very bad service. A terrible cafe with sullen, rude employees who do not know how to serve the customer read more

First things first it's too expensive, 3 people X (1 coffee + 1 dessert) = 90 lira. The coffee, thanks to being Meinl, is wonderful, the interior, location, atmosphere, likewise. Desserts are meh. HOWEVER the staff I think collectively suffer from what one might call the "french exchange student syndrome", whereas when somebody goes to France for a semester, they adopt the french attitute to life. Meaning that they gracefully "allow" you to sit at their cafe and have the higest honour imaginable of tasting their coffee. They aren't necessarily rude, they're simply indifferent, in modern terms, they can't even. So yes, if you want to be treated like a Syrian refugee by all means, Karabatak is the perfect place. However, 3rd wave cafés popping up like Kanye at an awards show, hopefully Blackswamps iron rule (I mean the name is a dead giveaway) might come to an end soon. LONG LIVE AFFORABLE CAFÉS WITH GOOD COFFEE!! read more

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Exactly what you'd expect from a youthful bohemian cafe in the middle of a seemingly untouristy part of town. Frankly, if this place was transported back to Brooklyn, it would be packed with hipsters. But here, it's a less superficial crowd. Here, it's just the young or young at heart looking to have their coffee and cake. Add in the jazz or big band playing and it reminds you of that college cafe you used to hang out in. After a visit to Istanbul Modern, this is the cafe to let your mind relax and unwind. read more

Karabatak - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Istanbul, 34

The Turks couldn't make it to Vienna, but Julius Meinl did make it to Turkey - located in the heart of Karaköy you can find this nicely decorated café seving coffee dishes you won't find in many places outside Vienna (just to mention a few - Einspanner, Fiaker, ...). It is enjoyable sitting outside, watching people walking by and having a nice cup of coffee. The coffee quality itself is excellent, service also nice and friendly. The food is o.k. - I had a sandwich, but nothing extraordinary. Prices are pretty high here - no wonder, since Karaköy has been invaded by yuppies and everyone considering him/herself as hip is coming here. Nervertheless ut's nice and I recommend it. My hint - take a walk through the side streeets and enjoy the wonderful streetart/Graffiti in this part of the city. read more

Karabatak - Cappucino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Istanbul, 34

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Thanks but NO thanks, Forget the nice drinks and atmosphere, Service really sucks not only one member of the staff, two. Back to back with much attitude. Both has too many chips on their shoulders!!! read more

This place has character coming out of every orifice and I love it! Beautiful geometric patterns painted on the walls as carved into the walls, elegantly decorated, a freaking tractor that doubles as a table and bar space (check my pictures). The staff are friendly and speak English, and their coffee menu is extensive. I honestly don't even know what I ordered but it was called a hasty Neumann, and it gave quite a kick in the ass! Chocolate croissant and paninis were delicious, and it was just such a cool place to hang out. Definitely recommended if you're in Istanbul. read more

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If you are planning to come here for the first time, warning! Do not consult your GPS maps to find this place, it will probably not work. Go to Karaköy and ask around for directions; most people know it and can guide you, except if they are also looking for it, in which case (yey!) you'll have company for the road and -who knows- maybe even for coffee! When you arrive to the area pointed to you, you most probably won't see the word "Karabatak" written anywhere (I didn't), but if you see the words Julius Meinl written all over the wall of a corner coffee place then you have found it, get in and keep reading. When you enter the place, you will notice a staircase with a red rope blocking it. If you are alone or with maximum one friend, then don't let this rope stop you! Just jump over it and go upstairs, where everyone is sipping their coffee quietly, reading their newspaper or book, studying for their exam or working on their projects. This place is great for all these activities, although in the evening it gets pretty dark making it hard to read anything. The Julius Meinl beverages are delicious and the prices are not too expensive considering the quantity (it's a pretty big cup) and comparing to the other coffee places in the area. Plus from 9:00 to 12:00 there is a special deal for students, where they can pay as much as they like for certain coffees on the menu. I tried the filter coffee and the cappuccino and they both smelled and tasted really good. Besides beverages, you can also grab a light bite here, they have fresh and nice sandwiches. The cheesecake is delicious, I can't wait to try the rest of the deserts. The decoration is elegant and cosy and the music is soft and relaxing, especially if you sit upstairs you can enjoy it the best. There is also a mini shop inside where you can buy coffee, mugs and other nice things. When the weather is nice you can also sit outside (practically on the street) and enjoy the sun. Definitely on my favourites list! read more

