Susam Cafe sits on a quiet side street in Cihangir, one of Istanbul’s most bohemian neighborhoods, where a mixed crowd of writers, artists and office workers occupy mismatched armchairs and communal tables from morning until 2am. By day it functions as a neighbourhood coffee shop and casual bistro; as evening falls, it shifts into a more sophisticated cocktail bar where DJs spin on weekends and regulars settle in for long conversations and drinks.
The venue itself has the unhurried feel of someone’s living room—worn furniture, books on shelves, a vintage red refrigerator—which makes it somewhere you can comfortably spend an afternoon on your laptop or a full evening with friends. It operates every day with the same hours, open to breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night drinks, and offers reliable food, free wifi and the kind of casual service that makes lingering feel natural.
Quick Facts
| Address | Susam Sok No:11, Cihangir, Beyoğlu, İstanbul 34433, Türkiye Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
|---|---|
| District | Beyoğlu |
| Metro | Taksim (M2, 10–12 minutes walk south toward Cihangir) |
| Admission | Free entry |
| Best time to visit | Late morning and early afternoon (10:00–14:00) on weekdays are quietest and best for work or a focused visit. Weekends and evenings after 19:00 are busiest and most social but louder. The terrace is most pleasant from May through September when weather is warm; in colder months (November–March), sitting outside requires warm clothing. If you prefer to experience it as a bar, Friday and Saturday evenings after 21:00 are most animated with DJs, but go early in those evenings (19:00–20:30) if you want to talk rather than shout. Avoid peak times if you seek peace; the best time to visit is a weekday afternoon when the place has regulars but feels unhurried. |
| Recommended duration | 1–3 hours |
| Cuisine | International, Turkish, Breakfast |
| Reservations | Reservations are welcome and recommended for groups, especially on weekend evenings. Call +90 212 251 59 95 to reserve. Walk-ins are accepted during quiet hours, typically weekday afternoons. Weekend and evening crowds mean waits of 15–30 minutes are common after 20:00. |
| Operating status confirmed | October 2026 |
Reservations and Ordering at Susam Cafe
Reservations are welcome and recommended for groups of 6 or more, especially Friday and Saturday evenings. Call +90 212 251 59 95 to book. Walk-ins are always accepted and waits of 15–30 minutes are typical after 20:00 on weekends; weekday afternoons rarely have a queue. The cafe accepts cash and card payments. Takeaway and delivery are not standard but the cafe may accommodate special requests if called in advance. It is open daily without weekly closing days.
Why Visit Susam Cafe?
Cihangir draws visitors seeking an alternative to Taksim’s crowds, and Susam represents the neighbourhood at its best: a genuinely mixed clientele, a menu that spans breakfast to cocktails, and the rare quality of a place that doesn’t feel designed for tourists. The cocktail program is taken seriously—the signature Egeli Mojito (Aegean Mojito, made with black mulberry juice) has been noted by The Guardian, and the drinks are priced below the Istanbul average for this style of venue. The food is straightforward and good: breakfast spreads, salads, burgers, wraps and flatbread pizza. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request. For remote workers, the combination of strong wifi, longer tables, late hours and an atmosphere that welcomes laptops makes it a functional workspace. For everyone else, it is simply a welcoming place where time moves slowly.
Highlights of Susam Cafe
The Interior and Furniture
The cafe is decorated with deliberately mismatched furniture—thrifted armchairs, wooden tables, cushions in different colours—and a vintage red refrigerator that anchors the main seating area. Books line shelves and windows overlook the quiet street. This studied lack of polish, combined with natural light and warm wood tones, creates the aesthetic of stepping into a well-lived home rather than a commercial space. The effect is consciously anti-design, which appeals to the neighbourhood's artistic residents and makes first-time visitors want to stay longer than planned.
Tip: If you want the quietest, most atmospheric corner, arrive on a weekday between 14:00 and 17:00, when the afternoon light is best and crowds are minimal.
The Egeli Mojito
Susam's signature cocktail, made with rum, lime, soda and black mulberry juice from the Aegean region. It became well-known enough to be mentioned by The Guardian as a reason to visit. The drink is reasonably priced for Istanbul standards and the bar staff understand its flavour profile well enough that even variations feel intentional rather than improvised. It exemplifies the cafe's approach: serious craft that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Tip: Order it by name without variation to get the intended balance; the black mulberry juice is what sets it apart from a standard mojito.
All-Day Breakfast and Turkish Spreads
Breakfast is served throughout opening hours, which is uncommon in Istanbul outside dedicated breakfast houses. The spread includes traditional Turkish breakfast items—cheeses, olives, eggs, fresh bread—alongside international options like eggs with avocado. Portions are generous and prices moderate for the neighbourhood. It is one of the few all-day casual dining venues in Cihangir that feels equally welcoming at 11am and 21:00.
Tip: Come before 13:00 on a weekday for the largest selection; popular items can sell out by evening, particularly on weekends.
The Late-Night Atmosphere
After 20:00, the pace shifts without a menu change. The same tables fill with a different crowd: couples, groups of friends, and regulars. DJs play on Friday and Saturday nights, but the volume is low enough that conversation is always possible. This flexibility—functioning as a quiet cafe until evening, then a bar after—is rare in Istanbul and defines Susam's character. The transition is organic, not theatrical.
Tip: If you want to experience it as a bar but avoid the peak crush, arrive between 19:00 and 20:30; after 21:00 on weekends it becomes crowded and loud enough that conversation requires effort.
Free Wifi and Work-Friendly Layout
The cafe explicitly welcomes remote workers and writers. Larger tables are positioned for laptop use, there are sufficient power sockets, and the wifi is reliable and stable. This is uncommon in casual Turkish cafes and has established Susam as a de facto workspace for Istanbul's freelance and creative community. Many regulars claim a table as a semi-permanent base on certain days of the week.
Tip: On weekday mornings, the quieter back area near the kitchen is best for focused work; the street-side terrace is social but noisier due to foot traffic.
The Street-Side Terrace
Seating spills onto the pavement on Susam Sokak, a narrow tree-lined street in the heart of Cihangir. The terrace captures foot traffic and street life without being exposed to major traffic noise. In warmer months, this becomes the most sought-after seating, where people-watching and being seen are part of the draw. The terrace tables are the same mismatched style as the interior.
Tip: If you visit in cold months (November–March), bring a jacket; the terrace has minimal heating and the interior can be chilly. Seating outside in cool weather is atmospheric but not comfortable for long stays unless you dress warmly.
Cocktails and Drinks Selection
Beyond the Egeli Mojito, the bar offers creative cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options. Turkish wines are available at below-standard Istanbul prices. The drinks list is modest but executed with attention; the bar staff understand why each drink exists and can talk you through the menu without condescension. Non-drinkers are equally welcome, and tea, coffee and fresh juices are strong.
Tip: Ask the staff for a recommendation rather than ordering by appearance; they know which drinks work best at what time of day and which pair with the available food.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The standard menu includes salads, vegetable wraps, and flatbread pizza that can be customised without meat. Vegan and vegetarian options are readily available on request and understood by the kitchen as normal rather than exceptional. This accessibility makes the cafe practical for group visits where dietary requirements vary.
Tip: Communicate dietary needs when ordering rather than trying to modify; the kitchen can prepare options more thoughtfully if they know in advance.
What to Order
- Egeli Mojito – the signature cocktail with rum, lime, soda and black mulberry juice
- Turkish breakfast spread – cheeses, olives, eggs, fresh bread and vegetables
- Flatbread pizza – available with vegetable or meat toppings
- Salads – made fresh daily with seasonal vegetables
- Turkish coffee or filter coffee – reliable and well-made
Atmosphere
The interior feels like a comfortable living room that has become a public space: worn furniture, natural light, books on shelves, the constant gentle sound of conversation and coffee machines. The air carries the smell of coffee and food cooking. During the day, a quiet, focused crowd—people on laptops, friends having long conversations, solo visitors reading. By evening, the energy shifts: clusters of friends, couples, more laughter, the music slightly louder. The staff move with familiar ease around regulars, suggesting this is a place where relationships develop over repeat visits. The terrace in warm months becomes a social stage where being seen and seeing others matters; in winter, the interior becomes even more of a refuge. Noise levels are moderate to high only after 21:00 on weekends; most of the time it is calm enough for real conversation.
How to Get to Susam Cafe
By Metro: Take the M2 line to Taksim station. Exit toward Cihangir (the signs are marked). Walk south downhill on Siraselviler Caddesi for 5–7 minutes until you reach the Cihangir neighbourhood. Turn left at the first major intersection and navigate using signage or a map app toward Susam Sokak. The street is small and unmarked on some maps; ask a local if uncertain. Total walk from Taksim is 10–12 minutes.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Give the address as “Susam Sokak No:11, Cihangir, Beyoğlu” or use GPS coordinates. Cihangir’s narrow streets make navigation by car slow; taxis may drop you at the top of the street if they cannot access the address directly.
On Foot from Nearby Areas: The cafe is a 5-minute walk from Gülhane Park and a 10-minute walk from the Galata Bridge. From the bridge, walk uphill through the narrow streets of Beyoğlu toward Taksim; Cihangir begins once you cross Siraselviler Caddesi.
Accessibility
The cafe is at street level with a single step to enter; there is no wheelchair ramp marked, though the step is low. The interior has narrow passages between furniture and tables are close together, which may restrict wheelchair movement. Accessible toilet facilities are not mentioned in available information. Dogs are permitted, which visitors working with mobility assistance dogs would find useful. Staff are attentive and will assist with special needs if alerted.
Food Nearby
Cihangir is full of small restaurants and cafes within a 2–5 minute walk. Sanat Cafe (breakfast and Turkish cuisine, 7-minute walk) and Kahve6 (specialty coffee, 4-minute walk) are both popular for morning visits. Demeti (traditional meze and mezze bar, 3-minute walk) and Lokal (Turkish comfort food, 5-minute walk) serve evening meals. For quick bites, bakeries and sandwich shops line the main streets. Cuppa (third-wave coffee and brunch, 3-minute walk) and Norm (coffee roastery, 6-minute walk) are strong alternatives if Susam is crowded or closed.
What to Bring
In warm months (May–September), sun protection if sitting on the terrace for long periods. In colder months (November–March), a warm jacket or sweater even if sitting indoors, as heating is minimal. A book or laptop if planning a long stay. Small bills for tipping are useful if paying cash, though cards are widely accepted. No special equipment is needed; the cafe welcomes laptops and phones without restriction. Small bags are permitted; there is no bag check or locker system.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted inside and outside the cafe. Flash photography is discouraged in the interior to avoid disturbing other guests, particularly in the evenings when the low light makes flash tempting. Tripods are not practical in the cramped interior and their use on the street terrace would obstruct foot traffic. Ask for permission before photographing other guests, particularly locals and regulars who may be sensitive about being photographed.
Family Suitability
The cafe welcomes families and children during daytime and early evening hours (until around 18:00). There is no kids' menu, but the food is straightforward enough for children to find options. Strollers can be accommodated in the terrace area and somewhat in the interior, though space is tight. After 21:00, particularly on weekends, the atmosphere becomes more adult-oriented; parents with young children should visit earlier in the day. The long stay-friendly design and lack of high-pressure service make it suitable for families who need to linger.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Visit on a weekday between 14:00 and 17:00 to experience the cafe at its most atmospheric and least crowded. You'll find yourself in the same physical space as weekend evenings but with a completely different pace.
- If you sit on the street terrace in winter, bring a thick sweater. The terrace has no heating and the wind down Susam Sokak can be sharp. Many visitors leave after 20 minutes because they underestimate how cold it becomes.
- The signature Egeli Mojito works best when ordered without modification. Many visitors try to ask for variations, but the blackmulberry juice is the essential element; order it as designed to understand why it is known.
- Don't assume the cafe is a restaurant in the dinner sense. It's a cafe first; the food is straightforward and reliable but not a focus. Come for the atmosphere, the drinks and the people; treat good food as a bonus rather than the main reason.
- If you want to work here on a laptop, call ahead on busy days to confirm seating. Friday and Saturday afternoons fill quickly with students and freelancers. Weekday mornings and midday hours are reliably spacious.
- The bathroom is basic and sometimes has a short queue during busy hours. This is not a place with stylish, spacious facilities; it's functional. It is best to use it during off-peak hours if you have a choice.
Make an Outing of Your Visit to Susam Cafe
Susam Cafe is within walking distance of places that pair well with a meal. A simple way to build the outing:
Before or after your meal
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University – about 350 m away (~5 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours2 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Museum of Innocence – about 450 m away (~7 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2.5 hours8 min on foot from Tophane metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istanbul Modern – about 450 m away (~8 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours4 min on foot from Tophane metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Time needed: plan about 6–9.5 hours for the whole outing, including the meal (roughly 1–1.5 hours), the places above and the walking between them.
Explore Nearby Susam Cafe
Metro stations near Susam Cafe
Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi – about 350 m away (~6 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Tophaneabout 550 m away (~9 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Susam Cafe
Jash Istanbul – about 100 m away (~2 min walk)4 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metro, Open daily 12:00–02:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Yigit Sofram – about 150 m away (~3 min walk)8 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Vegan Dükkan Lokanta – about 250 m away (~4 min walk)8 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metro, Open 12:00–20:30, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Van Kahvalti Evi – about 250 m away (~4 min walk)6 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metro, Open daily 08:00–17:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Susam Cafe
Geyik Coffee Roastery and Cocktail Bar – about 100 m away (~2 min walk)7 min on foot from Tophane metro, Open daily 16:00–02:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Monkey Istanbul – about 250 m away (~4 min walk)5 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Susam Cafe
Kabataş Ferry Terminalabout 750 m away (~12 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Karaköy Ferry Terminalabout 1.2 km away (~20 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near Susam Cafe
Istanbul Music Festivalabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
Gülhane Park: Istanbul’s Free Imperial Garden and What to See7 min on foot from Gülhane metro, Open daily 06:00–22:30Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Galata Tower: Tickets, Views and 700 Years of History4 min on foot from Şişhane metro, Open daily 08:30–23:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Galata Bridge: Crossing Istanbul’s Golden Horn10 min on foot from Haliç metro, Open 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Golden Horn: Istanbul’s Historic Waterway and Waterfront GuideMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Vegan Dukkan: Turkish Plant-Based Cuisine in Cihangir13 min on foot from Tünel metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Beyoğlu · All Cafes · All Restaurants
FAQ: Susam Cafe
Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for groups of 6 or more, especially Friday and Saturday evenings. Call +90 212 251 59 95. Walk-ins are always welcome; weekday afternoons rarely have waits. Peak times (21:00–23:00 weekends) may mean 15–30 minute waits.
Is this a good place to work or study?
Yes. It has reliable wifi, larger tables, power sockets, and a laid-back atmosphere that welcomes laptops. Quietest hours for focus are weekday mornings and early afternoons. Avoid Friday and Saturday afternoons when it fills with students.
What is the main difference between daytime and evening?
During the day it functions as a casual cafe and bistro with a working clientele. After 20:00 it becomes a cocktail bar with a social focus; music is louder (especially Friday–Saturday nights with DJs), the crowd shifts to friends and couples, and the atmosphere is more celebratory but still conversational.
Is it suitable for families with children?
Yes, during daytime and early evening (before 18:00). The food is accessible to children, strollers fit on the terrace, and staff are relaxed about lingering. After 21:00 on weekends it becomes more adult-focused; parents should visit earlier with young children.
What is the signature cocktail?
The Egeli Mojito, made with rum, lime, soda and black mulberry juice from the Aegean. It was notably mentioned by The Guardian and is reasonably priced for Istanbul. It is the drink most regulars order.
Is vegetarian or vegan food available?
Yes. The menu includes salads and wraps without meat; vegan options are available on request and understood by the kitchen. It is not a vegetarian-focused venue, but options are readily available and customised without fuss.
Can I pay by card or must I use cash?
Both cash and card are accepted. There is no minimum purchase for card payments. Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated; round up or add 10–15% if paying by card.
How far is it from Taksim Square?
About 10–12 minutes walk downhill toward Cihangir. Take the M2 metro to Taksim, exit toward Cihangir, and walk south on Siraselviler Caddesi. Susam Sokak is a small side street; use a map or ask a local if you get lost.
Istanbul Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
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Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.
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Turkish CoffeeMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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