I didn’t plan to find Kafé Ara. yes its not Cafe its “Kafe”
It just sort of happened — the way good things often do when you travel without a plan.
I was walking around Beyoğlu, near Istiklal Street, trying to escape the crowd and noise. Then I turned down a quiet lane, and there it was — a small café with a simple sign: “Kafé Ara.”
It looked peaceful, old-school, and welcoming. I decided to step in — and honestly, that turned out to be one of the best decisions of my trip.
The First Impression
The moment I walked in, I felt like I’d stepped into another time.
The walls were full of old black-and-white photos — real images taken by the famous photographer Ara Güler, the man this café is named after.
There were pictures of fishermen at Galata Bridge, kids playing on Istanbul’s old streets, trams passing by, and people smiling in ways only film cameras can capture.
It felt like every photo was whispering a story.
The furniture was wooden, a little worn out but cozy. The tables were small, and each had a tiny vase with fresh flowers. The lighting was warm and golden, not too bright — just enough to make the room glow softly.
You could smell roasted coffee and homemade cake even before you ordered.
The Crowd
What I loved most was the people.
It wasn’t packed with tourists like many cafés in Istanbul. Most of the customers looked like locals — artists sketching, a group of friends laughing softly, and a few older men reading the newspaper while sipping their Turkish tea.
Everyone seemed calm. Nobody was rushing.
It felt like the kind of place where time slows down and you can just be.
I found a seat near the window, and from there, I could see a narrow street full of colorful doors, hanging plants, and people walking by. The view itself felt like a movie scene.
Coffee and Cake
When the waiter came, I ordered a traditional Turkish coffee and a slice of homemade chocolate cake.
The coffee came in a small white cup, thick and strong, with a tiny glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight on the side.
One sip — and I could tell this was the real deal. Rich, bold, with that little bit of grain at the bottom that makes Turkish coffee special.
The cake was soft, fresh, and slightly warm — it melted in my mouth. Together, they were just perfect.
The Little Talk
Before leaving, I chatted a bit with the barista — a friendly guy with a calm smile.
He told me the café has been around for many years and that it was created to keep Ara Güler’s memory alive.
“We wanted people to feel like they’re inside one of his photos,” he said.
And honestly, that’s exactly how it felt — calm, real, and full of stories.
My Thoughts
When I finally walked out, the afternoon sun had started to paint the street golden.
People were chatting, a street musician was playing guitar nearby, and everything just felt right.
Kafé Ara isn’t fancy or loud — it’s warm, real, and full of heart.
It’s the kind of café where you sit down for a quick coffee but end up staying an hour just watching life around you.
So, if you’re ever in Istanbul and want a break from the noise, find Kafé Ara in Beyoğlu.
Sit by the window, sip your Turkish coffee, and let the city slow down for a whil
