Cafe Privato Restaurant — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Visited in August 2025. Turkey 🇹🇷 Istanbul.

Cafe Privato Restaurant is a charming little eatery with a delightful terrace, apparently linked to a hotel. We chose it inspired by glowing reviews and the appeal of options beyond the standard Turkish breakfast.

FOOD:

Among the choices is the Turkish breakfast, but unlike many spots in Istanbul where they either force you to order two portions or list the price straight for a pair (which frustrates plenty of reviewers), here you can simply get it for one. So we opted for a single Turkish breakfast and a plain omelet. The Turkish breakfast was wonderfully fresh and flavorful, brimming with assorted baked treats—those fluffy pancakes were a highlight—along with veggies, fresh cheeses, savory spreads, and eggs; all in all, a beautifully diverse and satisfying spread for a hearty morning meal. The omelet was prepared flawlessly, striking the ideal balance—not too runny or overly dry—with a smooth, inviting texture.

SERVICE:

The service was exceptionally warm and welcoming; our waiter spoke fluent Russian and guided us thoughtfully through the menu, even graciously preparing the plain omelet that wasn’t originally listed.

VERDICT:

An excellent restaurant boasting a picturesque terrace ideal for basking in sunny weather. The food was truly delicious, with prices a shade above average compared to other places, yet we thoroughly savored the meal and ambiance—the option for an individual breakfast is a...

Unmatched Ambiance & The Best Lentil Soup in Turkey – A Must-Visit in Istanbul

This place easily has the best ambiance we’ve experienced anywhere in Istanbul. Overlooking the iconic Galata Tower, the scenery is absolutely stunning—whether you’re sitting outside enjoying the view or cozying up inside where the space is warm, inviting, and full of charm. It’s the kind of spot that’s both relaxing and photogenic, with plenty of opportunities to snap beautiful pictures.

The staff? Wonderfully kind and genuinely friendly. From the moment we walked in, we felt taken care of. Service was attentive without ever being pushy, and their hospitality added so much to the overall experience. The owner himself even surprised us with fresh mint lemonade as we were leaving—just one example of how this team goes above and beyond to make every guest feel special.

Now… did I mention the lentil soup? Because let me say it again—the lentil soup here is phenomenal. Hands down the best we’ve had in Istanbul, and quite possibly in all of Turkey. Rich, flavorful, comforting, and made with clear attention to detail. You can taste the love in every bite.

All in all, this place is a gem. Come for the view, stay for the vibe, and absolutely don’t leave without trying the lentil soup. Highly,...

This is the best restaurant we ate at while staying in the Galata neighborhood in Istanbul. For context: we spent the the previous day in the historic part of the city (by Blue Mosque and Galata bridge) and I was so disappointed by the vibe over there (restaurants were harassing everyone who walked by to come in and it felt like everything was an unpleasant tourist trap). But today dining at Cafe Privato in Galata neighborhood was exactly the Turkish restaurant experience I hoped for. I found it suggested on a travel blog, and am so glad I did—the atmosphere was cozy and relaxed, the staff incredibly friendly, and the food excellent. We sat for hours on the outside patio (perfection) and dined and enjoyed Turkish tea. The authentic food was absolutely delicious. It is also on a smaller side street and not the more crowded streets, so you are able to truly relax and enjoy the feel of the small city streets without feeling overwhelmed. Then we walked around the neighborhood and popped into the local artisan shops that are all over the neighborhood, especially on the southwest side of the neighborhood along Kumbaraci Yks. (street). HIGHLY recommend...