Some of Turkey's best tea houses and cafes include Mandabatmaz and Dem Karakoy in Istanbul, Hafiz Mustafa 1864 near the Spice Bazaar, Nargilem Cafe in Antalya, and King's Coffee in Cappadocia's Goreme — each a great place to taste authentic Turkish tea (çay) and copper-pot Turkish coffee. Tea and coffee are at the heart of daily life here, and the cafes below are some of the most characterful spots to slow down and enjoy them.
If you're heading to Cappadocia, pair a coffee stop with our Cappadocia local food guide and our list of the top things to do in Cappadocia.
Mandabatmaz — Istanbul
Located just off Istanbul's famous Taksim Square, Mandabatmaz is a must-visit for coffee lovers. The name, which roughly means “a buffalo wouldn't sink in it” in Turkish, refers to the thick, velvety body of their brew. The cafe is known for its strong, flavourful Turkish coffee, made in a traditional copper pot and served in a small cup.
King's Coffee — Goreme, Cappadocia
Located in the heart of Cappadocia's Goreme town, King's Coffee is a cosy, relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea after a morning of exploring the valleys. The cafe is decorated with antique furniture and offers traditional Turkish coffee and tea alongside other international options, plus a selection of pastries and snacks. It's an easy stop to fold into a day around the Goreme Open-Air Museum.
How do I get to King’s Coffee?
Hafiz Mustafa 1864 — Istanbul
Hafiz Mustafa 1864 is a popular tea house and cafe in Istanbul's historic Eminonu district. Established in 1864, it is known for its traditional Turkish tea and coffee, as well as its delicious Turkish delight and baklava. The cafe also has a bakery where they make their own pastries and desserts.
Nargilem Cafe — Antalya
In the heart of Antalya's old town, Nargilem Cafe is a traditional Turkish cafe offering a distinctive experience. Decorated with Turkish carpets and cushions, it serves a variety of flavoured nargile (hookah) options alongside Turkish tea and coffee, and has a rooftop terrace with a lovely view of the city.
Kocaturk Cay Bahcesi — Black Sea region
Kocaturk Cay Bahcesi is a beautiful tea house in Turkey's Black Sea region — the country's tea-growing heartland. Set in a picturesque garden surrounded by greenery, it offers traditional Turkish tea and snacks plus a selection of international teas. Visitors can enjoy a game of backgammon or chess while sipping their çay.
Mado — nationwide
Mado is a popular cafe chain across Turkey offering desserts and pastries as well as traditional Turkish tea and coffee. It is best known for its ice cream, made with all-natural ingredients in a variety of flavours, and also serves savoury snacks and sandwiches.
Dem Karakoy — Istanbul
In Istanbul's Karakoy neighbourhood, Dem Karakoy is a trendy cafe with a wide range of specialty coffee and loose-leaf tea options. Decorated with vintage furniture and artwork, it has a cosy, inviting atmosphere and offers pastries and sandwiches to accompany your drink.
These are just a few of the many tea houses and cafes Turkey has to offer. Whether you're a coffee lover or a tea aficionado, there's something for everyone. The next time you're in Turkey — and especially in Cappadocia — stop by one of these spots and experience the country's rich tea and coffee culture firsthand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Turkish tea and Turkish coffee?
Turkish tea (çay) is a strong black tea brewed in a stacked double teapot and served in small tulip-shaped glasses throughout the day. Turkish coffee is very finely ground, unfiltered, and simmered slowly in a copper pot called a cezve, leaving a thick layer of grounds at the bottom of the cup. Both are typically served without milk.
Where can I find good coffee in Cappadocia?
King's Coffee in the centre of Goreme is a reliable favourite for both Turkish coffee and international options, making it an easy stop between visits to the valleys and the open-air museum. For more local eating and drinking ideas, see our Cappadocia food guide and practical travel tips.
