Café
Hafız Mustafa 1864 Sirkeci
The Sirkeci branch of the confectioner dating back to 1864, serving baklava, kadayıf, puddings and Turkish delight with tea and Turkish coffee.
Mandabatmaz
A tiny Turkish coffee spot in a passage off İstiklal Avenue, known for thick, strong coffee served to customers perched on stools in the alley.
At a glance
- Type
- Turkish coffee
- Area
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Outdoor stools
Why we recommend it
Tucked into Olivia Geçidi, a narrow passage just off İstiklal Avenue, Mandabatmaz is barely more than a counter and a row of low stools. It has built a devoted following on one thing: Turkish coffee made thick and strong, with a dense foam on top, the kind of brew its name jokingly claims a water buffalo could not sink in.
There is little else on the menu, so order your coffee plain, medium or sweet and sip it slowly with a glass of water. Seating spills into the alley, and it can be full in the early evening, but turnover is quick. It is a perfect pause during a walk along İstiklal between Taksim and Tünel.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Mandabatmaz FAQs
What should I order?
Turkish coffee — ask for it sade (unsweetened), orta (medium) or şekerli (sweet).
Where is it?
In Olivia Geçidi, a small passage off İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu.