The Ultimate Guide to Balat Food Scene
Balat, located in the Fatih district of Istanbul with its colorful houses and historical texture, is one of the places that attracts attention with its touristic structure. In terms of mythology, balat comes from the word palation, which means palace. In particular, Balat, which was a place where Jews settled at the time, is also one of the places visited in Istanbul with its many historical buildings. If you want to visit Istanbul Balat, here you can find the 10 most popular restaurants and street foods guides.
Best Restaurants in Fener – Balat
Pier Café Restaurant
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Pier Cafe Restaurant located in Balat neighborhood is one of the most popular restaurants with its large portions, delicious food and cleanliness. Its rich menu, which is not just limited to delicious Turkish cuisine dishes, has many varieties. It is a must-visit place to try Turkish breakfast with different pastries, traditional Turkish jams and kebab made with appetizing delicious meat.
Olive Garden Café & Restaurant
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It is a restaurant that should be tried with its menu with many tastes from Mediterranean cuisine, its warm and beautiful ambiance and very delicious dishes. Especially pottery Kebab with fire show appeals not only to the stomach but also the eyes.
New Balat Café & Restaurant
You can have the opportunity to try the special flavors of Turkish cuisine in this restaurant & cafe located 1 mile from Balat. Especially gozleme (traditional Turkish pastry made with cheese, potatoes, etc.) and mixed kebab platter. Also, for the desert, super delicious kunefe (Turkish traditional desert) is one of the popular tastes of this restaurant.
Balatkapi
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One of the ideal cafes & restaurants to take a lunch break while visiting the historical streets of Istanbul Balat. Also, Turkish breakfast there is really delicious part of Balatkapi with especially pişi (Turkish traditional pastry with dough by frying).
Nest Café Balat
There is one of the best burgers of Balat in the Nest Café. Also, Turkish coffee and homemade lemonade is must-tries drink in there. The place is cozy and always make people feel welcoming. Make sure to add this place to your list!
Agora Meyhanesi 1890
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Agora Meyhanesi is special Turkish restaurant with traditional Turkish alcohol ‘rakı’ and mezes (Turkish appetizers) that is located in historic district. It is placed between the two Byzantine built walls. The different types of mezes with rakı and historical atmosphere are absolutely tempting features there.
Sur Balik Halic
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Sur Balik (‘Balik’ is fish in Turkish) is one of the restaurants that serves fresh fish with delicious Turkish appetizers, meze. The well-located restaurant is a special place to eat delicious fish while having a good time in a cozy place.
Forno Balat
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Forno Balat offers an opportunity to try delicious Lahmacun (Turkish type of Lahmacun with meat, vegetables and spices). Not only the lahmacun, but everything that comes out of the oven has a different flavor. Pizza is also a must try.
Primi Balat
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A fantastic dining spot with freshly made pasta dishes while enjoying a pleasant atmosphere. Furthermore, they offer a tempting selection of Mediterranean cuisine recipes that are highly recommended for culinary exploration.
Street Food in Balat
Meshur Bursa Tulumbacisi
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When it comes to street food, Turkish deep-fried pastries are also a must-try. One of the essential options is tulumba, a traditional Turkish sweet treat. It is usually served for quick consumption. Also, Meshur Bursa Tulumbacisi serves İzmir bomb (Pastry made with chocolate and dough).
Tarihi Tas Firin Unlu Mamülleri
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Having a breakfast with fresh and fragrant biscuits, Galeta accompanied by Turkish tea can be a wonderful choice if you are visiting Balat.
Sevda Gazozcusu
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Gazoz (Soda) was a popular drink in Turkish cuisine especially when it comes to walking around the streets. In Sevda Gazozcusu, there are different types of gazozs, that must be tried. there are a total of 120 types of soda from every city in Turkey.
Balat in the Fatih district of Istanbul is a captivating destination that entices visitors with its vibrant houses and rich historical ambiance. Its name, derived from the word “palation,” meaning palace in mythology, adds an air of grandeur to this enchanting neighborhood. Notably, Balat’s historical significance as a settlement for Jews further enhances its allure, with numerous architectural gems drawing tourists to explore its streets. From its colorful houses to its timeless structures, Balat stands as a testament to Istanbul’s diverse and captivating heritage.