Some restaurants have tried and true dishes on their menus while others set trends, sharing their culinary experiments with their patrons. While in Istanbul, in addition to taking in the great mezes and beautiful views.

Here is a list of great places for you to celebrate fishing season in Istanbul. They run the gamut from chic and elite to unpretentious and moderate, but all are quite skillful at preparing delicious seafood dishes. They’re also great hosts, providing amazing service.

1- Balıkçı Kahraman

The restaurant is named after its owner, originating from the Black Sea This cozy, family-run restaurant takes its name after its owner, who hails from the Black Sea region. They have been serving seafood since the late ’90s and has become a favorite of people who go out for the great food, rather than the ambiance.

Though the decor is plain, the same cannot be said for their seafood and mezes dishes, particularly the grilled turbot, which is their specialty dish. This place boasts a variety of clientele, from local celebrities to politicians and famous businessmen. 

Balıkçı Kahraman is quite far from the city center. Couple the distance with Istanbul’s notorious traffic, and you should plan for a visit here to take up most of your evening. 

Fish dishes

• Kalan / Turbot
• Lüfer / Blue Fish
• Palamut / Atlantic Bonito
• Çinekop / Blue Fish
• Tekir / Red Fish
• Levrek / Sea Bass
• Hamsi / Anchovy
• Mezgit / Whiting Fish

Hot Dishes

• Kalamar / Fried Squid
• Midye Tava / Fried Mussels
• Karides / Fried Shrimp
• Balık Kokoreç / Fish Kokoreç
• Balık Kavurma / Fish with Soya
• Balık Köftesi / Fried Fish Balls
• Balık Böreği / Fried Fish Flan
• Patates Tava / Croquette
• Karides Güveç / Shrimp Casserole
• Hamsi Mücveri / Anchovy

Cold Dishes/Mezze

• Cottage Cheese
• Stuffed Eggplant
• Pickled Tunny
• Kippered Mackarel

Drinks

• Raki
• Beer
• Vodka
• Red Wine
• White Wine

Address: Rumeli Kavağı, İskele Cd. No:15, 34450 Sarıyer/Istanbul

2- Bebek Balıkçı

For a mythological atmosphere and to feel as if you are dining in an art gallery full of Renaissance painting, visit Bebek Balıkçı. Located in an upscale neighborhood in the Bosphorus region and by the sea in Bebek, this is an excellent place to go to enjoy great fish dishes.

This restaurant tends to draw local and international celebrities. Oliver Stone, German Foreign Affairs Minister Fischer, Al Gore, Jan Claude Van Dame, Catharine Deneuve, Gerard Depardieu, and the King of Bahrain have been known to dine here.

The menu choices seem endless, replete with freshest, delicious seafood paired with rich, seasonal fruits, and vegetables. Here, you can taste delicious dishes with a gorgeous presentation by famous chefs while taking in the unique view of the Bosphorus in historical Bebek Balıkçı.

Starters

• Sauteed Octopus
• Roasted Eggplant Salad
• Feta Cheese
• Boiled Shrimp Salad
• Marinated Sea Bass
• Mashed Fish Roe
• Salt-cured Bonfile
• Cranberry Beans cooked in olive oil
• Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
• Sea Beans
• Sea Fennel
• Grilled Calamari
• Fried Calamari
• Fish Soup
• Grilled Anchovies
• Sauteed Shrimp in butter
• Shrimp Stew with Cheese
• Grilled Octopus
• Sauteed Fish with pepper and tomato

Fish Dishes

• Red Sea Bream
• Dentex
• Grouper
• Sea Robin
• Hog Fish
• Lobster
• Craw Fish
• Sword Fish
• Red Mullet
• John Dory
• Turbot

Drinks

• Imported wine (Italy/France/Argentina)
• Local Wine (Red/White/Rose)

Address: Bebek Mh. Cevdet Pasa Cd.26 / A, 34342 Beşiktaş / Istanbul

3- Rumelihisarı Iskele Restaurant

This restaurant is located near the fortress after which it is named and the second Bosphorus bridge. This is the place to watch the traffic on the Bosphorus (the restaurant practically sits on top of the water) while enjoying some of the best seafood Istanbul has to offer.

In business since 1992, the restaurant is frequented by many of the locals. They are popular because they offer great service, traditional tastes, and excellent local, fresh fish and seafood. 

Rumelihisarı Iskele Restaurant opens at 12:00 pm and closes around midnight. You will have to make reservations, and they accept all major credit cards. 

Appetizers

• Beyaz Peynir / White cheese
• Peynir Tabağı / Cheese Plate
• Kavun / Melon
• Ahtapot / Octopus
• Karides Söğüş / Shrimp Salad
• Midye Dolma / Stuffed Mussel
• Çiroz / Salted and dried thin mackerel
• Pilaki / Beans with oil and onion
• Somon Füme / Smoked Salmon
• Levrek Marine / Sea bass
• Acılı Ezme / Tomato paste with red paper
• Haydari / Yogurt with garlic and mint
• Kalamar Tava / Merl Calarnary
• Midye Tava / Fried Mussel
• Kalamar lzgara / Grilled Calarnary
• Tereyagli Karides / Shrimp with Butter
• Karides Güveç / Shrimp in Earthenware Cooking Pot
• Fener Kavurma / Roasted Anglerfish
• Jumbo Karides / Jumbo Shrimp
• Sigara Börek / Small Fried Pastry Roll in Cheese
• Balık Köfte- Fish Meat Balls

Fish Dishes

• Levrek lzgara / Grilled Sea Bass
• Levrek Bugulama / Sea Bass Stewed in a Covered pot
• Tuzda Levrek / Salted Bass
• Pisi Tava / Flounder
• Dil lzgara / Grilled Sole
• Lüfer / Bluefish
• Lagos / White Grupper
• Kılıc / Swordfish Skewer
• Palamut / Bonito
• Uskumru / Mackerel
• Çupra / Seabream
• Kirlangic Bugulama / Red Gurnard Stewed in a Covered pot
• Lipsoz Bugulama / Red Spanner Stewed in a Covered Pot
• Barbunya / Red Mullet
• Tekir / Goatfish
• Istakoz / Lobster
• Gümüş / Anterinefish

Address: Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd. No:1, 34470 Sarıyer/Istanbul

4- Sur Balık Restaurant Arnavutköy

For stunning food and views to match, try Sur Balik. This restaurant is situated on the Bosphorus shore in Arnavutköy in a renovated Ottoman residence. For the best experience, try to get a table on the top floor terrace. 

On the menu is a variety of mezes and classic and creative seafood dishes. Recommended is their Black Sea sea bass, fish wrapped in chard, fried calamari, and fish in dough. Be sure to ask the staff for recommendations as to what to order as the choice of fish is seasonal. While there, don’t forget to sample something from their wine cellar, which stocks a great selection of local and international fare. 

Sur Balık Restaurant Arnavutköy is open from noon to midnight, seven days a week. Don’t forget to call ahead for reservations, and all major credit cards are accepted. 

Appetizers

• Sea Fruit Salad
• Whole Artichoke
• Cheese/Basil/Garlic paste
• Hot Tomato Paste
• Roasted Swiss Chard
• Red Kidney Bean in olive oil
• Stuffed Vine Leaves with rice
• Pickled Anchovy
• Wild Vegetable Platter
• Hors d’oeuvre Platter
• Cheese Stuffed Red Pepper
• Parsley with Pomegranate
• Mashed Board Beans
• Fish Rolls with fruits
• Chef Seafood Casserole
• Grilled Fishball
• Fried Calamari
• Baked Shrimp in Casserole
• Sauteed Shrimp with butter and spices
• Minced Spicy Fish on skewers
• Seafood Crepe
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
• Wrapped baked chickpea and fish pastrami
• Pastry filled with beef pastrami and melted cheese
• Chicory
• Vegetarian Platter
• Strained yogurt with fried hot pepper

Main Dishes

• Grilled Sea Bass
• Rock Grouper
• Sea Bream
• Turbot
• Dentex
• Red Sea Bream
• Scorpion Fish
• Sole
• Grilled Mackerel Fish
• Red Mullet
• Prawns
• Blue Fish
• Bonito
• Anchovy

Drinks

• Turkish Coffee
• Turkish Tea
• Herbal Tea
• Espresso
• Beers
• Turkish Wines
• Imported Wines
• Whiskey
• Liquors
• Vodka
• Cocktails

Address: Bebek, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:52, 34345 Beşiktaş/Istanbul

5- Balikci Sabahattin

Named after its owner–Fisherman Sabahattin from Mudanya, a town by the Sea of Marmara, Balikci Sabahattin showcases its second-generation owner and his son’s love and respect for the sea and seafood.

Popular with locals, this restaurant is housed inside a 1927 historic building. It’s open from noon to midnight, seven days a week. Though reservations are not required (though you may have a bit of a wait without one), it is recommended that you ask for a table in the garden. All credit cards are accepted here.

Starters

• Mussels with rice
• Feta cheese
• Fish Salad
• Marinated Sea Bass
• Shrimps
• Octopus
• Sea Weet
• Fried Zucchini
• Stewed Shrimps
• Calamary
• Tiger Prawns
• Fish Borek
• Monk Fish

Fish Courses

• Mezgit Whiting
• Goatfish
• Red Mullet
• Kalkan
• Sea Bass
• Sinaper
• Sole Fish
• Mackerel
• Blue Fish
• Bonito
• Pace Crab
• Shell Fish
• Lobster

Drinks

• Turkish Tea
• Turkish Coffee
• Cappuccino
• Raki
• Whiskeys
• Beers
• Vodka
• Red Wine
• White Wine

Address: Cankurtaran, Seyit, Şht. Hasan Kuyu Sk. No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul

6- Eleos Restaurant

With two locations in Beyoğlu and Yeşilköy, Eleos Restaurant serves food with Aegean herbs and vegetables. They also offer Greek classics and Armenian mezes, prepared in a variety of ways.  

The bright, fresh atmosphere will be sure to stimulate your appetite. This is a great place to experience the “Meyhane” culture through their food and decor.

Appetizers

• Stuffed Vine Leaves
• Fish Salad
• Feta Cheese
• Grilled Eggplant Salad
• Calamary
• Shrimps
• Fried Zucchini
• Strained Yogurt with red hot pepper
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimps
• Mashed Board Beans
• Fish Rolls with fruits
• Chef Seafood Casserole
• Grilled Fishball

Fish Courses

• Levrek lzgara / Grilled Sea Bass
• Levrek Bugulama / Sea Bass Stewed in a Covered pot
• Tuzda Levrek / Salted Bass
• Pisi Tava / Flounder
• Dil lzgara / Grilled Sole
• Lüfer / Bluefish
• Lagos / White Grupper
• Kılıc / Swordfish Skewer
• Palamut / Bonito
• Uskumru / Mackerel
• Çupra / Seabream
• Kirlangic Bugulama / Red Gurnard Stewed in a Covered pot
• Lipsoz Bugulama / Red Spanner Stewed in a Covered Pot
• Barbunya / Red Mullet

Drinks

• Red Wines
• Raki
• White Wines
• Rose Wines

Address: Şahkulu, 2, İstiklal Cd. No:231, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

7- Kıyı Restaurant

The best of the traditional Bophorous fish dishes and “Mezze” are to be found at Kıyı. For many years the upper-class gourmet from all over the world has been enjoying the traditional seafood cooking styles of the chefs of Kıyı. The clients enjoy both the food served at tables with white tablecloths and the fine artworks on the walls surrounding the space at the same time.

The favorite tastes include the shepherds’ salad, salted and air-dried mackerel, shrimps in a hot pan, octopus salad, fried liver of lamb, pickles and white cheese. You can taste the superior fish of the season either grilled, steamed or fried according to your choice. Be sure all will demand your wishes.
Do not forget to ask for the dessert specialties of the day before you finish your meal. The restaurant is not located by the water, but it has a sea view. It opens its doors every day of the week starting 12:00 p.m. Reservation is required, and please do ask for a table with sea view.

The food here includes favorites such as hepherds’ salad, salted and air-dried mackerel, shrimps in a hot pan, octopus salad, fried liver of lamb, pickles, and white cheese. They also serve seasonal fish dishes, grilled, steamed, or fried, depending on your preference. 

Kıyı Restaurant also offers a selection of dessert specialties of the day, which is the perfect way to end a perfect meal. Though it is not near the water, Kıyı Restaurant does have a great view of the sea. Its doors are open every day from 12:00 pm. It is suggested that you make a reservation and when you do, be sure to ask for a table with a view of the sea. 

Starters

• Salted Bonito Slice
• Dried Mackerel
• Fish Roe Pureé
• Stuffed Mussels
• Red Peppers Grilled and Pickled
• White Bean Stew
• Eggplant Salad
• Feta Cheese
• Smoked Salmon Slice
• Golden Black Caviar
• Delamar Fish Eggs
• Artichoke With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Shrimp Stew With Cheese & Butter
• Fried Mussels
• Fried Cheese Filled Pastries
• Fried Slim Liver Bits With Butter
• Shrimp Sauteé With Mushroom & Butter
• Grilled Anchovy
• Fried Sand Smelts
• Fish Soup
• Grilled Sardines in Vine Leaves

Fish Courses

• Grilled Bluefish
• Grilled Sword Fish
• Grilled/Steamed Baked/Fried Sea Bass
• Grilled/Steamed Baked/Fried Turbot
• Grilled/Steamed/Baked Gilt Head Sea Bream
• Grilled/Steamed/Baked Red Scorpion
• Grilled/Steamed/Baked Red Gurnard
• Grilled/Steamed/Baked Striped Red Mullet
• Grilled/Steamed/Baked Monk Fish
• Grilled Uskumru
• Grilled/Steamed/Baked Sea Bream
• Grilled/Steamed/Baked John Dory
• White Grouper

Address: Tarabya, Haydar Aliyev Cd. 186/A, 34457 Sarıyer/Istanbul

8- Park Fora Restaurant

Park Fora Restaurant has been open since 1996, serving a variety of hot and cold starters from Turkish and world cuisines. Located in Kuruçeşme inside Cemil Topuzlu Park by the sea, this place has dubbed itself the best place in Turkey to enjoy fish and seafood.

Claiming to have the “most special wine selection in the country,” this restaurant serves wines like Chateau Petrus, Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Lafite, Chateau Le Pin, Chateau d’Yquem, Gaja Barolo, Sassicaia, Amarone, Opus One, Caymus, Montrachet, Chablis Premier Cru, and Grand Cru.

Park Fora is open from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am every day. Reservations are required, and all major credit cards are accepted. 

Appetizers

• Boiled shrimps
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Tuna Fish
• Boiled Octopus
• Mussels stuffed with rice
• Fish Egg Paste
• Chile Paste
• Hummus
• Caviar
• Fish Salad
• Feta Cheese
• Sea Weed
• Smocked Mackerel
• Fava Beans
• Charleston Pepper
• Chard Salad with Fish
• Red Bean Salad
• Grilled Prawn
• Fish Soup
• Fried Shrimp with soy sauce
• Grilled Octopus
• Potato Croquette
• Fish Ravioli
• Fora Pie
• Fried Angler Fish
• Paella
• Steamed Mussels
• Fried Spring Rolls with feta cheese

Fish Courses

• Red Mullet
• Dentex
• Red Bream
• Oysters
• Grilled Lobster
• King Crab

Address: Ortaköy, Muallim Naci Cd. 54/A, 34347 Beşiktaş/Istanbul

9- Tarihi Ali Baba Balık Lokantası

Modest, inexpensive, cozy, and trustworthy, Tarihi Ali Baba Balık Lokantası is the embodiment of the local experience, with its great variety of fresh fish and seafood, grilled on charcoal. You must try the turbot when it’s in season, as this is their specialty. 

The restaurant’s founder, Ali Azveren, immigrated from the Balkans and settled in Kireçburnu where he opened a barbershop. He soon began providing grills and tables to locals wanting to use his garden for cooking and eating their fish near the sea.

The restaurant has been in the same place since 1920. It’s open from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am every day of the week. Reservations are recommended on the evenings on the weekend.

Starters

• Stuffed Vine Leaves with rice
• Pickled Anchovy
• Wild Vegetable Platter
• Hors d’oeuvre Platter
• Cheese Stuffed Red Pepper
• Parsley with Pomegranate
• Mashed Board Beans
• Fish Rolls with fruits
• Chef Seafood Casserole
• Grilled Fishball
• Fried Calamari
• Baked Shrimp in Casserole
• Sauteed Shrimp with butter and spices
• Minced Spicy Fish on skewers
• Seafood Crepe
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimp

Fish Courses

• Pisi Tava / Flounder
• Dil lzgara / Grilled Sole
• Lüfer / Bluefish
• Lagos / White Grupper
• Kılıc / Swordfish Skewer
• Palamut / Bonito
• Uskumru / Mackerel
• Çupra / Seabream
• Kirlangic Bugulama / Red Gurnard Stewed in a Covered pot
• Lipsoz Bugulama / Red Spanner Stewed in a Covered Pot
• Barbunya / Red Mullet
• Tekir / Goatfish
• Istakoz / Lobster

Address: Kireçburnu, Mısır Cd. No:2, 34457 Sarıyer/Istanbul

10- Tarihi Karaköy Balık Restaurant

Tarihi Karaköy Balık Restaurant will give you a glimpse of history at every glance, and a different flavor unique to Istanbul with every bite. Historical Karaköy Balıkçısı Grifin is a place where you can experience 100 years of Karaköy’s history. Beginning with the century-old venue, the place invites you to take a journey through the tastes of the past from 2,500 years with their unique flavors.

A sip of history at every glance, a different flavor unique to Istanbul in every taste. Historical Karaköy Balıkçısı Grifin is a place with 100 years of history in Karaköy. In this century-old venue, it invites you to a journey from 2500 years ago to today, accompanied by unique tastes.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and close around midnight daily. Reservation is not required, yet to ensure the exquisite view, you’d better.

Starters

• Fish Salad
• Minced Marinated Fish
• Hummus
• Fava Beans

Fish courses

• Sea Bream
• Anchovy
• Fried Mussels
• Red Mullet
• Grilled Salmon

Address: Tersane Cad, Kürekçiler Kapısı Sk. No:45, 34420 Beyoğlu/Istanbul

11- Del Mare Restaurant

A restaurant from the Bosphorus on the Asian side of town, Del Mare Restaurant pairs a great view of the city and strait with even better food. The restaurant will even send a boat to pick you up from Europe and bring you back, which makes for an exciting evening. Be sure to try the octopus carpaccio, fried shrimp and yogurt ravioli, as well as the great fish and Turkish meze dishes.

With a well-stocked wine list, raki, and perfect service, this restaurant costs a little more than average, but the quality of the meal, the passion of the place, and the setting–with its terrace, salons, decor, atmosphere, and view of the Bosphorus–totally justifies the price.

Appetizers

• Feta Cheese
• Cunda Style Raw Artichoke Salad
• Roasted Eggplant Salad
• Red Beans Stew
• Purslane with Yogurt Purslane
• Fava Beans
• Atom (Strained Yogurt, Garlic, Roasted Eggplant, Chili and Walnut)
• Samphire (Sea Beans)
• Roasted Pepper
• Grilled Mushroom
• Grilled Goat Cheese
• Hot Herbs Plate
• Cheese Balls

Fish Courses

• Stuffed Mussels
• Salmon Gravlaks
• Lacerda
• Dredging (Mashed Fish Roe)
• Marinated Sea Bass
• Boiled Jumbo Shrimps
• Greek Style Octopus Salad
• Octopus Carpaccio
• Fried Calamari Shish
• Grilled Squids
• Shrimp Ravioli
• Jumbo shrimps
• Shrimp Saganaki
• Butter Fried Shrimp
• Grilled Octopus
• Fried Octopus With Eggplant Puree

Address: Çengelköy, Kuleli Cd. 45-1, 34680 Üsküdar/Istanbul

12- Agora Meyhanesi

You will find this tavern in the old Jewish quarter of Balat. This establishment–bought two years ago by a Turkish film producer–dates back to 1890. Here, Ezel, the owner, has recreated the original atmosphere of the district. He also gives the Raki tradition particular importance.

Everything here–including olive oil from olives grown in their own fields–is good, fresh, and homemade. This is one of the most interesting places in the city, hearkening back to the subdued atmosphere of the days of old. Though the area isn’t busy in the evenings, you can grab a taxi and go elsewhere to extend the day’s events. Don’t forget to book a reservation, especially on the weekend.

Appetizers

• Fava Beans
• Hummus
• Atom (Strained yogurt/Walnut/Garlic/Butter/Hot Pepper)
• Tarama (Fish/Caviar/Lemon/Vinegar)
• Patlican Ezme (Aubergine/Egg/Olive oil/Lemon)
• Cacik (Strained yogurt/Dill/Garlic/Cucumber)
• Fried Fete Cheese
• Kuzu Şiş (Grilled chicken/Pepper/Tomato/Shallot/Mini Potatoes)
• Kalem Pirzola (Grilled pepper/Tomato/Shallot/Mini Potatoes)

Seafood Dishes

• Grilled Sea Bass
• Defne Yaprağında Levrek (Grilled Levrek/Sea Bass)
• Scampi Karides (Shrimp/White wine/Garlic/Olive oil/Butter)
• Karides Güveç (Shrimp/Tomato/Pepper/Mushroom/Garlic/Kasseri)

Address: Balat, Mürselpaşa Cd. No:185, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul

13- Uskumru Restaurant

Situated in a mansion that seems integrated with the sea in Beykoz, this is the pearl of the Bosphorus on the Anatolian side. Here, the peace of the magnificent view of the Bosphorus is combined with their delicious menu featuring mackerel.

Uskumru Restaurant can only be reached by ferry. Take the boat to the shore on the other side of the Bosphorus from the platform at Rumeli Hisari. It’s best to visit from April to October when you can eat with your feet touching the sea. It’s an experience not to be missed. 

Plan to visit in the evening or on a sunny afternoon, and start with one (or more) of their superb appetizers, such as sea bass with basil or squid a la plancha with walnuts, among others. This place is very popular, and being seated at a nice table requires reservations. The price is higher than at other establishments, but is largely worth it, given the quality of the products they serve.

Starters

• Atom (Strained Yogurt, Garlic, Roasted Eggplant, Chili and Walnut)
• Samphire (Sea Beans)
• Roasted Pepper
• Sauteed Octopus
• Roasted Eggplant Salad
• Feta Cheese
• Boiled Shrimp Salad
• Marinated Sea Bass
• Mashed Fish Roe
• Minced Spicy Fish on skewers
• Seafood Crepe
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimp

Main Courses

• Fried Mussels
• Red Mullet
• Grilled Salmon
• John Dory
• Turbot
• Grilled Monk Fish
• Sauteed Shrimp in butter
• Shrimp Stew with Cheese
• Grilled Octopus
• Sauteed Fish with pepper and tomato

Drinks

• Turkish Coffee
• Turkish Tea
• Espresso
• Latte
• Liquor

Address: Anadolu Hisarı, Körfez Cd. No:55, 34810, 34810 Beykoz/Istanbul

14- Adem Baba Restaurant

Adem Baba is a popular spot for lunch, and it’s one of the best places in the area for fish dishes. The owner, Adem Baba, began by selling fish from his small boat in Bebek before moving to Arnavutköy, where his fresh catches at reasonable prices have made his restaurant a neighborhood favorite. 

Though finding a table is difficult, and they don’t serve alcohol, the quality and freshness of the fish are worth skipping your glass of raki. Here, everything is fresh, and nothing frozen ever enters the building. In addition to fish, be sure to try the fried calamari, fried mussels, fish meatballs, salted fish, and fish soup.

Appetizers

• Grilled Fish Balls
• Grilled Eggplant Salad
• Stuffed Green Pepper
• Grilled Calamari

Fish Courses

• Grilled Levrek
• Grilled Gilt-head Bream
• Grilled Mackerel
• Grilled Salmon
• Grilled Blue Fish

Address: Arnavutköy, Satış Meydanı Sk. No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/Istanbul

15- Cibalikapı Balıkçısı Haliç Restaurant

Cibalikapı Balıkçısı is a traditional Istanbul tavern located in a historic neighborhood with other old taverns. Here, they serve the best Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes from Byzantium,  and from Greek, Armenian, Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Circassian, and Balkan cuisines. Cibalikapı Balıkçısı has a nostalgic that will make you feel as if you’ve just stepped into an old Turkish film!

Next to historical Cibalikapı in Cibali, the restaurant is in a timber building with wooden floors, tables, and chairs, stone plaques, and old Turkish music, reminiscent of 1950s Istanbul. There is also a spectacular view, allowing you to see from Hasköy to Galata Kulesi (Tower) and Topkapı Palace.

Starters

• Octopus Salad
• Marinated Sea Bass
• Shrimp Salad
• Pickled Fish
• Stuffed Dried Tomatoes
• Roe Fish Plate
• Skinny Mackerel
• Smoked Anchovies
• Walnut Stuffed Olives
• Mashed Beans Salad
• Rock Samphire
• Leer Fish Bacon
• Mustard Greens
• Red Beet and Onion Salad
• Stuffed Courgette Blossoms

Main Courses

• Grilled Octopus
• Shrimp in Butter
• Fish Spring Roll
• Grilled Goat Cheese with vine leaves
• Shrimp Stew
• Fried Angled Fish
• Oyster Mushroom Spring Rolls
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimps
• Grilled Mussel with Parmesan
• Tiled Fish (Garlic, capita peppers, mushrooms, and spices)

Address: Cibali, Kadir Has Cd. No:5, 34083 Fatih/Istanbul

About Meyhane

Built near the sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, Istanbul has many seafood restaurants, called Meyhane. In these establishments, we usually drink rakı (Turkish pastis), eat mezes as starters, and follow it up with some fish.

This kind of meal has given birth to an expression: “Let’s have a ‘rakı-balık’ (raki-fish).” A Turkish tradition, a “rakı-Balık” usually lasts for hours, and all topics of conversation are discussed, making for a friendly meal–definitely something you must experience at least once during your stay.