Don't look for other places to eat in this area because this place is the best local restaurant in Balat.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner... it doesn't matter what time you visit this place, you can always find perfect things to eat. My husband and his friend came to Turkey for the first time, and I took them here, especially to try Testi Kebap. Now they're both in love with Chicken Soup and Testi Kebab.
After our first dinner, we found ourselves here again breakfast and then lunch and dinner again, because we realised this place is the best not only in Balat but also in the Eminonu area. Each time, we cried with joy of delicious tastes.
I don't know what to especially recommend there because we tried nearly everything in the menu, and all of them had mind-blowing taste.
It's not only about the taste of the food stuff and service were perfect everytime. Testi Kebab show was impressive, and Emir, who always welcomed us and served, was an expert with his job. His Testi Kebab shiw was so good. Seeing a smiley, friendly, and hardworking young people is tough nowadays. He welcomed us in a way that we felt he's our young brother and we're at home.
One of the other good things about this place is prices also. Since everything is so expensive in Istanbul, they still have normal prices.
In summary, don't bother yourself to find a parcel in Balat / Eminonu, and just go to this place and have...
Read moreWandering through the charming streets of Balat led me to an unexpected gem—an inviting spot that delivers an impeccable dining experience. From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance exuded warmth, setting the perfect stage for a memorable lunch.
The service was nothing short of exceptional, with every detail attended to with care. A special mention to Gulkan, whose hospitality elevated the experience, making it feel less like a meal and more like a welcome into a home.
As for the food, each dish was a masterpiece of flavors—thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and deeply satisfying. This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to savor, linger, and truly enjoy. A must-visit for those seeking both comfort and culinary...
Read moreThe establishment is open to two streets, and as a result, cigarette smoke may drift in from either direction depending on the wind. This adds to the atmosphere and sadly related pollution, which is essentially an augmented Istanbul feature. The chicken soup and potato/cheese gozleme were quite enjoyable. The prawn casserole was a particular success, especially with its subtle hint of spice. The beef testi, or Cappadocian clay pot kebab, was presented with considerable flair and was delicious. These dishes were complemented nicely by the bread and pilaf. The service provided was very attentive. The çai was also prepared to a high standard. My family loved...
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