup is a great way to start a day! The chef, Ömür Akkor loves to mix up the spices and create new recipes that are local! Once you visit, you will want to come back later for lunch and dinner as well! You should taste the recipes finalized after the chef’s Anatolian tour of every city in Turkiye. The prices for breakfast start from 500 TL.

Local Tip for Turkish Breakfast

Besiktas is one of Istanbul’s most important areas and is found on the European side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus. Besiktas city centre is located between the Kabatas region and the famous Ortakoy region – considered the second centre of Istanbul after Taksim. It’s one of the most popular places to serve traditional Turkish breakfasts, which you’ll find on every corner and down every alley.

If you are asking yourself “what is a typical Turkish breakfast?”, Besiktas Kahvaltıcılar Sokagi (breakfast street of Besiktas) is the right place to see all the options. There are 30-35 different places where you can experience the local breakfast menus. They all are slightly cheaper than the usual restaurants, so it is a good option if you are on a budget.

Almost all places serve delicious “pişi” which is basically “fried dough”. You should definitely try stuffed pişi with different types of cheese, and chocolate; or you can order it plain. The prices vary between 200 – 400 TL per person.

2. Brekkie Croissant & Cookie

If you are looking for a more European type of breakfast, then you should visit Brekkie Croissant & Cookie, which is located in Kadikoy, Moda. Each food served is simply a perfect Instagram shot. As it is clear from the name of the venue, they special is croissants and all types of sandwiches served in it. We strongly recommend trying one! The prices starts from 250 TL per person!

Kadikoy district is known as the Anatolian Cultural Centre of Istanbul. Here, you’re sure to find a lively atmosphere as it’s full of young energetic people. The Kadikoy experience isn’t limited to just historical places, old alleys and buildings, and houses which reflect the elegance and fragility of its past; it’s also one of Istanbul’s most vibrant areas full of delicious restaurants and cafes.

3. Meşhur Menemenci Cemal Polat

There are many options for breakfast in Kadiköy, where a large number of restaurants serve traditional Turkish and Anatolian breakfasts. You can enjoy a wonderful meal in one of the streets of this lively area.

If you want to try a traditional Turkish breakfast eggs “menemen”, you should go to “Meşhur Menemenci Cemal Polat” on Pavlonya Street in Kadikoy. Menemen is Turkish scrambled eggs with tomato and pepper which can be served with cheese or sujuk(spicy sausage) as well. It is one of the great options to experience the best breakfast in Istanbul and the prices start from 150 TL.

And if you plan to prepare menemen at home and test your cooking skills, you will need a copper egg pan, which will add some extra taste not only to your menemen but also any meal prepared in it, and become a beautiful detail on your table. I found the exact match of the one used in Turkiye for you to feel like you are in Turkiye after buying it for your home!

Check this trip plan to see what to do more in Kadikoy

4. Historic Cinaralti Family Tea Garden (Cengelkoy)

The historical Çınaraltı Tea Garden, which takes its name from the huge plane tree in front of it (about 800 years old), is a source of pride for Çengelköy. Here, you can enjoy the best breakfast in Çengelköy, one of the most beautiful bays in the Bosphorus Strait. What’s more, you can bring your own food (but not drinks). Whether you prepare breakfast at home or buy food from one of the shops or stalls nearby, you’re welcome to eat it here.

Turkish people love drinking Black Tea while having long breakfasts and sweet talks with loved ones. No Turkish breakfast would be full without Turkish Black Tea. No matter what the weather is, tea is a perfect drink to choose along with any type of breakfast. The one below is one of the best brands in Turkiye that you can taste real Turkish tea!

If you prefer, you can buy food from the restaurant itself. Whichever you choose, you’re assured of a wonderful experience eating breakfast under the historic tree and with a beautiful view in front of you. It is one of the best breakfasts in Istanbul with a sea view. Istanbulites choose the venue often as a gathering place with friends and family, there is no music but lots of room to chat.

5. Namlı Gurme (Karakoy)

One of the most famous restaurants on the European side, Namli Gurme is located on the side of the Galata Bridge (Golden Horn). It offers a variety of cheeses, eggs, and smoked meat for you to select from. Various types of Turkish omelettes are available; some with nuts, some with vegetables and some with meat.

It’s a great place to enjoy breakfast in Istanbul. It’s a great place to enjoy one of the best Turkish breakfasts in Istanbul. Namlı Gurme is famous for its fresh, high-quality and delicious products. Prices for two people arrange between 250-500₺ Moreover, you can order their products online or shop at the restaurant if you want to take your Turkish food home with you. 

6. Big Chefs (Tarabya)

This restaurant is located in the Tarabya area overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. It has branches in several cities, but this is the most beautiful one. It serves fresh local cuisine and many options so you can taste breakfasts from different regions.

If you’re looking for a traditional Turkish breakfast this is a must.  There are different options for breakfast, if you want to try a little bit from everything, you can order “serpme kahvaltı” from the menu which has 27 different types of food with unlimited tea service. It has one of the best breakfasts in Istanbul with a sea view since you are literally enjoying your breakfast on top of the Marmara Sea. The prices start from 300 TL per person.

7. Emek Cafe (Yeniköy)

Emek Cafe, in Yeniköy, is a great place for a delicious breakfast. The back of the cafe boasts a tremendous view of the Bosphorus which you can savour with tea or a snack. They have a classic menu and all ingredients are fresh. A great place for a traditional breakfast – or any other meal.

It is definitely one of the good budget-friendly places for the best breakfast in Istanbul with a sea view. It is a famous local breakfast place for the ones looking for a unique experience. Going early is recommended to avoid the crowd and get the best table with a view.

8. Cesme Bazlama Breakfast in Nisantasi

This restaurant in Istanbul was established in 1992 in Nişantaşi district, one of Istanbul’s most famous neighbourhoods. The restaurant has its own agricultural land in Izmir where it grows local produce which is then delivered directly to consumers. The products on offer here are locally sourced from the restaurant’s farmland or from other farmers.

But it’s not limited to the Aegean region, they also produce special products originally grown in other regions of Anatolia, such as Konya tomatoes, Malatayan mulberry dried apricots and Hatayan apricots. The milk used for milk jam is also taken from cows that are fed exclusively with them in Çeşme.

From the production to the table, the process is closely monitored. For a fresh local breakfast in Istanbul, you can’t beat this place. Since they are very demanded and popular, there are 3 branches in Nişantaşı that you can choose from.

9. Emirgan Sütiş (Emirgan Branch)

Emirgan Sütiş is a very famous restaurant in Istanbul, and its breakfast menu is most people’s favorite. They started with their first branch in 1953 and now they have 15 branches in Istanbul.

We recommend the original Emirgan branch for you. It is famous for its high-quality service, delicious food and lovely atmosphere. It is counted as one of the best Turkish breakfast in Istanbul. The most popular breakfast options are “bal-kaymak” (honey and cream), “menemen” (Turkish scrambled eggs), “simit” (Turkish bagel) and “börek” (Turkish egg roll). The prices start from 300 TL per person.

10. Backyard

Set in the impressive garden of the historic French Orphanage in the middle of the Arnavutköy and Etiler districts, Backyard offers a pleasant setting for a drink and a snack. Diners can taste a real Turkish breakfast in a stunning location.

When you walk into the restaurant, you feel that its unique atmosphere and setting assures you the best breakfast in Istanbul. We recommend enjoying your breakfast in the garden, with good music and a view.

11. The Market Bosphorus

The Market Bosphorus is one of the best and most luxurious restaurants in Istanbul. You can enjoy breakfast with a charming view over the Bosphorus. The restaurant also offers oriental cuisine and delicious steak meals accompanied by excellent service and a charming atmosphere.

With its 300 people capacity, it is a good option for big groups to enjoy the best Turkish breakfast in Istanbul. Their menu is wide with various options from world cuisine to Turkish cuisine. You can order “serpme kahvaltı” a mixed breakfast option to try different things, “handmade Turkish sausage and halloumi” is a popular option as well. With its perfect location and food, it offers the best breakfast in Istanbul with a sea view.