5 cozy places to warm up on cold days

There’s no place like home, especially when Istanbul is cold and crowded in the winter.

We know it’s not easy to leave your blanket behind, but if you manage to do so, here are five cozy spots to warm up on nippy days.

Cha’ya

With two branches, one in Galata and the other in Moda, Cha’ya is the tea haven that will keep you warm on crisp days. There are 32 different teas on the menu, each served beautifully with it’s own special teapot. Order a melting chocolate cupcake along with tea and get lost in your book when it’s raining cats and dogs outside…

Brunelle

A neighborhood favorite, Brunelle in Moda will be extra pleasant on snowy days. Lean back and relax on a leather couch near the fireplace or catch up with an old friend at the bar. The menu, inspired by French and Italian cuisines, offers tastes that are perfect for winter. We recommend the onion soup covered with mille-feuille or the French classic Opera cake with coffee, chocolate and almond.

İncirli Şaraphane

A glass of wine is the best company on long winter nights. At İncirli Şaraphane, there are nearly 700 different wines (mostly Turkish). Don’t worry if you get confused; their experts are ready to help you select. Whether you indulge in wine and cheese or have wood-fired pizza, İncirli Şaraphane is a great cozy spot to spend quality time with loved ones. It has a spacious indoor area with two private rooms for small and large groups, suitable for gatherings on cold days.

The North Shield Pub

This popular pub chain’s branch at Bağdat Caddesi offers a wide range of beers from various countries, yet its extensive whisky and cocktail lists are also worth mentioning. Here, you will almost feel like you are at a British pub. Catch a football match or unwind near the fireplace while enjoying a couple of drinks.

Crepe & Fondue

Crepe & Fondue in Akatlar is one of the few places in Istanbul to have a decent fondue. Gather your friends on a cold evening, dive into the fondue and don’t forget to order a glass of mulled wine. There are other Swiss delights on the menu, such as raclette and rösti, but we especially recommend beef or chicken fondue if you don’t mind a few extra calories.

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Cha’ya: Şahkulu Bostan Sok. No: 22A Galata – (0212) 249 8503 / Caferağa Mah. Bademaltı Sok. No: 17B Moda – (0216) 550 8503
Brunelle: Caferağa Mah. Hülya Sok. No: 5 Kadıköy – (0216) 338 2561
İncirli Şaraphane: Kuruçeşme Mah. Muallim Naci Cad. No: 107 – (0212) 257 1129
The North Shield: Bağdat Cad. No: 183 Göztepe Kadıköy – (0216) 360 6631
Crepe & Fondue: Zeytinoğlu Cad. No: 3 Akatlar Beşiktaş – (0212) 351 4951