Choose your pass

Top 5 Best Breakfast in Istanbul Old Town

As you may already know, Istanbul is an amazing place to enjoy various different kinds of food! In every hour of Istanbul, you can find a reason to eat some delicious food, enjoy some snacks and have a great cup of Turkish Coffee. But there is only one meal Turkish people love and value the most: Breakfast.

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
October 26, 2022 5 min
Top 5 Best Breakfast in Istanbul Old Town


Try and ask some Turkish people about the most important meal of the day, you will get the same answer everytime, and it is breakfast. Although breakfast isn’t the first thing when you think about Turkish Cuisine, it has a special place in culture. 


In this article, we carefully handpicked the top 5 best breakfast spots in Istanbul Old Town. So if you are staying or planning to stay in Istanbul’s historical peninsula then you should save this article in your bookmarks for later. 


Share your photos of and comments about the places we recommend so we can share your experiences with fellow tourists! Here is our Instagram account: @istanbultouristpass 


 


Omelette on a 100-years-old antique plate 


 


Zeferan Restaurant 


Zeferan Restaurant welcomes its visitors, with its magnificent view of the Bosphorus, in the İstanbul old city. All products used in the preparation of meals are supplied by the manufacturer in Zeferan Restaurant fed from the rich geography of Azerbaijan and Anatolia.


This restaurant is perfect for a long and calm breakfast. There is an all-you-can-eat buffet and also they have a breakfast set menu called ‘serpme’ in Turkish. In both options, there are varieties of cheese, olive, pastry, egg and many more. You can also add some other platters from their rich breakfast menu.


The place is also famous for its art in it! Original paintings on the walls, hand-made carpets all around, furniture made with beautiful walnut wood, and antique plates some of them are older than 200 years… It is a great place to see, and a great place to enjoy good food. 


 


Authentic Turkish Breakfast


 


Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant


On a terrace with an amazing view, this restaurant serves authentic and rich Turkish breakfast to its visitors. Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant has a set menu for breakfast but if you don’t have enough time for a long breakfast, then you may have breakfast platters they serve. 


The restaurant has a special authentic way of serving and this makes a difference in the old town area. Besides the classical Turkish breakfast platters, they serve also 3 different hot platters in their set menu. 


If you are staying in the Istanbul old town area, Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant may be a good alternative for your mornings, don’t miss it! 


 


Colourful Breakfast Buffet


 


Sultania Restaurant


If you are staying in the İstanbul old city, Sultania can be a nice choice for breakfast. The restaurant offers a rich breakfast buffet and you can eat as long as you wish. If you are planning a long walk after that we recommend you to keep it light though. 


Sultania’s breakfast buffet has fresh fruits, dried fruits and nuts and varieties of cheese and other breakfast items. Other than the buffet, you can also order omelettes and waffles. They also have different coffee options carefully prepared. 


In the restaurant, the staff is very friendly and helpful as well. So you can calmly enjoy your breakfast without a rush. Although there are various coffee options, we always recommend for you to take a cup of delicious Turkish coffee after your breakfast. 


 


Authentic place, good breakfast


 


Myterrace Cafe and Restaurant


Great view, authentic decoration, and a good breakfast.  Myterrace is decorated as a traditional Turkish restaurant with oriental furniture and authentic seating arrangements. Even though they serve a classical Turkish breakfast set menu, their platters are fairly delicious so you won’t be disappointed. 


Since the place has a great view, enjoy your Turkish tea and Turkish coffee with its comfortable seats. The staff is very helpful and friendly, they will take your pictures with the view without a problem when you ask. If you don't have long hours for breakfast, then it will be a nice option for a calm breakfast. 


 


Historical Building Great Garden


 


House of Medusa


House of Medusa Restaurant is situated in Sultanahmet very close to the Hagia Sophia. The place takes its name from the mystical figure of Medusa in the Basilica Cistern. 


The restaurant building has historical value, and it has a big garden area so it is also great for big groups. House of Medusa, offers samples from Ottoman-Turkish cuisine predominantly. In the mornings they serve a nice breakfast with fresh and delicious food. They have a simple, uncomplicated menu and their difference lays in their quality ingredients. 


House of Medusa is not a typical tourist place, it is way cooler. So if you have time to enjoy your breakfast in this historical but trendy place, don’t miss it!



