From Grape to Coffee: A Story Passed Down Through Generations
- Tolga Seçkin
- May 15
- 2 min read
A Historic Venue and a Rooted Family…
Bahar, granddaughter of the Talay Family — one of Bozcaada's oldest and most established wine producers — returned to the island after years of working in Istanbul. She transformed her grandfather Necati Talay's former office into a charming coffee shop, breathing new life into a space steeped in history.
LimAda is Bozcaada's warm and quality-driven new coffee destination. As many visitors who travel to the island by car know, the ferry queue can sometimes reach incredible lengths. If you've ever found yourself waiting under the scorching sun in a long Bozcaada ferry line, LimAda is here to rescue you — right in the heart of Çınaraltı Square, with a refreshing selection of cold brew and iced coffee drinks.
Like many white-collar professionals, Bahar has always had a deep love for coffee. While spending long hours in Istanbul's specialty coffee shops, she began dreaming of one day returning to the island and opening her own café. Determined to turn that dream into reality, she took SCA-certified barista training and chocolate-making courses, and gained hands-on experience working behind the counter as a trainee barista at various coffee shops. The result is LimAda — a beautifully crafted space that perfectly reflects the authentic spirit and texture of Bozcaada.
Designed in red — inspired by the vibrant color of the coffee cherry — LimAda perfectly captures the warm and welcoming spirit of Bozcaada. The name itself tells a story: LimAda takes its inspiration from Lima, the capital of Peru, one of the world's leading coffee-producing regions. The name is a nod to the journey of coffee beans that begin their story in Lima and find their final destination on the island.During my visit, I witnessed something truly special — a space where the soul of a family legacy, passed down from grape to coffee and generation to generation, had been brought back to life. With its warm walnut-toned wooden tables, a striking red espresso machine, and a vibrant bar, LimAda creates an inviting atmosphere that brings joy to every visitor.
LimAda's menu goes well beyond your standard coffee shop offerings. Alongside a carefully curated selection of hot and cold coffee drinks, the menu features third-wave brewing methods, homemade lemonade, fresh seasonal fruit smoothies, and frozen beverages — perfect for cooling down on a warm Bozcaada day. But LimAda is just as serious about its food as it is about its coffee. The menu includes beloved café classics such as magnolia cake, San Sebastián cheesecake, brownies, and cheesecake — all made from scratch in their own kitchen. True to its philosophy, LimAda keeps mass-produced and factory-made food out of its kitchen entirely, ensuring that every dessert and snack on the menu is homemade with care.
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