Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul, is not only a treasure trove of landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace, but also one of the most rewarding neighborhoods to experience a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı). Known for its mix of historic charm and lively streets, this area combines culture, architecture, and gastronomy. For visitors who want more than just sightseeing, enjoying a long and fulfilling breakfast is an essential part of the Istanbul experience. Below, you’ll find an extended guide to the best mid-range breakfast spots with stunning views in Sultanahmet, where food and scenery go hand in hand.
Table Of Content
1. Saade Kahvaltı (Darussaade Hotel Terrace)
Why Go: A family-run terrace that feels warm and personal, Saade Kahvaltı offers a rare combination of coziness and breathtaking views. From the rooftop you can see the Sea of Marmara stretching endlessly on one side and the magnificent Blue Mosque on the other. The terrace is enclosed, making it suitable in all seasons, and the ambiance is friendly rather than overly touristy.
What to Expect: The restaurant specializes in serpme kahvaltı—the abundant, table-covering Turkish breakfast spread. Expect plates of local cheeses, homemade jams, olives, butter, clotted cream, eggs cooked with sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage), and menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers). Sweet touches like pancakes or seasonal jams add variety. The portions are famously generous, and you’ll be offered endless Turkish tea in small tulip-shaped glasses. Many visitors mention that finishing all the dishes is nearly impossible, so it’s perfect for sharing.
Good to Know: Open Wednesday through Monday between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm (closed Tuesdays). Prices fall into the mid-range bracket, and due to its popularity, a reservation is recommended, especially if you want a window-side table with a perfect mosque view.
2. Seven Hills Restaurant (Seven Hills Hotel Rooftop)
Why Go: Sitting atop the Seven Hills Hotel, this restaurant is legendary for its 360° panoramic views. It is one of the few rooftops in Istanbul where you can photograph the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia together, with the Bosphorus sparkling in the distance. It has become an Instagram favorite, but beyond the photos, it delivers a memorable breakfast experience.
What to Expect: The menu features an Organic Turkish Breakfast, with all items sourced from regions across Turkey. The spread includes regional cheeses, black and green olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, homemade jams, honey and kaymak (clotted cream), simit, and pastries. For hot dishes, expect menemen, eggs with sucuk, and börek pastries. Unlimited Turkish tea comes with every breakfast, while coffee and fresh juice are available as extras. The combination of food variety and the rooftop setting makes it a perfect place to start your day.
Good to Know: Seven Hills opens early every day, so you can catch the sunrise over Istanbul if you wish. It can get busy later in the morning, especially on weekends, so weekdays are ideal for avoiding the rush.
3. Queb Lounge Rooftop Restaurant
Why Go: Stylish yet approachable, Queb Lounge is located on Akbıyık Street and provides another superb 360-degree view of Sultanahmet’s skyline. Unlike some rooftops that feel exclusively tourist-focused, Queb strikes a balance between modern design and authentic flavors. It is also a bit less crowded compared to its better-known neighbors.
What to Expect: Their serpme breakfast spread covers all the essentials—cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, homemade jams, fresh bread, simit, honey, and clotted cream. Hot additions such as menemen, sucuklu yumurta (eggs with sausage), gözleme (stuffed flatbread), and omelets elevate the experience. The presentation is neat and colorful, while the staff is attentive and welcoming. As with most Turkish breakfasts, tea flows endlessly, and freshly squeezed juices are also available.
Good to Know: Open daily from morning to late night, making it a flexible choice whether you’re looking for an early start or a leisurely late breakfast. Because of its central location and balanced atmosphere, it’s great for both couples and families.
4. Olive Anatolian Restaurant (Hotel Yasmak Sultan)
Why Go: Though technically on the edge of Sultanahmet near Gülhane Park, Olive Anatolian makes this list for its spectacular panoramic view stretching from Hagia Sophia to the Bosphorus and even Galata Tower. It’s located in a hotel but welcomes outside visitors, offering a calm and polished setting.
What to Expect: Olive Anatolian serves a Turkish breakfast buffet, which is ideal if you want to sample a bit of everything. Options include a variety of cheeses, olives, freshly baked pastries, simit, homemade jams, honeycomb with kaymak, eggs, and fresh fruit. Hot items such as menemen or omelets are usually available, and the drink options include tea, coffee, and juices. The buffet style is particularly appealing for those who like to customize their plates and try different flavors.
Good to Know: Open daily from 7:00 am. It is slightly less casual than other rooftop terraces, but still affordable in the mid-range category. Walk-ins are welcome, though mornings can get busy with hotel guests.
5. Deraliye Terrace Restaurant
Why Go: Tucked away behind the Basilica Cistern, Deraliye Terrace is a quieter rooftop option that still delivers impressive views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Bosphorus. With a focus on Ottoman-inspired cuisine, it offers not just a meal but also a cultural journey.
What to Expect: Unlike open buffets, Deraliye offers a fixed menu serpme kahvaltı served at the table. The feast includes olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, mezes such as muhammara and baba ghanoush, regional cheeses like tulum and aged kaşar, jams, and pastırma (cured beef). Hot items include menemen, fried eggs, and gemici böreği (sailor’s pastry drizzled with honey). Seasonal fruits complete the spread. Portions are generous and highlight flavors from across Turkey, with attention to Ottoman-era recipes.
Good to Know: Open daily, with prices around 1250 TL per person, putting it at the higher end of mid-range. Reservations are recommended for the terrace area, which offers the best views and ambiance.
Final Tips for Tourists
- Arrive early: The morning light creates magical photo opportunities over Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
- Choose serpme kahvaltı: It’s the most authentic way to enjoy Turkish breakfast, with a little bit of everything.
- Take your time: Breakfast in Turkey is a slow, social meal. Sit back, sip tea, and enjoy the experience without rushing.
- Try local touches: Don’t miss kaymak with honey, fresh simit, and menemen—they are staples of the Turkish morning table.
Whether you want a cozy family-run terrace or a stylish rooftop with Instagram-worthy views, Sultanahmet has options to suit every taste. Each of these spots combines authentic flavors with spectacular scenery, giving you not just a meal but a memory to take with you. Afiyet olsun! (Bon appétit!)