 


After breakfast what is your plan? Check out 100+ FREE attractions of Istanbul Tourist Pass! Save your time and money so you can e njoy more in this amazing city. And follow us on social media: @istanbultouristpass 



 

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Everything You Need to Know About Madame Tussauds Museum Istanbul
calendar_today Jun 27, 2024 11 min

Everything You Need to Know About Madame Tussauds Museum Istanbul

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum headquartered in London with 24 locations worldwide. The wax statues exhibited in this museum generally represent various famous people, from historical figures to famous actors, successful athletes, movie characters, and musical artists. Its branches include Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, Berlin, Amsterdam, New York, and Istanbul. 
 
 Madame Tussauds, […]

24 Hours in Istanbul: The Perfect Itinerary with Istanbul Tourist Pass®
calendar_today Apr 19, 2025 6 min

24 Hours in Istanbul: The Perfect Itinerary with Istanbul Tourist Pass®

Maximize your 24 hours in Istanbul with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®! Skip the lines and explore top sights like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus Cruise. Your perfect day in Istanbul starts here!

Istanbul Music Festival
calendar_today Apr 28, 2025 8 min

Istanbul Music Festival

Istanbul is one of the few cities that can easily combine old and new. The city is full of music, from the call to prayer resonating across the Bosphorus to late-night jazz coming from meyhanes on back streets. Its castles are the sites of chamber concerts and its parks are the settings for outdoor symphonies. […]

Experience Unforgettable Family Fun in Flyzone with Istanbul Tourist Pass®!
calendar_today May 29, 2023 10 min

Experience Unforgettable Family Fun in Flyzone with Istanbul Tourist Pass®!

Looking for an exciting adventure that the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than the Flyzone included in Istanbul Tourist Pass®! With its wide range of attractions and activities, this pass is your ticket to endless fun and unforgettable memories. Among the top highlights of the pass is Flyzone, a thrilling flying experience available […]

Rooftop Festival Istanbul Summer Edition
calendar_today May 8, 2025 4 min

Rooftop Festival Istanbul Summer Edition

Summer in Istanbul feels like a festival on its own. Sunlight gilds the Bosphorus, open-air stages pop up in palace courtyards, and every week another rooftop turns into a dance floor. From sunset cruises to marathon concerts, the city invites you to hop between landmarks, museums, and late-night gigs without ever losing sight of that […]

Istanbul Arts & Culture Festival:  Discover Istanbul’s Creative Pulse
calendar_today Apr 24, 2025 5 min

Istanbul Arts & Culture Festival: Discover Istanbul’s Creative Pulse

Istanbul is a vibrant, dynamic city that never gets boring.  In historical areas, ancient alleys nestle next to modern cafes; ships traverse the Bosphorus while seagulls sing above.  Oh, be sure to give them simit!  The markets are busy during the day, and at night, the water sparkles.Music drifts from tiny bars, and new art […]

Rakı Nights in Istanbul: A Local’s Guide to the Lion’s Milk Culture
calendar_today Jun 12, 2025 15 min

Rakı Nights in Istanbul: A Local’s Guide to the Lion’s Milk Culture

Istanbul – a city of over 15 million where Europe and Asia meet – is a vibrant tapestry of history, food, and social traditions. From bustling spice markets to the serene Bosphorus shores, the city offers countless ways to experience its rich culture. But ask any Istanbul local, and they’ll tell you some of the most […]

The Perfect 3-Day Istanbul Plan: An Unforgettable Adventure
calendar_today Apr 25, 2025 6 min

The Perfect 3-Day Istanbul Plan: An Unforgettable Adventure

Explore Istanbul’s most iconic attractions with the Istanbul Tourist Pass! Skip the lines and enjoy a smooth, unforgettable adventure. Get your pass now and make the most of your time in the city!

Upgrade Pass
calendar_today Feb 27, 2025 2 min

Upgrade Pass

Istanbul Tourist Pass® Validation 
 
 In order to extend your Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can contact us. It is important that you contact us before your pass ends so that you can have a seamless experience. Istanbul is a magical city with tens of attractions to discover, and it is very normal to want […]

Istanbul’s Forgotten History: Exploring the City’s Lesser-Known Past
calendar_today May 31, 2025 5 min

Istanbul’s Forgotten History: Exploring the City’s Lesser-Known Past

Uncover the hidden layers of Istanbul beyond the famous landmarks. Explore ancient walls, forgotten cisterns, and quiet neighborhoods with rich multicultural history.