Galata Simitçisi Istanbul
Simply the best
I came across Galata Simitçisi (bakery) around 2012 while I was working very close to the Karaköy area. We had some daily routines during those days; one of them was taking our "simit" (pastry rings) from Galata Simitçisi nearby and going to a tea house near it to eat them.
Simit is a cheap and very popular type of street food. But Galata Simitçisi is different from the others, with their traditional baking methods and flavour. Nowadays, Karaköy is one of the most popular places with shining cafes in Istanbul. But Galata Simitçisi is still keeping its style.
The bakery itself is very small. There are only two tables in front of the bakery. In winter it won't be possible to sit outside. Take-away is the best option here. Also, they serve Kandil simidi (pastry rings covered with sesame,consumed in holy days), which are my favorite.
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
The Tortoise Trainer
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
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
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque
Enlightenment
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
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Pera Museum
An alternative art museum for all
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
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Vogue Restaurant Bar
Molecular cocktails & sushi
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
Emre
Kamar
Banyan
High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
Emre
Kamar
Forno Balat
Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
Emre
Kamar
Müz Botanik & Kahve
Muses dancing all around
"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.
by
Arzu
Damli
Bord İstanbul
Fine dining at the museum
"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...
by
Arzu
Damli
Helvetia
Just like your mum's cooking
"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...
by
Arzu
Damli
Craft Beer Lab
Fancy a pint?
"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Sobremesa Coffee
Mi casa es tu casa
"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Heading to Istanbul?
236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 236 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
