Historic Sultanahmet’s freshest coffee bar

The menu offers more than is usually found at the big name coffee chains that are sprouting up on every corner. There is a wide range of coffees, including a good selection of decafs, teas, cold drinks, milkshakes and lassis. The pastries are freshly baked on the premises and include cookies, muffins, scones and cakes. Many of the recipes are handed down from her family, and are a welcome relief from the often cloyingly sweet pastries found in other venues. Gaudet strives to use all-natural ingredients and the care that goes into the preparation is apparent with the first bite.

But Java Studio is more than just a place to find a wide array of coffees and fresh baked pastries. It is also an art gallery with exhibits changing monthly. All art on display is for sale, and 20 percent of the sale price of all work goes to support art, music, and sports programs for children in the community. “I am not an art dealer,” Gaudet continues, “but I love art and I wanted to have a place people could come to relax and be surrounded by beautiful works of art. And by giving a percentage of the proceeds to programs for children I feel like I am able to give something back to my community.”

With indoor and outdoor seating, Java Studio is a place not to just grab a quick cup of coffee and go. Its warm, inviting atmosphere encourages clients to linger, chat, and perhaps strike up a conversation with the people at the next table. The multi-lingual staff is attentive, but not overbearing. They are ready to field questions about the menu, as well as the neighborhood. Even though Java Studio is a recent addition to the Sultanahmet area it is already building up a loyal local clientele. Menu prices are below most of the big-name coffee chains, with a coffee and a piping hot fresh pastry starting at YTL 10. This newcomer is definitely the hottest and freshest place in Sultanahmet.

Address: Cankurtaran Mah., Dalbasti Sok. No. 13, Sultanahmet

Phone: (212) 517 23 78