I had been hearing this place from many different friends and even from my foreign guests :) It seems to be at a hidden place of Karakoy-Tophane region besides being central so that only 10 mins to Karakoy and 5 mins to Tophane tram stations. Karabatak is a 3-4 years, big enough and quite cossy place. You are able to sit outside, well if you could find an empty seat, under the nice grass covering of your top. So esp for nice weather, it's a silent, fresh and relaxing alternative. They only have some shacks and a little list of different cold & hot drinks. The prices are a bit high than the other cafes around. I had a mohr black tea (red one was also the same) and paid 10 TL. We could assume that there is a positive corelation between its popularity and prices. The staff is smart and smiling, the service is quick. The place's owner said to have many unsuccessful cafe enterpreneurships. Karabatak (Cormorant) is his last attempt for such a place so that it has a meaningful name :) Well, according to people who were waiting for a seat outside, I can say that this time it's going really good. Even the prices are not my type, I can definetely offer the place to people to live the spirit of Karakoy and to have an easy day. Just waking through Karakoy streets will make you feel good. The ambiace in total is adorable. read more

Easily some of the best coffee in Istanbul. They have a variety of high end options to choose from and coffee brew types. So if you're in the mood for some chemex or just need a press, they guys have you covers. Fast wifi, and a bit over priced but dope spot. read more

My initial encounter with this gorgeous cafe came by way of an impromptu love affair with the mustard yellow, heavily textured wall with iron chairs out front. I stumbled upon it as I was aimlessly wandering through Karaköy and was instantly in love. I was lured inside, obviously, and had a very simple, very delicious, tea, and proceeded to behave like the paparazzi indoors, as well. I suspect the staff is accustomed to this behavior, because my waitress did not seemed phased by the fact that I was regularly shifting between my phone and my dslr, attempting to absorb every corner of this beautiful spot. I don't know that much about tea, but because it was a pretty chilly morning, I was thrilled about mine, and savored it to the last drop. I could sit in this cafe for days on end and probably still discover new things that I didn't notice before, which drinking down barrels of Çay. An absolute favorite spot in Istanbul and I will no doubt go back when I return. read more

The streets around this cafe are really nice. If you look for hip places this is one of them. There are plenty around and the atmosphere here is cosy. It is a great mix of locals and tourists but not too crowded. It does not really matter which of the cafes you choose as long as it looks nice. Wifi code for this cafe is: galapagos read more

Karabatak - Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Istanbul, 34

I found it very hard to find good coffee in Istanbul, but I found my local coffee shop now! The cafe is located in a new upcoming trendy area, and the cafe fits perfectly in here with funny decorations, tables and chairs that don't match and full of young trendy people. This is a perfect spot to take break while exploring the Karaköy area. The cafe is also serving minor plates with sandwiches and so on. If you are a student, you should go there before 12. They have a concept called "the yellow box" meaning on selected drink you choose yourself how much you want to pay. This is brilliant, since the prices are a bit high here. read more

Are you looking forward to drink some good coffee ? Well, that must be your place ! Great ambiance, staff and nice atmosphere ! You won't be disappointed ! I highly recommend "Tomtom" you'll see how great their coffees are ! Enjoyed it a lot ! read more

Karabatak - Best coffee in town ! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Istanbul, 34

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This place is a hidden gem! After I came back to my beautiful hometown from a country which has "reputable" coffee culture, I was so happy to see same kind of places exist in Istanbul. There is a little pricey,but for people who would like to buy tranquility while drinking coffee,this is the address. read more

Very lovely place and amazing cafe.the environment here is so cozy u can forget abt every shit things happen today read more

Karabatak - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Istanbul, 34

Ordered Turkish Tea, Cappa and a Chocolate soufflé. Coffee was average. Tea was excellent (though not traditional cup). Soufflé was absolutely a treat. The setting is amazing with outdoor seating. Very hipster and great place to kick back and enjoy the local streets and maybe even hear the prayers. Very surreal! read more

I am boycotting Karabatak. I used to really like this place, but they increased their prices recently and decreased their quality of service. Espresso drinks are pretty decent by Istanbul standards but the cost/quality ratio is absurd. The building is lovely as is the outdoor seating areas. It's so popular you often can't find a seat. Recently I went to the upstairs quiet/study area where half the tables were occupied and the other half empty with "reserved" signs on them. When I inquired who they were reserved for, the answer was that they were reserved for employees. Really I have no idea why an establishment would reserve empty tables (which remained empty for hours, by the way) and deny their customers a place to sit. Whereas the other seating areas, if you can find one, are generally too loud for reading and quiet work/study. read more

Who ever designed this place, she/he is a genius. I love places that have soul, it is one of them. Hands down the best place around Karakoy. My favorite spot to meet some good friends, enjoy good coffee. I love it much more in the evening. read more

One of the best places to take a break and drink exquisite Turkish coffee. You have to search a little bit fir the location, but definitely worth it. You can sit inside or outside. read more