Forno Balat Istanbul
Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn
I was hearing a lot about Forno recently: the quality of the breakfast menu, how the stone oven products were freshly made and delicious and especially how the owner was obsessed with making Forno a place that you feel like you're at your friend's home.
So we gave their breakfast a try. I can confirm what I heard was all correct. It's a cosy place with high-quality open buffet breakfast, the best scrambled eggs and homemade jams, and the best croissants I have ever tasted in Turkey, really amazing. Forno has their own stone oven which helps serve fresh and hot bakery products. Forno also serves pizza, pide and lahmacun that I will taste the next time I am there.
The location is very convenient: it's just in the middle of Balat, which is becoming a more popular historical location for sightseeing and guided tours. It is a good idea to start the day in Forno and join your historical tour from there.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Baltaş Simit Fırını – All-Day Crispy Simit
Baltaş Simit Fırını in Üsküdar serves freshly baked, stone-oven simits with crispy perfection. Grab one with cream cheese or Nutella for a true Turkish treat!
By
Cemre
Sandal
Brasserie Di Dante – Church and mosque unite
When you enter Brasserie di Dante, you're greeted by an outdoor seating area surrounded by plants and trees. Even in cold weather, they have fire heaters.
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Yenikoy Kitapcisi – Book Coffee Affair in Istanbul
What sets Yenikoy Kitapcisi apart is that they proudly showcase lesser-known publishing houses, celebrating diversity & creativity of the literary world.
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
The Bench with a poet – A Poetic View of Istanbul
The bench itself, though simple in design, provides a comfortable and inviting place to rest. Sit in silence, read a book, or watch the world go by...
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Explore Çukurcuma – Art nouveau at Faik Paşa St.
As you walk from Galatasaray to Karaköy, prepare for a nostalgic journey with a contemporary vibe with cobblestone streets and art nouveau-style buildings.
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Nadas Istanbul – Ecology and Art in Istanbul
Nadas Istanbul is a creative space dedicated to urban diversity with the goal of creating a more leisurely, conscious, and empathetic living community.
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Isola Cocktail Bar – A stylish escape in Istanbul
Whether for daytime dining or nighttime pleasure, Isola Bomonti promises a Mediterranean-inspired moment that's sure to please...
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Çukurcuma Hamamı 1831 – Spa day in Istanbul
Çukurcuma Hamam 1831 has a unisex policy, allowing you to enjoy the experience with your partner. As the hamam is not very big, make a reservation.
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Feriköy Antique Bazaar – Vintage day in Istanbul
Here you will find vinyls, old books and magazines, original film posters, collections of old coins, old photos, jewels, and much more...
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Smelt and Co. – Chef Restaurant in Istanbul
Their menu is as perfect as the atmosphere. The menu changes with the seasons, so you may see different recipes and presentations on every visit.
By
Zeynep
Ozortac
Çukurcuma 49 – Pizza meets rustic vibes
They offer a variety of traditional as well as innovative styles of pizzas, all made with the freshest ingredients and all nineteen of them are delicious!
By