Fener & Balat Foodie Guide: Top 5 Unmissable Spots

Fener and Balat, now these Istanbul neighborhoods, that they are something else, are they not? Beyond the colourful houses and historic streets, these districts are just brimming with some pretty fantastic eats. Getting to experience food in this part of Istanbul, well, it truly offers a taste of history and culture. This guide highlights, a bit, the very best food spots in Fener and Balat that just should not be skipped! From very charming cafes to delightful restaurants, you can bet on discovering some rather tasty Turkish treats.

Forno Balat: Pide Perfection

Alright, Forno Balat is often a fantastic start to a foodie exploration. This spot, you know, it is super well-known for its amazing pide, a type of Turkish flatbread. Their version is baked in a wood-fired oven and that is what it does it right; they come out just very fluffy with a slightly crispy crust. I had, so, this delightful experience of trying their classic “Kuşbaşılı Pide” with little pieces of lamb; a tasty version with very tender meat, and the blend of spices, is that what I want every time, it just hits all the right notes! To point out something cool about this joint is that Forno Balat, basically, it keeps things fairly simple with a little menu focusing a little bit on really top-quality ingredients. That commitment definitely shows with how delicious it is!

And, that you should note that it’s always rather packed! You might have a bit of a wait, so, maybe prepare for that and that makes sense. You could easily say it has to do with the smell of that oven-baked pide filling the place up! Forno Balat Pide Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Forno Balat Pide)

Balat Dönercisi: A Cut Above the Rest

Talking about a great place, if you appreciate good, expertly made döner, Balat Dönercisi is that place that I recommend so much, you know. What distinguishes their döner from, more or less, anything you might come across is just this slow-cooking method on a vertical rotisserie, the result being a thin slice and very tasty, crispy on the outside, rather tender inside. I just went in one day after exploring all morning in Balat and it was rather satisfying and it did gave me a proper shot of energy. What I had, as a matter of fact, the döner served on freshly baked bread with various toppings, definitely, and some local spices, which I think enhanced the flavor perfectly. To be completely fair it’s definitely worth a try if you, in a way, want to indulge in that popular Turkish fast food while in that specific area. If you want a fair recommendation from my perspective I just recommend the döner with pickled peppers.

What you will notice rather soon is that they always, that it feels like it does attract a big lunch crowd because it gets super full, a bit, rather quickly, it almost speaks volumes about how popular this particular locale is, doesn’t it? A bit of caution since seating there is slightly reduced! Balat Dönercisi Doner Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Balat Dönercisi Doner)

Aşkana: Turkish Home Cooking at Its Finest

For Turkish cooking that could almost pass as someone’s grandma style? Look at Aşkana, really! They’re good like your mom’s! This spot, really, it stands out for serving some absolutely delightful, very homemade-styled Turkish dishes that can basically make you want more and more. What Aşkana could have going for it is how comfortable the place seems, rather. This spot offers the whole set and this set can have a menu which has all different choices to make, usually. During the meals, that is to say when there’s breakfast, lunch, or supper/dinner, what they offer does change everyday.

That their stuffed vine leaves called “yaprak sarma,” oh they have that something extra! Each item from that menu is well prepared, clearly. Be careful since the spot seems kinda quaint so what I’d do is try to be there on time. It gives off a very cozy feel which is what people like it too! Askana Turkish Home Cooking Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Askana Turkish Home Cooking)

Cafe Naftalin K.: A Vintage Dream

Cafe Naftalin K. has that magic, definitely, it isn’t just a cafe, actually. Going there? Kinda like moving in an old daydream with vintage decorations everywhere. This place, it’s great to just enjoy something slow; sipping Turkish coffee to having breakfast and you are not in any hurry at all. It gives that “homey vibe” which you feel as soon as you step in the area. You could basically spend hours, really. That you see lots of bookshelves that are fully stocked to old photographs on the walls. They, seemingly, offer all kinds of things. Sandwiches and pastry based meals are all that one will see that’s being put on the menu.

On this very street are plenty of shops but once the sun is low, the Cafe becomes the spotlight on every Instagram feed! When you are going there expect a bit to wait. I promise the Turkish coffee that they give there is not comparable, clearly. The pastries? Do not even have me speak more about them. What the location and style and everything makes, really, Cafe Naftalin K a memorable spot, surely. Cafe Naftalin Vintage Dream Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cafe Naftalin Vintage Dream)

Agora Meyhanesi: A Taste of History

For a deep encounter with a true restaurant feel I recommend Agora Meyhanesi; it has that taste from before and food too. What you might not expect from it it’s how deep its origin it is. Reportedly started in the 1890s it’s kinda a popular gathering location. Having food at the place could kinda transport the customers, so, to another time! The interior shows off all sorts of stuff! The stuff you would probably see; its very charming walls! All that they give off there includes Turkish mezes to all the grilled foods!

While they usually stay pretty busy they can be visited no problem and that it will most likely result in wanting more. I want to point out some great examples! Some include: trying stuffed peppers or going for the grilled octopus, you get everything there, almost. This kinda location does not give only just great flavor; just note! Its all a historical journey to something super old!. Agora Meyhanesi History Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Agora Meyhanesi History)