Mavra is a cozy little café offering classic but very tasty café fare, including a variety of breakfast platters, sandwiches (with a  bunch of light options), indulge-worthy appetizers, salads, pastas, and meat-heavy mains. The venue features comfortable armchairs, vintage decor, soft lights, puffy outdoor seats, and really good music (mainly classical and oldies). What’s unique about Mavra, in addition to its great location and serious I-want-to-laze-here-all-day feel, is that it’s also a kind of a shop. That’s why Mavra is self-entitled as design-café-workshop, where food is eaten, design objects are sold and also sometimes created in workshops. The objects for sale include books, toys, pillows, pins, and key rings, all very cute. Even though Mavra may not be widely famous among Istanbul’s residents that live outside the quarters of Galata, for locals of the area it’s the usual stop for lunch, coffee break, or the entire day.

Recommended Dishes

Mütevazi (a spaghetti dish made with tomatoes, olives, cheese, and basil)

Meksikalı (tacos filled with black beans and sautéed minced meat) 

Kapalı Zarf - Tavuklu (tortilla filled with spices, sautéed vegetables, melted cheddar cheese, and chicken)

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