A relaxed and welcoming café-restaurant in Kaleiçi popular with tourists and expats for its international menu, strong coffee, good wine list, and comfortable terrace overlooking the old town. A good option for those wanting familiar options.
Cafe Bistro Old Town is a welcoming international café-restaurant in the Barbaros neighbourhood of Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic old quarter, catering primarily to the international visitor base that stays within the district's boutique hotels and pensions. The café occupies a ground-floor space with a shaded terrace that looks out over the surrounding Ottoman-era buildings, providing a comfortable perch for watching the pedestrian traffic of Kaleiçi's main lanes. The menu is deliberately international in scope — club sandwiches, gözleme (hand-rolled Turkish flatbreads with various fillings), pasta dishes, and omelettes sit alongside Turkish staples — making it a natural choice for visitors who want a familiar option without venturing outside the old town. Coffee is a strength: the espresso machine produces properly extracted shots, and the range of hot drinks extends to herbal teas and Turkish coffee. The wine list is modest but functional, with a handful of Turkish labels available by the glass. The Turkish coffee and baklava set has become the most popular afternoon stop for visitors exploring Kaleiçi's archaeological sites and the nearby Hadrian's Gate. Service is attentive and English-speaking staff make ordering straightforward for international guests. The café is open from early morning through late evening, making it one of the more flexible dining options in an area where many restaurants keep shorter hours.
Signature dishes
- Club Sandwich — $10
- Gözleme with various fillings — $7
- Turkish Coffee and Baklava Set — $6
Good to know
- Known for
- Relaxed international café atmosphere in historic setting
- Hours
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location
Barbaros Mah., Kaleiçi, Antalya
36.8836, 30.7070 View on map
Highlights
- Shaded terrace overlooking Kaleiçi's historic Ottoman-era lanes
- International menu alongside Turkish gözleme — accessible for all dietary preferences
- Turkish coffee and baklava set, a popular afternoon pause for sightseers
- English-speaking staff and long opening hours from 8 AM to 11 PM
- Good espresso and herbal tea selection, uncommon in Kaleiçi's café landscape
Tips for visiting
- A good base for a mid-morning break after visiting Hadrian's Gate and the Hidirlik Tower — both are within a 5-minute walk.
- The gözleme with white cheese and spinach is the most reliable Turkish option for those uncertain about more adventurous dishes.
- The wine list is short but the Turkish labels are well-chosen; ask staff for a recommendation with lunch.
- Terrace seats fill quickly on warm afternoons; arriving before 3 PM is advisable for outdoor seating.
- The club sandwich is generous and satisfying — a reliable choice for those wanting something familiar.
Accessibility
The café is set within Kaleiçi's pedestrian lanes, which involve cobblestone surfaces on the approach. The terrace and indoor seating area are at street level, largely flat, and manageable for most visitors. Wheelchair access within the restaurant itself is reasonable, though the surrounding neighbourhood lanes present challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cafe Bistro Old Town suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. The menu includes several vegetarian options including gözleme with cheese and spinach, pasta dishes, salads, and omelettes. Staff can confirm which dishes contain meat upon request.
Does the café serve alcohol?
Yes. Wine and beer are available, along with a range of soft drinks, coffee, and tea. It is one of the few venues in Kaleiçi offering alcohol in a relaxed café setting.
Is it easy to find in Kaleiçi?
The café is in the Barbaros Mahallesi area of Kaleiçi, close to the main pedestrian route through the old town. Hotel staff in Kaleiçi can point the way, and it is well-signposted on tourist maps of the district.
What are the opening hours?
The café is open from 8 AM to approximately 11 PM daily, making it one of the more flexible options in Kaleiçi for early breakfast through late evening drinks.