Smelt and Co. Istanbul
Chef Restaurant in Istanbul
Balat is one of Istanbul's magical neighborhoods with colorful streets and rich cultural heritage. And Smelt and Co. is the best place in this area.
Smelt & Co is named after the word 'smelt', which means silverfish and is an endangered species. The owners used the name to raise awareness of this situation. I'm in love with places like these that stand out in their own way.
The decor is so naive, so elegant, and with thoughtful details, so relaxing. The historical texture of the building is also very charming. In the past, it was used as a residence for some of the priests working in the Fener Greek Patriarchate. When you enter the restaurant and step up the stairs, you hear the wooden floor nostalgic noise from the past. I haven’t tried their terrace yet, but if you visit in good weather, I suggest taking a look at the view of Balat from the rooftop.
Their menus are as perfect as the atmosphere. With not many dishes, Smelt and Co. follow a very selective and sustainable approach. The menu changes according to seasonal products, so you may see different recipes and presentations on every visit. For me, the effort and the story behind the food is a work of art.
You must have realized by now that I am in love with the place. As they have limited tables, be sure to plan ahead and secure your reservation to guarantee a memorable evening at this hidden gem of a restaurant.
About this spot
Balat, Kiremit Cd. No:16/A, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul
- Tue - Sat 17:00 - 23:00
Main course:
TL
700
+90
5382865465
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
The Pera Museum
An alternative art museum for all
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Shoe-shine boys
A unique experience
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Fenerbahçe Steamboat
Now in the past
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Holy Fragrance sellers
Various perfumes
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Simit
The Turkish Bagel
"Simit" is the delicious Turkish and Istanbul version of bagels. You can get them at the red stands all over the city. Try to get them hot!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant
The best haricot bean
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Tortoise Trainer
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Grand Bazaar
Fat round evil eyes
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Udonya
A good Japanese restaurant
"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kontraplak
The best place for 2nd hand vinyl
"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Naval Museum
Largest maritime museum
The Istanbul "Naval Museum" is one of the best museums in Turkey - no, I think it's one of the world's most exceptional, and we're lucky to have it.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Archaeology Museum
Stop for all history lovers
The Istanbul "Archaeology Museum" is just huge. As someone who always visits these museums, these ones (there's actually three!) are a must.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Istanbul
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
