Ever wondered where Ankara’s heartbeat slows to the pace of a perfect pour-over? This is your guide to the city’s rich, aromatic coffee world.

What if we told you that the real magic lies in mini coffee cups poured in its buzzing coffee places and backstreets, and not in ancient citadels or government buildings? Ankara, known as the “Heart of Turkey” or perhaps the “Political Heart of Turkey,” commands the highlands of Central Anatolia, roughly about 280 miles from the southeast of Istanbul.

Here, Turkish coffee is much more than just a drink; it’s a centuries-old tradition, giving it a perfect place among the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. Be it an idea admiring the industrial-chic design of Rispetto Coffee Co. or slowing down and soaking at Sloth Coffee Shop, the coffee scenes of Ankara promise memorable moments and bold flavors.

All set to explore the true flavors of Ankara? Let’s get into the city’s best cup, but one sip at a time!

Located in Bahçelievler, a district of Ankara, Rispetto Coffee Co. is a small yet bold café with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The black sesame latte is Rispetto’s signature drink and exhibits nutty and roasted flavor depth while remaining low on sweetness to the palate. The eggs benny on sourdough layers, combined with hollandaise and poached eggs with yolks and house-cured salmon on top, add a silky, briny layer. Don’t miss out on delicacies like the ube cheesecake with its ultra-creamy texture, and the ricotta hotcakes with seasonal fruit, whipped honey butter, and a dusting of pistachios.    

Address: Yukarı Bahçelievler, 59. Sk. No:15 C, 06490 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

Located in one of the liveliest neighborhoods of Ankara (Bahçelievler), Prod Coffee & Roastery is a unique coffee atelier, serving delicious hot sandwiches, which can be customized as per your desire. But what steals the limelight is the Prod Coffee & Roastery’s creamy mushroom toast infused with herbed flavor and a hint of truffle. What’s more? Sip on their Flat White / Cortado, single-origin pour-over, cold brew/ nitro cold brew, and Signature espresso blend, made especially from house-roasted coffee beans.

Address: Bahçelievler, 49. Sk. No:14, 06490 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

Set in Tunali, Padam Coffee Shop is a true gem of the third-wave coffee scene with its cozy ambiance. The spotlight is stolen by the rich chocolate tart, smooth, rich, and overly satisfying with a bit of bitter sweetness. The vegan lentil salad with fresh herbs and tangy dressing is a crowd-pleaser for nutrient-packed plate lovers, but the grilled halloumi sourdough sandwich must not be overlooked, as it has a savory crunch that is truly satisfying. Round off your dining experience with a pistachio cake, a perfect little sweet for a sweet tooth.    

Address: Mahallesi, Remzi Oğuz Arık, Atatürk Blv No:237 D:16, 06680 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

With a vibrant, study-oriented ambiance, Coffee LAB Kızılay Bulvar consistently attracts students and coffee addicts alike. Due to its location, this cafe is the center of a bustling hub in Ankara, making it one of the best Ankara coffee shops. While it's regarded as having a rich plethora of desserts, a single depth of flavor can be tasted by indulging in their lotus cheesecake custard, creamy and caramelized. When it comes to fresh and tasty food, the crispy chicken wrap is a go-to.

Located in: Bulvar Palas İş Merkezi

Address: Cumhuriyet, Atatürk Blv No:141, 06430 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

The flagship location of Paper Roasting Coffee & Chocolate in Yıldız features an expansive upstairs lounge and an onsite training lab to provide SCA-certified courses in a beautifully renovated textiles factory. The salted caramel brownie is a must-have due to its decadent and exquisitely balanced taste. The turkey and Gouda croissant is warm and buttery. As for drinks, the almond milk flat white has a delightful smoothness with a nutty finish, while the affogato is made with their house-roasted espresso.    

Located in: Yıldız İş Merkezi

Address: Yıldızevler, 713. Sk. No:9, 06730 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

Located on Güvenlik Street, Sloth Coffee Shop tempts customers with fluffy banana bread, served warm and lightly spiced. The menu ranges from the smoked turkey sandwich, served with plenty of fresh greens and a touch of mustard aioli, to the matcha latte, standing out with its earthy smoothness, creamy consistency, and mild flavor. And don’t forget to taste cold drip coffee, served over ice with a slice of orange.    

Address: Ayrancı, Güvenlik Cd. 36/A, 06540 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

For those who appreciate quality and a bit of solitude, Guzu Coffee is the right place to be. Well-known for its spectacular creamy pistachio cheesecake, there’s more to the menu. For brunch, the avocado toast sprinkled with chili flakes and lemon juice is perfect, while the caramel iced latte will be your best side drink. Their spinach and feta pastry is flaky and warm and perfect to go with a classic flat white.  

Address: Barbaros, Bülten Sk. No:26, 06680 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

Looking for a cafe where style and comfort seamlessly blend? Head straight to the Incek Coffee Project, and you will be left captivated by its laid-back ambiance, and the menu is anything but classic. While the cappuccino and caramel macchiato certainly rank among customers’ favorites, the nitro coffee gets a lot of special praise. However, the famed Ethiopian dish steals the spotlight, and an innovative strawberry bitter hot chocolate stands out as a beverage to try along. A variety of sweet options, such as donuts, croissants, and lemon cheesecake, seem to scoot through the line from time to time. 

Address: Kızılcaşar, Incek Blv No:284, 06830 Gölbaşı/Ankara, Türkiye

3 Cores Roastery Specialty Coffee stands out in Ankara for its very carefully sourced beans and true pursuit of the coffee craft. This coffee place has everything from rare single-origin brews to professionally curated blends. The place serves a delicious espresso tonic; its silky mouthfeel is refreshing, citrusy, and perfectly balanced. On one hand, the toast accompanied with ricotta and honey on thick-cut sourdough bread with crushed pistachios delightfully balances sweet and savory; on the other, the mushroom and cheddar croissant oozes a buttery, rich flavor in every bite.

Address: Kızılay, Sezenler Sk. 10/A, 06610 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

Coffee Crop Armada, which is on Bülten Sokak, strikes a good combo of its homey and contemporary aesthetic, but it's the taste and flavors that make it stand out. The handmade brownie cake is their crowning achievement, with its dense and fudgy texture. While the filtered coffee alone that they get from well-known roasters is velvety and fragrant, pairing it with the brownie cake just turns the experience up a notch. Do try out their smoked beef sandwich served with fresh pickle and sharp cheddar, the homemade lemonade, and the almond biscotti with the cold brew combination.   

Located in: Armada Shopping and Business Center

Address: Armada AVM C Blok No:81, Söğütözü Cd., 06510 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye