A few days ago, I had one of those days that feels simple, warm, and unforgettable. I went to breakfast with my uncle and my cousins. We were a small group: my uncle, two cousins, and me. One of my cousins is my uncle’s daughter. The other one is my other uncle’s daughter, and she came from our hometown. We wanted to spend time together and also show her around Istanbul. It was the perfect plan for a calm day.
We went to Florya, in Istanbul. Florya is connected to Bakırköy. At first I mixed the name in my mind, but yes, it was Florya. The place was not in a famous busy street. It felt like a sweet, carefully made spot near the sea. The restaurant had a garden, and it was very close to the seaside walking path. You could eat your breakfast and then walk by the water right away. That is exactly what we did.
The restaurant is known for food from the south and southeast of Türkiye. People can go there for kebab, lahmacun, and other local meals. But the breakfast is also famous, and now I understand why. My uncle had been there before. He liked it so much that he wanted to take us too. When we arrived, I felt excited in a quiet way—like I knew the morning would be good.
We sat at a table with a white tablecloth, and the breakfast started coming, little by little, like a celebration. In our culture, breakfast is not small. It is not just bread and tea. It is a table that shows love, sharing, and care. In Kurdish culture, breakfast is often full and rich. We like variety. We like to sit together and talk for a long time. We do not rush. And I am also from Van, so I grew up with the idea that breakfast is important. Van is famous for breakfast in Türkiye. Van people are known for big breakfast tables, many kinds of cheese, and long mornings with tea. Even at home, when we are alone, we still try to prepare something nice. It is part of our style and our heart.
That day, the table looked amazing. There were different cheeses, olives, fresh vegetables, and many small plates. I remember slices of cucumber and tomato, green peppers, and herbs. There were spreads and sauces in small bowls, and warm bread on the side. There were also hot dishes, served in pans, with eggs and a rich smell that made everyone smile. There were fried items too, golden and crispy. Everything was coming nonstop. The table was so full that it almost looked like a special holiday breakfast.
Tea was of course a big part of the moment. Turkish tea has a way of slowing time. You hold the warm glass, you take a sip, and suddenly you feel calmer. We talked, laughed, and looked at the plates like children. My cousins were happy, my uncle looked proud, and I felt thankful. I was not working that day, and I am not working these days in general, so I could fully enjoy it. I didn’t have to watch the clock. I could just be there.
One thing that made the place even more special was the view and the atmosphere outside. There was a garden feeling, and very close to us, the sea was waiting. When you are in Istanbul, sometimes you forget how lucky you are. The city can be loud and crowded. But places like Florya remind you that Istanbul also has calm corners, fresh air, and open skies.
Cats, Sea Air, and a Slow Walk After Breakfast
After we finished, we did what the best mornings ask for: we went for a long walk. The seaside path in Florya is beautiful. The air was fresh and cool. The sky had clouds, but also soft light. The sea was calm, and people were walking, sitting on benches, and enjoying the day. It felt peaceful, not rushed.
And the cats… Istanbul cats deserve their own story. Near the restaurant and around the walking area, we saw cats hanging out like they owned the place (because honestly, they do). Some were sitting by the window, some were watching people, and some were simply enjoying the grass and the sea air. At one moment, I was holding my tea and there was a cat right outside the glass, so close, like it wanted to join our table. It was such a sweet Istanbul moment: tea in your hand, a cat outside, and the sea not far away.
As we walked, we passed small stands and little spots where people sell snacks. There was even a colorful popcorn and cotton candy cart. It made the area feel lively and friendly, like a place for families, couples, and friends. I love places that are not trying too hard. This area felt natural and simple, but still full of life.
We walked for a long time. We talked about family, about memories, about our cousin who came from our hometown. I felt happy that we could spend time together in a relaxed way. Sometimes, you don’t need a big plan. You just need good people and a good place.
I also noticed the trees and the wide space near the sea. In some parts, there were grassy areas with trees and benches. People were sitting and looking at the water. Some children were playing. Others were just walking slowly, enjoying the day. The sea in the background makes everything softer. It changes your mood. It makes you breathe deeper.
For me, this day was not only about food. Yes, the breakfast was incredible. But the real beauty was the full experience: family together, a warm table, tea, cats nearby, and then a long walk by the sea. It felt like a small vacation inside the city.
I had been to Florya beach before, but I had never been to this breakfast place. Now I feel like I discovered something new. Istanbul is like that. Even if you live here, even if you think you know the city, it still surprises you. One day you find a new street, another day you find a new café, and another day you find a restaurant with a breakfast table that makes you feel at home.
That is why I wanted to share this moment on Worldmappin. I want to remember it, and I also want to show others that Florya has a very sweet seaside feeling. If you ever come to Istanbul and you want a calm morning, I truly recommend doing something like this: go to Florya, have a rich breakfast, drink tea slowly, and then walk by the sea.
Some days are loud and fast. But this day was soft and slow. It was full of taste, family, and fresh air. And honestly, it gave me energy for my heart.
