mesprestiges
% Arabica - Cafe in Bagdat Caddesi, Istanbul
Cafe Editor's Pick

% Arabica

Kyoto-born specialty coffee chain's first Turkish flagship

Bagdat Caddesi |
$$$
|
08:00-22:00 daily
|
8.8 /10

The world-famous Japanese specialty coffee chain % Arabica opened its first Turkish location on Bagdat Caddesi in August 2024, bringing Kyoto coffee culture to Istanbul. Designed by French studio cigue, the raw concrete interior features Japanese carpentry details and a long terrace offering prime street views. With a $2 million investment, this flagship represents the brand's commitment to the Turkish market, serving signature Spanish Lattes, single-origin filter coffees like Ethiopian Guji, and house-made pistachio cookies.

Editor's Tip

First Turkish location of the iconic Kyoto coffee brand. $2M investment. French studio cigue design. The Spanish Latte is the signature.

Insider Tips

  • The Spanish Latte is the signature drink - order it first time
  • Raw concrete + Japanese carpentry interior designed by French studio cigue
  • Early morning weekdays are peaceful for working
  • Terrace has prime Bagdat Caddesi people-watching
  • They aim to open 10 locations in Turkey by 2025

Pricing Guide

Per Person

600 TRY

Range: 300 - 1,000

Service charge: 10% included | Tipping: optional

Atmosphere

Music

ambient, minimal

Subtle background music

Volume Level

quiet

Conversation friendly

Capacity

50 guests

medium venue

Dress Code

casual

Ambiance: natural lighting, japanese minimalist & industrial & modern minimalist style

Views & Setting

View Type

street scene

View Quality

good

Indoor Terrace

Rain covered | Year-round

Food & Drinks

Cuisine

cafe fare, japanese influenced

Food Quality

****/5

Bar Program

none cocktails

none wine list

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pistachio cookie
  • Brownie cookie

Signature Drinks

  • Spanish Latte
  • Ethiopian Guji Volu Sodu
  • Kyoto Latte
Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options

Reservations

Policy

walk in-fine

Weekday

Walk-in

Weekend

Walk-in, possible queue

walk-in

Tip: Expect queues on weekends. Early morning is quieter.

Best Times to Visit

Best Days

Saturday, Sunday

Avoid: Weekend afternoons if avoiding crowds

The Crowd

Age Range

22-45

Vibe

global cool

Mix

70% Locals, 15% Tourists

young professionalsinfluencerscoffee enthusiasts

Instagram Worthiness: *****/5

Best spots: Raw concrete interior, % logo, Terrace seats, Coffee presentation

Perfect For

Kids: tolerated

Recognition & Quality

Awards

  • Global specialty coffee brand
  • Kyoto origin since 2014

Consistency

reliable

Value for Money

***/5

Local Opinion

highly anticipated

Getting There

Parking

Not available

Difficulty: moderate

Transport

Taxi: convenient

Tell your driver: Bagdat Caddesi main strip, Suadiye

Wheelchair Accessible

Staff speaks: Turkish, English

Service style: professional