We knew this would be a special experience from the moment we walked in and sat in the garden. The service and ambiance were incredible- we were walked through every single dish (23?) in our traditional Turkish brunch, which included elements from their garden and local ingredients. We had coffee, tea, fresh squeezed orange juice, olives, natural peanut butter, preserves and jams, savory pastries, multiple breads, fresh butter, honey, two types of eggs, and more! We were wowed and would not miss this experience if I were you. read more

Velvet Cafe - Turkish brunch for 2! - Cafes Near Me - Istanbul, 34

When I walked in, I was greeted by a short, bald, gay staff member. There was no smile on his face and he didn't feel the need to say "welcome" or anything similar. When I said that my friends were here and I wanted to join them, he took me to their table. My friends were sitting at a two-person table. When I asked if I could get a chair, he said "no" and told us he could move us to a three-person table instead. My friends were almost done eating, so just for about 10 minutes I didn't want to move tables. When I politely asked for a chair again, he said, "Are you sure you're going to be leaving soon?" This is the first time I've ever witnessed someone asking a guest such a question -- especially when the place was completely empty. When my friends finished their meals, we continued sitting with dirty dishes in front of us. I had to walk inside to ask for a tea myself. Under normal circumstances, when someone joins the table later, staff come to the table or bring a menu. After the main course is finished, plates are cleared and the dessert menu is brought, or they ask if you would like dessert. If the drinks are finished, they ask if you'd like another one. They didn't even bother to check if we wanted the bill. These are things we call hospitality 101, and unfortunately, they are completely unaware of them. In an establishment, the goal is to make guests want to come back and to increase sales by making recommendations. While displaying this rude behavior, the "bald guy with glasses" was so self-assured that I couldn't find anything to say. He acted not like someone working at a café in Fatih, but as if he were a curator at an art gallery. Very sad. By the way, when we asked if they could remove the water from the bill since we didn't drink it, he also said "no." I've eaten at many places, including fine dining and Michelin-star restaurants. (Mentioning this because I more or less know how I'm supposed to behave in an establishment.) I'm very upset because I encountered such an absurd behavior. read more

Super cute little spot with friendly service. We sat on the terrace, and we ordered Turkish coffees, Scrambled eggs with meat & yogurt with fruit. It wasn't the best food I've ever had, but it was good. It's very cute and inviting inside and on the terrace. read more

See all

Cute little cafe in Balat area. The coffees and drinks were good. The mehemen was also yummy. The service was pleasant by the lady with short hair who initially greeted us and seated us. My issue is with the other lady with longer hair. My son showed her a picture of the famous area with the hanging umbrellas in Balat and asked her if she knew where this was. She flat out said "No". She could've been a little more polite and pointed out it was literally around the block. Thank you to another shopkeeper who pointed us in the right direction. Not sure what ticked this woman off. Maybe if you have some melanin, stay away. read more

Mekan ve konsept cok guzel. Calışanlar çok kibar ve ilgili ancak işletmeci beyefendi için aynı şeyi söylememiz mümkün değil. Oncesinden pazar sabahına rezervasyon yaptırmıs olmamıza ve zamanında gitmemize rağmen masamızı başka birine vermiş oldukları gibi rezervasyon almayan bir işletme olduklarını iddia ederek gelenlere ısrarla rezervasyonunuz var mı diye soruyorlardı. Masamızı aldık ancak gunun sonunda adisyon geldiğinde çalışanların nezaketen eklemedikleri turk kahvelerini koşarak ekleyen bir işletmeciden bahsediyoruz. Bize karsı zerre mahcubiyet duymayan birinin diğer masalara nispet eder gibi tatlı ikramında bulunmasını da anlayamadık. Bir işletmeci guzel bir mekanı ,çalışanların kibarlığı ve güler yuzlulugune ragmen mahvedebilir. Buraya misafir getirip benim gibi mahcup olmayın. Bu verdiğim puan mekan ve çalışanlarına degil, işletmeci beyefendinin kendisinedir. read more

I came across this charming cafe while I walk around Balat. And it was a nice surprise for me because it's not on the main streets of the neighborhood. It's a hidden spot right around the corner. I wanted to spend the day drinking homemade lemonade and chilling in the cutest garden they have! Thanks again for the delicious food and the warm welcome! read more

We had breakfast and lemonade and turkish coffee. we loved the garden and people were so nice. also good taste in music.

As I live in balat and had the opportunity to visit many places here, I can say that it is far away the best cafe in balat. Great and delicious menu! You wouldn't believe how great the interior decoration is! Smiling staff;) read more