"I don't know what you think about eating, but breakfast must have something to do with happiness!" says my favorite Turkish poet Cemal Sureya. Breakfast is a big deal here and especially if it's a rainy Sunday, you can keep eating forever! Cuma is my favorite spot for a long brunch or a coffee & dessert pleasure.
It is located in Çukurcuma, Cihangir, Istanbul's antique, cosy neighbourhood. Çukurcuma is famous for its antique stores and street cats, so walking around is always full of surprises.
Cuma is a very good option for every occasion. Delicious breakfasts with your special one; gathering around a long table with friends for a long brunch; stopping by for coffee & cake; a sophisticated dinner experience, and so on...
There are tons of great, interesting choices for breakfast and lunch in the menu--something for everyone, traditional as well as more adventurous. I love it! They work miracles with eggs: their scrambled eggs with goat cheese on toasted sourdough bread is a must-taste. Their grilled mozzarella, prosciutto and arugula sandwich is also a very good option. When you are in the mood for something sweet, a pancake, fresh fruits and honey will make your day.
Despite the very well decorated interior, as an outdoor person I prefer sitting in the outdoor seating area, and since they have patio heaters, you can enjoy being in the open air even in winter.
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...
by
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
by
"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
by
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips