A Caffeine Lover's Guide to Istanbul's Top 10 Third Wave Coffee Shops

The latest version of coffee, which has become much more than Nescafe and Starbucks: '3rd wave'. So what is this '3rd wave coffee trend'? Instead of starting from 3, let's start from 1 and explain in order. 

The first wave of coffee began in the years following World War I with instant coffee - in other words, the ever-present Nescafé in our homes. After this trend, which was purely commercial, a little more art was introduced into coffee and Starbucks entered our lives as the second wave. With the growing interest in the region of coffee and roasting techniques, the coffees we drink are becoming increasingly high quality.

Although the second wave emphasizes the enjoyment of coffee, some of the characteristics of the first wave are still present here. Of course, the insatiable human being, who always desires better, does not stop, and in the 90s the third wave of 'quality coffee' was signaled. In an article written by barista Trish Skeie in 2002, it is clear that the third wave has definitely arrived. Coffee is now in the lead, and it's not espresso that's at the center of everything, it's the bean.

This wave, which gave its first signals in 2002, arrived in Turkiye only towards the end of 2011. And with its arrival, it spread to the whole of Istanbul. Although we are not going to make a ranking among coffee shops, we think they are the pioneers of the 3rd wave: MOC, Kronotrop, Coffeetopia and Petra Roasting. So which are the best 3rd wave coffee shops in Istanbul?

1. MOC

Australian barista Sam Çeviköz is the creator of MOC, Ministry of Coffee Istanbul, which we can call the best in the neighborhood. They opened their new branch at Suada in recent months.

2. Kronotrop

Although Kronotrop started as a small coffee shop on a street in Beyoğlu, it delighted the people of Cihangir and moved to Cihangir. They soon opened new branches in Maslak and Sultanahmet.

3. Coffeetopia

Coffeetopia is our only coffee shop in Eminönü with its high quality coffee. Its second branch is in Istanbul Kemerburgaz University.

4. Petra Roasting Co.

Trying to create a culture that can resist time with its unique style, Petra's coffees can be found in Gayrettepe and Kanyon. Even in Alaçatı...

5. Walters Coffee Roastery

As the name suggests, in this Breaking Bad themed coffee shop, you can encounter baristas in yellow overalls, periodic tables on the walls and coffee served in beakers. After all, who hasn't been to Walters Coffee and had their photo taken with a yellow jumpsuit?

6. Coffee Sapiens

This café has become the jewel of the hipster crowd and a fixture in Karaköy. Coffe Sapiens is one of the best of the 3rd wave with its dedicated baristas, quality coffees and cute kitties.

7. Dört

If Karaköy has Sapiens, Kadıköy has Dört. Don't forget to ask for a brownie with your coffee in this small but proud place with wooden tables.

8. Private Reason Artisan Coffee Shop

Founded by Reklam2010's founder Vardar Topçu, Private Reason Artisan Coffee Shop has already become the favorite of Bebek. Our gourmet coffee shop opens its doors at 07:00 and continues to serve until 00:00.

9. At Origin

At Origin, which started as a tiny espresso bar in Sıraselviler, started to grow by opening a Roastery & Coffee Shop in Balmumcu. Sipping coffee in the cool garden in the greenery in summer, finding an oasis in the desert...

10. CoffeeNutz

You should definitely try the Cold Drip and Nitro Brew. With the warmth and sincerity of the owner Ömer Aydın, you can have a nice coffee experience at CoffeeNutz.