pierre loti cafe, Istanbul

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While not exactly on the beaten path, this coffeehouse shows evidence by the number of outside tables that many do make their way here. On the day that I visited, rain kept all but us diehards away. The coffee and tea are fine plus the house was a good way to escape from the rain outside. The view out over the Golden Horn is spectacular and it was from here that the French novelist and naval officer Pierre Loti looked out to gain his inspiration for his semi-autobiographical “Aziyade”.

Favorite Dish: The Turkish coffee - medium - is fine.

In order to get to Pierre Loti Cafe from Eyup Mosque you will pass trough the Eyup Sultan Cemetery. You will see gravestones dating from the Ottoman period can along the road leading up to the top. The cafe is situated at the top of the hill.

You will walk up hill for some time but the view to the Golden Horn and the Istanbul skyline is fully worth the efforts. Actually this is one of the strongest advantages of the Pierre Loti Cafe - the splendid view t the Bosphorus.

The cafe is named after a famous French novelist and naval officer Pierre Loti. Although it is not known for certain, it is assumed that this was the cafe that Pierre Loti visited during his stay in Eyup in 1876.

The cafe itself is very cosy and it is furnished in 19th century style. I guess as an attempt to preserve the authentic atmosphere of these times the waiters still serve in costumes of that period.

Favorite Dish: What I had there is only tea, so I can not give ant specific recommendations what should you order. :)))

After visiting Eyüp I walked up to Pierre Loti Cafe, not the nearest and easiest way which I found when I walked down. High on a hill, above a cemetery is Pierre Loti Cafe. It has great views over Istanbul, but unfortunatly it was not a very clear day I was there. You can come here just for a tea and narghile or to eat. I had lamb, sallad, bread and something to drink. With tip I paid 21 000 000 TL.

From Eminönü busstation you will find several buses to Eyüp.

Everyone (or almost everyone) know about this cafe on the hill in Eyup with a magnificant view.
Once this old Turkish coffee house was regulary frequented by the French writer Pierre Loti. Thats where the name come from.
And he choose the nice place if you ask me, but don't take my word for it. Go check it for yourself! :)

Favorite Dish: In a nice ambience everything taste good! :)

Oh, by the way...
Don't be surprised to find out that it's surrounded by graves, or we can say its in the cemetery... So you have a chance to see a Turkish cemetery too! :) The grave of Turkish impressionist Avni Lifij is also here.