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Cafe Fulya
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Turkish Coffee & Tea, Turkish [Edit]
727 S 2nd StPhiladelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood: Queen Village
(267) 909-9937
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
26 reviews for Cafe Fulya
Review Highlights
"The baklava was indeed the best I've ever had."
(in 16 reviews)
"...Tabule, Green Beans, Zucchini Pancake, and White bean salad."
(in 3 reviews)
"I'll definitely be back to try their lunch or dinner."
(in 4 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Brad P.
10/9/2011
My first experience with Turkish food was when I was a little boy and I saw "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." Some kid asked for Turkish delight and it turned out to be the thing that corrupted him. I always knew one day I'd be corrupted by Turkish food. After eating at Cafe Fulya, I dragged my siblings to Narnia and let them be enslaved by the White Queen. I didn't have Turkish Delight. I had something much, much better....
Cafe Fulya's breakfast platter is fantastic. It is a delectable collection of cheeses, jam, butter, apricot, tomato, cucumber, and olives served with bread that can only be described as badass. This bread is so serious. I'm trying to watch my carb intake but there was no stopping me from getting extra bread in this case. It is OK though because I cried out the calories with my tears...guilt tears.
It is called ekmek(ehk-MEHK) and is traditional Turkish sourdough bread. I ate the ekmek so hard.
Cafe Fulya's Turkish coffee(get it with sugar) is fantastic. It has a unique bitterness and strong taste that I could not get enough of(I had two in one sitting).
The baklava is very good.
The folks are very friendly and totally didn't scowl and roll their eyes when I dropped my utensils and someone had to replace them with new ones. -
Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
12/15/2011
I tried to recreate "The Breakfast Platter" at home because I like it and it speaks to the "a little bit of this, a little bit of that" mentality, which I very much enjoy. Listen I'm gourmet, baby. It should have been easy enough as all it meant was simply assembling the uncommon but good breakfast combination of Turkish feta cheese, kaskaval cheese, olives, hard boiled egg, tomatoes, cucumber, dried apricots, butter and preserves on a plate. That's no big deal, eh? But it just wasn't the same. It was missing some barely discernible authenico touch or something. What was it..? Well, one thing- I know that I didn't have the exact Turkish bread. I certainly didn't have really good Turkish coffee at home, either. So I'll leave it to Cafe Fulya.
I like this place for breakfast. Cafe Fulya offers up some good egg dishes accompanied by Turkish style salami, pastrami, or pepperoni. Maybe sometimes one of us orders that whole breakfast platter spread, and one of us orders an omlet and we halfsie-whoosie that sucka.
Sometimes I'm walking around the neighborhood, heading towards cranky. I forgot to eat, but whadda I want? If I can't exactly figure it out, I point my direction to Cafe Fulya because there's always somethin somethin good, freshy, and homemade. Inexpensive too...
A quickie grilled cheese sandwich, I like the Turkish toast with tomato and feta, or kasari and slightly salty salami. I love their salads. Three for $9 is great for sharing. Hit me up with some charcoal grilled eggplant salad, and some artichokes, and maybe that lemony white bean salad- simple but good. Or you know, you could go five for $15... if you're so robustly inclined.
Sometimes I'll take a cup tea, sometimes apple tea...maybe a smoothie, even. Fantastic baklava, cookies and cakes go so well with that coffee I mentioned; the strong Turkish coffee, slightly bitter, but really good.
Do you see what I'm saying? No taste-bud region need be neglected.
I like it that these ladies seem to care about what they're doing, and they're very pleasant t'boot. I'm a fan of this small-yet-comfortable neighborhood spot. I'm a fan of everything from their sweet Turkish treats to their ruby red seats...see cause they have these red plastic chairs that remind me of the stuff of ring pops.
If I didn't have so many warm and fuzzy feelings towards Cafe Fulya, I would have written this review in the style of a rollicking, "Turkish Song of the Damned," but since I do have such fond feelings, I wrote up this one here. -
Review from Ettya F.
10/9/2011
Get caffeinated with a delectable 5 sip Turkish coffee sweetened with just the right amount of sugar to protect your tongue from the awful bitterness the oft too concentrated brew.
Get full with the Turkish breakfast, complete with Turkish white, feta and kaskaval cheese - breed cream cheese and butter - fresh tomato and cucumber slices, dried apricots, apricot jam, olives, honey and a boiled egg for good measure. All this is served with some sort of Turkish bread that's almost like a sesame focaccia only less spongy, with a crispier crust but an equally moist middle .
Get satiated with a one bite square of honey sweet baklava so flaky, sticky, and crisp that you're sure to crave another...and another...and another... -
Review from Erin M.
6/28/2011
I needed to pick up a snack to share before heading over to a Meetup event at nearby Mario Lanza park. Spotting a sign for the "best baklava in the city" and seeing that it was quite inexpensive, I ventured into Cafe Fulya.
I ordered 10 bite-size pieces of baklava and because my stomach was a bit on the fritz, a chamomile tea. The waiter/barista was very cheerful and threw in an extra baklava bite. The baklava was indeed the best I've ever had. The tea was your usual Celestial Seasonings, but the water was boiling hot and it was steeped very well.
After glancing at pictures of the food here, I'm determined to come back and try more fare at Fulya. -
Review from Tom M.
6/28/2011
Last night (6/27/11) my wife brought home baklava from there. She told me they had a sign that read. "Best Baklava."
That sign knows things. Trust it always. I swear there was almost a flavor of really good pizza dough in there. It was the best baklava I've had.
It came in small cubes (my wife tells me its $0.50 a cube) so sharing it was easy and not messy.
My wife should stop by here after work more often. -
Review from John F.
6/21/2011
So this place really is a hybrid cafe/mini restaurant. Instead of just ordering something premade or out of a case, they can cook you up something as well (such as their serious business Turkish Hot Dog).
Their coffee was strong and bitter but good and the atmosphere is extremely well done and casual. I expect Middle-Eastern/Med coffee to be potent so I'm prepared for that. If you don't like strong coffee at all, I'd try a sugary drink to help cut it.
I've had a few of the dessert goodies and they were delicious. Apart from that, the owner and her staff are very friendly and service orientated. I'm not sure if it is because it's kinda sorta a restaurant/diner, but the place just looks and feels cleaner compared to most coffee shops in the area so if you really need that new fresh look, this might be your spot. I personally like the "Gritty and Shitty" feel of Philly's cafes but it's nice to see something fresh once in awhile.
The spot isn't very large but it typically isn't overly crowded either. They get less foot traffic since they're a bit south of South st and somewhat placed in a more residential spot, but it's a nice addition to Queen Village!
Give it a shot!Listed in: Java is Jive
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Review from Julie N.
Philadelphia, PA
4/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cafe Fulya is one of my favorite things in Queen Village.
The coffee is a bold brew.
Oj is fresh squeezed.
The omelets are perfect every time.
Bf loves the Turkish breakfast platter.
The coconut strawberry cake is amazing (although the last few times we've had it, it seems that the recipe for the cake has changed).
Last but not least - the baklava. You HAVE to have a piece of baklava!
Other goodies like free wifi, chill music, and nice folks make this place definitely worth the visit. -
Review from Dan F.
1/23/2011 1 photo
"Never Leave Me!"
I hope it's not true. I hope the rumors are wrong and that Cafe Fulya will not close with Fulya's impending marriage, and that her brother will proudly steer at the helm. Because Cafe Fulya is quite simply one of the best cafes I've ever known, and we're so lucky to have it in the neighborhood.
The food here is simply insanely delicious. I only have a photo of the chocolate cake, which is so. friggin. awesome. But may I recommend any of the following items I've subjected my insatiable food disorder to:
The hot coffee.
The iced coffee.
The apple tea.
The chocolate pudding.
The fudge.
The zucchini pancake with garlic sauce.
The lentil soup (sounds totally boring, but wait!) it's a lighter cousin of the bean, more pureed, and finished with a signature hot/cool spike of dried mint and chili oil.
Turkish toast with feta cheese and tomato. They specially hunt down this authentic turkish bread, and it's so worth it!
The amazing breakfast platter, a grazing plate of incredible tastes of feta, turkish apricots, apricot jam, a smidge of cream cheese, hardboiled egg, sliced cucumber, cured olives ... it seems a weird hodgepog but trust, take it down with the lovely, warm bread (ask for extra bread right away -- it's a must) and you will be so glad you tried it.
And there are so many more wonderful looking and smelling deserts and dishes to try. Just stay around long enough for me to do so!! -
Review from Dawn K.
2/22/2011 3 photos
Such a special place! We came in on a cold night after dinner, looking for dessert. The owner was such a nice lady- she guided our indecisive souls, and we ended up getting a special bread pudding with turkish coffee- both so, so good.
The space is small and cozy- perfect for a date or a place to catch up with a friend. Even their bathroom is special: hand-painted typography on the walls of the official rules of bocce ball!
I'll be back sooooon -
Review from Jamie S.
11/7/2010 3 photos
Cafe Fulya is small and very casual with groovy furniture, large open windows, and a few tables and a couch inside and a table out in front. Being a cafe, a lot of the menu items are baked goods and cold appetizers.
I loved the lemony red cabbage and artichoke hearts with fava beans and dill. The zucchini pancake was also great, and lighter than the Korean versions I am familiar with; it was like a zucchini omelet. The Russian salad was very funky, but in a good way; it had random ingredients like carrots, peas, and pickles.
The Turkish toast was exactly as I expected, a satisfying version of grilled cheese. They use kasari cheese, which melts beautifully. The toast can be stuffed with a choice of either Turkish salami or pepperoni.
The only real entree available is manti, Turkish dumplings, with either a spinach or beef filling. The manti were small and steamed and topped with the traditional minted yogurt sauce. The consensus at the table was that the meat dumplings were better than the spinach; the meat just had more flavorListed in: Philly Lunch: Under $10
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Review from jose a.
Philadelphia, PA
11/20/2011
Used to live right around the corner from here. Really love the spot and the ambiance. But the staff hasn't been super friendly to me. The coffee is just pretty good, the baklava is kinda nice. Maybe I haven't been ordering the right things but none of the food/sweets have been mind-blowing. Still, I kinda miss having this place right around the corner.
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Review from Tina B.
Philadelphia, PA
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had their baklava and it was absolutely delicious! This cafe is located on a quiet corner and I've driven past there several times without having ever stopped in, until I came across a review about their baklava being really good. Needless to say, I'll be a frequent visitor as I look forward to tasting their Turkish coffee and their Mediterranean fare.
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Review from Bill M.
2/5/2009
Inexpensive Turkish food? an amazing coffee house vibe that doubles as a quaint little BYOB when you need it to? Excellent service from friendly people? Those are the things that I found the first time that I visited and I'm totally sold!
I've walked by here on several occasions but never found the time to stop in and give it a go. So after getting my haircut at Jeremiah's new Alley location (the spikes are back!!!) I made a point to give it a try. Despite the impressive looking veggie dishes that were ready to serve (zucchini pancakes, eggplant salad w/ Turkish bread, spinach pie!), I was really craving a sandwich. While I normally don't dig salami and kaiser rolls, they managed to make it immaculate. it could be that the addition of both mozzarella AND provolone helped immensely. But it was probably the fact that Turkish beef salami was like no salami that I've ever had. not bad at all for $5.
A+ on the service too. I had my extra strong Turkish coffee (love!) in the blink of an eye, and the server was quick on prepping my sandwich. he was also kind enough to let me try one of their incredible Baklava (more love!). I'm hooked!Listed in: South Philly, Top Restaurants, I Hate Starbucks!
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Review from Mallory P.
Philadelphia, PA
3/31/2009
The service was a little slow, and they don't have a ton of space, but I have two words for you: Turkish Burps.
My boyfriend and I were in Turkey last year, and everywhere we went there was a complimentary Turkish breakfast. The same exact thing everything time: Bread with butter and homemade jam or preserves, olives, slices of cucumbers, plum tomatoes, a few cheeses, and a hardboiled egg. I know, weird, right? Well, we ate it every morning for two weeks and it was always a great way to start the day. We kept saying we'd buy all the stuff to have a Turkish breakfast at home, but it's such an odd assortment of foods that we never got around to it....
They we found out about Cafe Fulya! We split a Turkish breakfast platter, I got my strong Turkish tea and he got a Turkish coffee and we walked down memory lane. It was perfect. The bread was what did it, I think. I don't know what it is that makes the bread Turkish, but it tasted just like Turkey. The country.
The kicker, though, is that after we sat there for a while, digesting, I burped. And the burp tasted like the breakfast all rolled into one and I got one of those wonderful sense memories and it truly made my day. I'm so glad that there is a place in Philadelphia that can give me Turkish Burps!
I half wish that this place was on my way to work, because I would get tea every day. However, it's saving me lots of money to have this place in the opposite direction of my route to work. Lastly, the baklava: Very good. I don't know if it's the best I've ever had. I can't think of any, specifically, that's been better, but it didn't knock my socks off like I expected. It's very, very good, though. -
Review from Alisha M.
Philadelphia, PA
10/25/2009
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this place.
My bf is Turkish and he must visit Turkish owned businesses when he can. We came here months ago, and I went back in August.
See, I appreciate this place because they are so friendly, so hospitable. No attitudes. Just a warm smile.
It's just off south street, so parking maybe a little cramped even when it's not rush hour time. I wish they were opened longer, probably a small gripe. Like an extra hour or so. I've witnessed many people's moods, and to me they seem really relaxed with a book or a friend. The prices haven't put a frown on my face.
The second time I visited, I ended up chatting with an older fellow who was nice but who failed in thinking I would follow him to his "large" apartment. The weird things I experience. He wasn't a nuisance, but someone else may have been bothered by such a patron.
I had this Turkish hot dog of some kind, so good with a tea. Most teas they have, I believe, are celestial seasonings. I like that brand so I don't mind. Bathrooms are clean and tidy, too. Hope I see you there. Enjoy. -
Review from Chris M.
4/24/2009
Ok, this is a chill spot. Great for any meal.. breakfasts are great..a light afternoon sipping coffee (or tea)..or a BYOB spot for dinner. Cafe Fulya is even better when the weather is good.. they have outdoor seating and wide open windows for nice breezes. Its off the beaten path..just a short block or two walk from South Street.
Great turkish food.. they serve authentic Turkish breakfast entrees all day..sandwiches, and a variety of authentic Turkish appetizers. Try the tea and turkish coffee...both superb.
We ordered the cold appetizer sampler with Cacik, Tabule, Green Beans, Zucchini Pancake, and White bean salad. All were delicious, filling, and perfect. We also had the Pastirmali Yumurta (Eggs with Turkish Pastrami)..this alone is a great breakfast. To top it off, I recommend the Baklava and Turkish Coffee..
We will be back for sure!! -
Review from fay h.
Philadelphia, PA
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE this place. Whenever I feel nostalgic about my trip to Turkey, I go here. Awesome coffee... I've watched the owner actually pour out coffee after she made it because she didn't feel it was good enough. Yummy mezze dishes.
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Review from Elizabeth B.
Philadelphia, PA
6/18/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This place is truly sliding under the radar. It's inconspicuous location a mere two blocks from my apartment is awesome. The service is so excellent and friendly, albeit a little slow (but hey, I wasn't in any rush).
I really enjoyed the white bean salad. It is light and fresh and can easily be split for two people. The turkish toast with feta and tomatoes is a nice change from the typical grilled cheese, though the toast was a little too heavily buttered for my taste. The baklava is great, flaky and tasty and not too sweet.
The prices are kind of ridiculous (in a good way) ... a meal for two including dessert was around $16. Crazy! I will definitely be back to try some other dishes as well as coffee.
Love it! -
Review from Mike G.
Philadelphia, PA
11/4/2008
Recently a friend of mine and I wanted something for lunch in the south street area but definitely more on the less-traveled side of things. By luck I remembered that Cafe Fulya is nearby.
Fulya is the sister and partner in Divan Turkish Kitchen, the city's great Turkish restaurant.
The interior is perfect for the queen village / south street quiet block and most importantly, the food is great.
We had great coffee and shared a couple dishes for a light lunch. The pastry cheese pie was very good, though we'll have to go back and try the spinach pastry pie next since it had just run out. Also, we shared a nice dish of Turkish dumplings. They were mild in flavor and really interesting with subtle layers of what mightv'e been mint and something else.. in the cream sauce. It was really nice and i just wish there were something like Fulya's near me. -
Review from Brian H.
Philadelphia, PA
9/20/2011
The only thing worse than the food here is the staff.
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Review from Paul H.
Arlington, VA
10/21/2009
Let's face it. The TV show "Friends" took the coffee house idea to new lows. Not only did the cast have a lot of time to piss away in an eating and drinking establishment (the beauty of make believe land) but it brought about a kind of trite nature that independent cafes have been trying to break free of.
While wandering around Philly during a Tuesday afternoon, I wanted to just grab a quick espresso for five minutes and continue on with my journey. Cafe Fulya fit the bill. The seating area is not too large, but that's OK, as I wasn't planning on staying the afternoon. The double espresso made the grade and the baklava is rich and delicious. Some of the best I've had. All in all a solid experience. A cafe like this is something that no neighborhood should be without. -
Review from Karin R.
Philadelphia, PA
Great breakfasts and wonderful coffee.
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Review from Tia L.
Philadelphia, PA
6/28/2009
Delightful little Turkish Cafe in Queen Village. Went for brunch and definitely enjoyed the coffee & baklava (not too sweet, just how I like it). The place is very small and a little confusing at first, as you need to order and pay at the counter for your meal (or at least we did... more staff showed up later). The place is very authentic & their desserts look scrumptious. I'll definitely be back to try their lunch or dinner.
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Review from june g.
Philadelphia, PA
6/5/2009
Everyone at Cafe Fulya is very friendly and welcoming. The decor is nice and comfortable. It's very open. Their coffee is very modestly price for the quality. I love, love, love the baklava and their cookies.
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Review from bhiladelphia b.
Philadelphia, PA
10/5/2010
bottom line: 2 bite cubes of baklava, flaky, rich, and very satisfying
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Review from Stephanie M.
Washington, DC
5/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
We went to Café Fulya on Saturday and were extremely happy with the entire visit. We had found out that it was BYOB and arrived with two pre-purchased bottles of wine around 8 pm. The café, which is very nicely decorated with French doors that open giving the feeling of being outside without actually being outside, was completely empty. It's a little off South Street (thankfully) more like a neighborhood café than part of the main drag. The server (who was extremely friendly) came right over and answered all our questions about the menu; we weren't familiar with Turkish food. She also provided wine glasses, and opened/served us our wine. We ordered the Turkish hotdog sandwich topped with Russian salad and the beef Manti (Turkish dumplings), and because of another yelpers claim two baklavas. Though I can't say if it was authentic, all the food was beyond delicious. The baklava soooo good we got two more for the road. If I lived closer I could see myself going back to this café often. The bill totalled less than $20.
