You may not have made it to Julius Meinl (also known as Karabatak Karaköy) yet, but you most probably had a taste of their delicious coffee somewhere around the city. You’ll recognize them, first with their on-the-spot coffee flavor, and also with their logo that features a long red fez. Open since Summer 2011, this Austrian-style coffeehouse has already established itself as a local favorite.

The two-story coffee shop is furnished with vintage-looking chairs, tables, lamps, and posters, plus a variety of nostalgic objects. The mood here is very pseudo-European, with groups of artists passionately discussing their latest project creating a feel that is reminiscent of Café de Flore circa 1945. There are also the freshly in love couples, sitting a breath away from each other, sipping coffee and getting lost in each other’s eyes. The soft jazz, the New Yorker magazines on the tables, and the men with the artist stamp of a full grown beard and glasses give this meeting spot a decidedly urban and artsy spin.

Karaköy locals and Istanbul’s hipster population like hanging out at this Austrian café, where checkered floors, colorful walls, and the soothing music create a linger-friendly vibe. The feel-at-home comfort is multiplied in the form of an apple pie or a cup of Wiener Melange. Many frequenters settle in with their morning paper, a cappuccino (served in a little silver tray), and a muffin or croissant, while others head to the Karaköy hotspot in the evening for an after-work get-together.

The success of this neighborhood fixture can be attributed to its location in the hottest Istanbul neighborhood, the zealous gourmet coffee selection, and the tasty desserts. More than 40 different coffee varieties overwhelm the coffee selection, from classics like Espresso and Café Latte to Julius specialties like Franziskaner (espresso with cream) and Einspanner (double espresso, black coffee, steamed cream, topped with whipped Cream).  

With its warm and welcoming mood, this is the place to relax, to read a book, to grab a friend for a lingering tête-à-tête. If you’re by yourself, the upstairs area is ideal for you, your cup of coffee, and your favorite book. If you’re on a let’s-get-to-know-each-other date, keep it downstairs, perhaps outside enjoying the breeze. If you’re with a group of friends, consider sitting in the area in the back – you’ll have a lot more space to yourself and the roaring laughers won’t interrupt the other customers.

Julius Meinl/Karabatak Karaköy,  Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi Kara Ali Kaptan Sokak No.7, Karaköy; P: (0212) 243 69 93