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Kaktüs is where established Cihangir residents tend to go. It is a calm café / brasserie serving decent, easy fare and drinks. Kaktüs is not really a must-go spot for a short Istanbul visit. It’s rather where you’d take a breather before embarking on the second part of your day if your Airbnb is in the neighbourhood. Somehow there is always space here, as there should be in a casual neighborhood brasserie. For locals, it’s a conversational haven to escape the crowd of Cihangir amid low hanging trees and sleepy cats without the fuss and flair of chic cafés.
What to order: You can order classic cocktails and ask for alterations. Meaning, the bar is decent. Food-wise I wouldn’t point at anything special, but if you are looking for a quick snack nothing on the menu would make you sad to have read this review and chosen to stop by at Kaktüs.
What to know: More a fun fact about this place - it is the only establishment I’ve been to in Turkey where they bring a glass of complimentary still water without asking, similar to bars in Europe or the US. Istanbul tap water is not exactly drinkable. While the water provided is well-filtered and has the right amounts of chlorine, individual water systems or tanks in buildings can affect the cleanliness of tap water. I believe filtering it is enough but many friends still opt for private still water brands both outside and at home (in the form of 19 litre dispenser size demijohns).
Pürtelaş Hasan Efendi, Cihangir Cd. No:16/A, 34343 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey