Forbes recently highlighted seven independent bookstore cafés around the world, places where the shelves and the menu get equal attention. You may not be flying to Istanbul this month, so this guide does two things: it shows you where these spots are, and it gives you a simple way to bring the same eat-sip-read feeling to your own kitchen table.
The Seven Bookstore Cafés Forbes Singled Out
Per Forbes, these independent shops have grown into hybrid destinations that pair curated book collections with quality food and drink. Offerings range from casual coffee and pastries to full restaurant menus. The list:
- Minoa Pera (Istanbul, Turkey)
- Paludan Bog & Café (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- phil (Vienna, Austria)
- Beacon Hill Books & Cafe (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Liberty: brunch, coffee & books (Lisbon, Portugal)
- Book & Cook (Manila, Philippines)
- Books for Cooks (London, England)
I only have the names and locations from Forbes' roundup, so check each café's own site for current menus and hours before you plan a trip around one.
Why These Places Are Having a Moment
The broader idea, as the Forbes piece frames it, is the "third space": somewhere that isn't home or work where you can relax, find community, and linger. Independent bookstores are adding food service to give you a reason to stay longer, which also helps them compete with online retail. It makes sense. A book is easier to commit to when there's a warm drink next to it.
Pick Your Own Destination Menu
The seven cities span a lot of food cultures, which makes them a handy prompt for a themed night at home. These are my own suggestions, not menu items from the cafés. Choose one city and build a simple snack around its general food tradition.
Istanbul: Tea and Something Savory (10 minutes)
Brew a strong black tea and serve it with sliced cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta on toasted bread. Drizzle with olive oil and add black pepper. Serves two, costs very little, and needs no cooking.
Copenhagen: Open-Faced Sandwich (10 minutes)
Butter a slice of dense rye or whole-grain bread. Top with sliced hard-boiled egg, a few radish slices, and a pinch of salt. Swap in sliced cucumber or smoked fish if that's what you have.
Vienna: Coffee and Something Sweet (5 minutes)
Make a strong coffee, warm some milk, and combine them half and half. Pair with any plain biscuit or a slice of store-bought cake. Cinnamon on top is optional but nice.
Lisbon: Brunch on Toast (15 minutes)
Toast thick bread, top with a fried egg, and add sliced tomato. A squeeze of lemon and a little olive oil keep it bright.
Manila: Sweet-Savory Rice Bowl (20 minutes)
Warm leftover rice, add a fried egg, and serve with sliced fresh mango or banana on the side. It's an easy way to play with sweet and savory in one sitting.
Boston and London: Classic Café Fare (5-10 minutes)
For a no-fuss option, make a pot of tea or coffee and serve a buttered scone, muffin, or toast with jam.
How to Set Up a Reading Night in 15 Minutes
- Pick the book first. Choose something you already own, or a cookbook to browse. London's Books for Cooks, by its name alone, suggests a good pairing: reading about food while eating it.
- Keep food one-handed. Open-faced toast, finger foods, and small bites mean you won't smudge pages.
- Make the drink the anchor. A pot of tea or a large mug of coffee gives the evening a natural pace.
- Set a lamp, not an overhead light. A softer light is half the café feeling.
- Prep ahead. Slice the vegetables and boil the eggs earlier so you can settle in and stay put.
Ingredient Swaps That Keep It Affordable
- No feta? Use any crumbly cheese or cottage cheese.
- No rye? Any sturdy whole-grain bread works.
- No radishes? Thin cucumber or celery adds the same crunch.
- No fresh mango? Canned mango or a ripe banana does the job.
- Out of fancy coffee? Instant coffee with warm milk still gives you a comforting cup.
Start Small, Then Go Visit
If you live near one of the seven cafés, or are heading to one of those cities, add it to your list. If not, pick a city from above this week, make its snack, and open a book. The point of these places is to slow down, and you can start doing that tonight.
