Denizen Coffee Istanbul

Please know the «new”/faux Deniz Inn in the same location IS NOT owned and operated by the wonderful ex-​pat couple who built this business ~ if you choose to patronize Deniz Inn, you may judge their new offerings, but know that it is NOT the same place that is was before July 2013…

What a find in old town Istanbul and wow! Were we lucky! This seems to to be THE meeting ground for US expats.
Recently established by two absolutely charming gentlemen from (the wonderful, fabulous, beautiful city of) San Francisco, Denizen gives you the comfort and feeling of «home» — I don’t think I found a latte anywhere else as tasty (and beautiful) as those served here — I spent hours photographing every single latte I drank there. They were served in large cups that you can wrap your hands around, just like the comfy «i’ll have a latte» feeling at home!
Denizen, in English, literally means a person admitted to residence in a foreign country. Earl and Ken, the owners, visited Istanbul a few times over a few years and decided that they wanted to stay — so they became «denizens» (or expats)! While there, they realized the area was missing a true coffee shop (and they’re right — there are not a lot of coffee shops in Sultanahmet). So it only made sense to open one and name it Denizen!
The vibe is perfect. So American coffee house, but also so very Turkish — with Turkish wares for sale (without the hassle) downstairs. Ken and Earl are laid back, very friendly, and knowledgeable. We sat down on our third day with a stack of books (not just a list) of things we wanted to do and see, but with no real plan. Earl sat down with us and gave us direction! Our next few days were planned with all the secrets of the locals. And, at the end of those days, when we finished our «touristy stuff» for the day, we’d settle in at Denizen for a cup of coffee and a late lunch or early dinner and review our newly treasured memories and start the next day’s plan. It was perfect.
Over the course of our stay, we had just about everything on the menu but the Tortilla Espanola (hmmm … guess I’m gonna have to go back!). The food in Turkey is really wonderful, and there are so many tastes there — you have to enjoy it all. But when you want something a little lighter, maybe a little more «like home», this is the place. The paninis are great — very healthy portions and very tasty. The salads offer a light and fresh alternative and the small plates of mezes and cheeses are also very satisfying. And you MUST NOT miss the cheesecake!
Don’t expect to spend a ton in this place, as their prices are extremely fair. Many places in the Sultanahmet area see the tourist coming. Not at Denizen!