A staggering 17 million vacationers visited Antalya in 2024. It’s simple to see the attraction. In reply to the perennial query, “Mountains or the seaside?” Antalya has each. The snow-capped Taurus Mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea in such a picturesque method, it feels AI generated.
Most vacationers who go to Antalya go straight from the airport to one of many province’s many all-inclusive resorts. These accommodations supply non-public entry to pristine seashores, however the espresso is hardly something to jot down residence about. Espresso lovers adventurous sufficient to flee from the all-inclusive bubble will discover a booming espresso scene, constructed by a robust neighborhood of native roasters and bolstered by the town’s numerous immigrant neighborhood.
These are a number of the espresso outlets main the best way in Turkey’s fifth-largest metropolis.
The Sudd Espresso
Hadrian’s Gate commemorates the Roman emperor’s go to to the town in 130 CE. The impressively maintained monument additionally marks the doorway to Antalya’s outdated metropolis, Kaleiçi, actually “Contained in the fortress.”
Right here, among the many carpet sellers and memento outlets, is one in every of The Sudd Espresso’s three space cafes. The house-grown model initially labored with totally different roasters round Turkey, however in 2022 The Sudd bought a Turkish-made Besca espresso roaster and commenced roasting its personal espresso.
When Sprudge visits the Sudd’s Konyaaltı location, we attempt a syrupy-sweet shot of the home espresso: a single-origin Ethiopia, Idido.
“Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir had been forward of us, however Antalya is hungry,” says Orhan Tonguç, The Sudd’s director of espresso. The Sudd’s progress has been fueled by the current acquisition of the corporate by movie star chef Mehmet Akdağ, the third-generation chef/proprietor of the Antalya advantageous eating establishment 7Mehmet.
Akdağ has an eye fixed to develop the model and a fourth cafe in Antalya’s port district is at present beneath building. Naturally, the placement would be the first to have a full kitchen.
Homestead Espresso
When American expat and longtime Istanbul resident Kurt Miller realized Antalya’s Incommon Espresso Roasters was up on the market, he made a drastic choice: he bought the wholesale espresso roaster and moved his household to Antalya. Miller folded Incommon into his preexisting model Homestead Espresso, which now operates cafes in each Istanbul and Antalya.
“Increasing Homestead to Antalya has allowed us to have a change of tempo in life,” he says. “As a metropolis on the Mediterranean, it’s surrounded by the gorgeous sea and mountains. Being in a spot like this provides us time to deal with the great thing about espresso as a substitute of solely the hustle and enterprise.”
Homestead’s espresso may be discovered in lots of cafes and eating places round city, however there’s maybe no higher place to attempt its light-roasted microlots than its Sarısu roastery and cafe. The neighborhood is situated on the western fringe of the town and boasts beautiful views of the Taurus Mountains.
Surf Espresso
Whether or not it’s the retro surf magazines, surf rock information on repeat, or precise surfboards that adorn the inside, Surf Espresso completely encapsulates Antalya’s breezy seaside city vibes. One could be shocked—I definitely was—to study the model began in Russia. Antalya’s sizeable Russian expat neighborhood lends the Mediterranean outpost a built-in fan base.
“They seek for ‘Surf Espresso’ and are available straight right here,” says Mert Yılmaz, Surf Espresso’s supervisor.
The model and clientele may lean Russian, however the espresso and baked items come from nearer to residence. Surf Espresso works with Izmir’s Lot Espresso to supply their private-label espresso. Our pour-over of Colombia, Martha Arcila was fruity and vivid, with notes of dried apricot.
Hayy Espresso
With plentiful mushy seating and a spacious backyard, Konyaaltı’s Hayy Espresso is bringing cozy again. The neighborhood hang-out could be tucked in a quiet backstreet however make no mistake, proprietor Resul Çevik is severe about espresso, as evidenced by the stack of espresso books that line the counter.
“I’m impressed by Daibo Espresso, a 39-year-old cafe in Tokyo, in addition to trendy espresso outlets,” says Çevik. During the last 5 years, Çevik has seen Antalya’s espresso scene develop in breadth and high quality.
“Antalya’s espresso neighborhood is open to studying and is rapidly enhancing. The expats residing in Antalya and all the vacationers play an enormous function too,” says Çevik. “With Allah’s permission we’ll proceed to study extra with each passing day.”
Hayy Espresso serves espresso from their long-time wholesale supplier Homestead Espresso, and frequent visitor coffees from varied different roasters.
The Dose Espresso
It’s arduous to think about a extra idyllic location for a espresso store than Konyaaltı Road. The palm tree-lined boulevard’s extensive sidewalks and scenic views of Antalya Bay make this a chief vacation spot to see and be seen. It’s little surprise the patio seating at The Dose fills up earlier than anybody ventures inside.
However the Dose affords greater than photos of shorelines. The open kitchen design—a rarity in Turkey—permits prospects to glimpse the Dose’s pastry cooks arduous at work making their destination-worthy desserts. Professional tip: the San Sebastian cheesecake pairs properly with a pour-over roasted by Homestead.
Michael Butterworth is a espresso educator and guide primarily based in Istanbul, Turkey. Learn extra Michael Butterworth for Sprudge.
