Katibim, Üsküdar
A large café-restaurant on the Üsküdar waterfront near the Maiden's Tower, serving Turkish breakfast spreads on a terrace that faces the Old City.
From the terrace, the Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) sits to your left and the Topkapı Palace headland straight ahead. Katibim is a big waterfront café-restaurant in Üsküdar, on the shore road between Şemsipaşa and Harem on Istanbul's Asian side. Its name recalls "Kâtibim", the old folk song about going to Üsküdar.
It is busy from morning to late: kebabs and grills in the evening, tea and nargile at sunset. In the morning it is one of the best-known places in Üsküdar for breakfast with a view of the Maiden's Tower.
What to order
For a group, order the serpme kahvaltı, the full Turkish breakfast spread: small plates of cheese, olives, jams, honey with kaymak (clotted cream), sliced vegetables, fried dough such as pişi, gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and eggs. On your own, a single breakfast plate or eggs with sucuk (spicy sausage) is plenty. Simit comes to the table too. Tea keeps coming; finish with a Turkish coffee and a little more time with the view.
Visiting tips
Katibim is about a fifteen-minute walk south along the shore from the Üsküdar ferry pier, which is also close to Üsküdar station on the Marmaray and M5 metro lines. On weekend mornings the front tables facing the water fill quickly, so arrive early or call ahead. Service can slow at busy times. Check the restaurant's official channels for current hours. Afterwards, walk on along the shore towards Salacak for a closer look at the Maiden's Tower.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Katibim?
On the Üsküdar waterfront between Şemsipaşa and Harem, near the Maiden's Tower. It is walkable from the Üsküdar ferry pier.
Does Katibim serve a Turkish breakfast spread?
Yes. Besides the full spread, there are single breakfast plates and hot egg dishes.
Can you see the Maiden's Tower from Katibim?
Yes. The terrace faces the Maiden's Tower, the Topkapı Palace headland and the Old City.