Top Restaurants In Fener-Balat Istanbul

The Fener-Balat neighborhood by the Golden Horn has become a favorite among photographers who can’t get enough of the dilapidated yet beautiful old Greek Orthodox and Armenian churches and homes. However, the neighborhood has also started to become an attractive area for new establishments (as well as some very delicious classics). We took a look at the best eats in Fener-Balat.

1. Forno Balat

Restaurant, Turkish

Definitely one of the best places to get lahmacun (thin and crispy dough with ground meat and spices), Forno Balat’s location on one of the beautiful side streets will really make you appreciate the neighborhood just a bit more. Make sure to put some parsley and a squeeze of lemon in your lahmacun before you fold and eat it.

2. Balat Sahil Restaurant

Restaurant, Seafood, Turkish, Vegetarian

A meyhane (Turkish tavern) in every sense of the word, the old school interior of Balat Sahil Restaurant will take you back in time to an older (and arguably better) Istanbul. From the ornate chandelier to Atatürk portraits and bottles of rakı decorating the walls, everything at this tavern is perfect, including the food. Pick out some delicious meze from the display (stuffed onions are a favorite) and get a big bottle of rakı to share.

3. Çanak Mangalda Kurufasulye

Restaurant, Turkish, Vegetarian

You’d probably walk right past this restaurant because there seems to be nothing special about it. However, beneath the informality is an absolutely delicious and straightforward menu of buttery rice, mangalda kurufasulye (Turkish bean stew cooked on a charcoal grill), some of the best köfte in town, thick and delicious yogurt, and delightfully sour turşu (pickled vegetables).

5. Cooklife Balat

Bakery, Cafe, Tea

Cooklife Magazine could be described as Turkey’s version of Kinfolk, so it’s no surprise that their café also abides to the same aesthetic. You’ll find a very instagram-able space with original tile flooring and minimal furniture. Come by for coffee, breakfast, pasta with delicious sauces, and delectable desserts such as cheesecake or freshly baked cookies.

6. Agora Meyhanesi

Restaurant, Turkish

One of Istanbul’s oldest taverns, Agora Meyhanesi was established in 1890 and continues to serve up unique meze varieties you won’t see too often such as balık pastırması (fish pastrami), skordalia(a traditional dip made with a potato base, lots of garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt), and mumbar dolması (stuffed intestines). With Armenian, Turkmen, and Greek Orthodox chefs in the kitchen, it’s no surprise their menu is so eclectic.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers