Cafe Naftalin K is located in Balat, which is one of my favorite locations in Istanbul. I love to go to Balat for photography tours with my friends. This cafe is generally our last stop before leaving the neighborhood.
The interior design is really nice and fits perfectly in the surrounding environment of the old Balat-Fener area. It's very small, it's super cosy and filled with cool little trinkets, old cameras, pictures etc. If you want to go to bathroom, do not be surprised, just open the refrigerator door :)
They have such good designed menu paper which comes with an envelope. There are quotes outside of the envelope, from famous authors (i.e. Franz Kafka / Letters to Milena). The mistress serves hand-made cookies and cakes with freshly brewed Turkish tea. On winter days, the stove inside the cafe is something like a lifesaver. Also, this cafe is a pet-friendly place. There are a lot of cats that will accompany you during your visit.
Beside the tea and cookies, they serve snacks, Turkish coffee and other coffee options. The prices are reasonable, considering the neighbouring places.
Here's my tip to capture the best dusk views in Istanbul: catch a ferry from Eminönü just 30 minutes before sunset & head towards Kadıköy. You're welcome!
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