The best bars and cafés Istanbul

After a visit to the Eyüp Mosque, do not miss this place, much appreciated by the famous writer, for its view of the Golden Horn from the terrace, and its magnificent interiors. Many people, especially on weekends, the best time is the sunset. No food, but a cold drink, tea or Turkish coffee are welcome. The place has obviously become very touristy and prices are affected, but the magic of the landscape makes you forget everything!

Open for more than thirty years, Mr. Salim's café is frequented mainly by students and regulars of the neighbourhood. You can sit quietly to smoke a hookah and drink Turkish tea or coffee. In the early morning, people from the neighbourhood buy a simit (sesame bread) and come here to enjoy it with a hot drink. Rug dealers are also installed but no harassment is practiced, on the contrary, it gives a colorful and very pleasant touch to the decor. Somewhere quiet and peaceful.

A dizzy person could easily miss the entrance. Beneath the minarets of Sainte-Sophie, nestled in an old 16th century Koranic school (medrese), the Caferağa, the work of Master Sinan (bust inside), is more than just a tea garden: an art school with shops and exhibitions. Turkish tea, herbal tea or coffee can be taken in the courtyard, where a kind of sarcophagus is enthroned (it would actually be an antique fridge!). The place is really worth the detour, but the staff is not very welcoming and one waits a long time before being served.

Known as the Cat Café, this charming and nostalgic place is one of the first trendy cafés to be established in the popular and picturesque Balat district. After it, many others of the same style have made their way around, but Naftalin K remains the darling. There's not a huge selection but you'll find plenty of snacks and everything is vegetarian: toast, omelets, grape leaves, tost (croque-monsieur with tomato and cheese). Besides the classic Turkish coffee, flavored coffees are offered (cinnamon, cardamom...).

As its name indicates, you come to the Karaoke to sing. You can choose to exercise your talents in the main room or in one of the private rooms that you will be looking for beforehand (16, 40 and 100 people). Kitsch, retro or fun, it's discussed, but karaoke likes if the ingredients are gathered, which is the case here (the Dj also passes pieces on demand between two singers).

Much nicer to drink a drink than to eat, it is on two floors, Greek style. Music is often French (very popular in Turkey). Chimneys on each floor make the place particularly pleasant in winter. Even spirit, right next door, at the Mosaik Café, a little cheaper perhaps.

More than a tea room, Hakan is above all a pastry shop. So don't hesitate to accompany your tea with one of the dozens of sweets you will see in the window. Hakan is ideally located, just a stone's throw from theiskele (the pier), and attracts many people. But there's no shortage of space between the huge and slightly kitschy room with its purple lighting and red polka-dot chairs, and the covered terrace. The staff are welcoming, even comical. And they speak a little English. On the other hand, we deplore the price of tea, too high.

If you have some free time left, spend an evening on Kadife Street, known as Barlar Sokak, the street of bars. Bars and clubs follow each other along this street! It is impossible to go out for a drink at Kadıköy without going through this mythical street. All Turks come together and the choice is wide: more or less chic bars, with or without terrace, rock or electro music. Many are also those who choose the economical solution and drink on the street their beers bought at the local grocery store!

If you want to enjoy a festive and relaxed atmosphere, Montreal is the place for you. With its varied menu of shots of all kinds and at very reasonable prices, it will seduce you. We offer vodka, whisky, gin, liqueurs and some appetizers to go with it all. The design of the bar as well as the non-aggressive lighting will add to the drinks to make you have a pleasant time. It's hard to find room on the weekends and the clientele overflows into the street. Only downside: loud music can quickly deafen you.

A subdued atmosphere, colourful lighting, original architecture playing with hollows and perspectives, comfortable armchairs... The Incir is a cosy pub in the trendy Kadiköy district where it's nice to drink a few beers with friends. The cocktails are quite successful, the waiters are nice and smiling. There is a good general atmosphere and the clientele is rather young. This bar, opened in 2008, is very busy at weekends and at the end of the day, you have to go early to reserve your place. Or go there on weekdays to be more quiet.

Decorated pub dedicated to the Red River western in which John Wayne played, with original posters. The interior is quite warm with wooden tables and chairs and some green velvet benches. A terrace in summer, very pleasant despite the proximity of the tramway, to have a drink after a long day of discovery. The beers are mainly Turkish and Belgian. You can also eat various snacks (burgers, chicken wings...), some kebabs and even fish. The staff is very friendly.

The Misket is, as its name suggests (Şarap evi), a tavern where you can drink wine. Served in jugs and earthen cups, the (red) wine is handcrafted and a little sweet. It feels a little like home, probably because it's the right place to be. If you are a little curious, you can go inside and up the stairs. Three floors, like three small living rooms. Armchairs and sofas in which it is nice to lie down. As a bonus, you will listen to good music, alternatively. Nothing very strange since the bar belongs to the Baba Zula group

Probably one of the best places to enjoy a good glass of wine, from Turkey or elsewhere, accompanied by plates of cheese, smoked meats and other appetizers. There are a few pasta and meat dishes on the menu for the most hungry. The welcome is warm and the waiters are there to advise you on the choice of wine. Be careful, the place is quite small and its fame is well known: it is better to arrive early. The only downside is the stools, which are really uncomfortable and hurt your back in the long run

At the foot of a hundred-year-old tree, you can relax and contemplate the sunset on the Bosporus. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners are also delicious. Simple dishes are offered such as sandwiches, köftes or different fish. But it is possible to bring your picnic and settle in, as long as you order a drink. A highly recommended address. Take a bus or dolmuş to Çengelköy, and ask for Çinaraltı, everyone knows.

In a tastefully restored old Ottoman building, the Karga (Turkish raven) is located on 3 floors. A subdued atmosphere, iron chandeliers and exposed beams, the place does not lack charm. The musical program is exclusively rock and many events are organized throughout the year. In winter you can warm up by the fireplace. This district, more alternative than Taksim, is becoming the hot spot. Fast food available for the hungry. Namely: the bar being in the basement, it may seem a little stuffy.

The café offers a menu that oscillates between the two regions, in a greedy and fragrant Mediterranean marriage: sea bass with rocket and parmesan and its fennel salad, goat's cheese risotto, spicy tomatoes, basil and rocket, not to mention pizzas, pasta but also 100% Turkish specialities that are not left out. The wine list is well stocked, as is the cocktail list: because beyond the restaurant, the House Café is also and above all a trendy bar, jazzy or electro depending on the night's progress. Reservation is highly recommended.