Where to Find the Best Fish Restaurants in Istanbul?

Ömer Faruk Kino
Content Editor
0

Istanbul, with its unique advantage of being a city intertwined with the sea, is home to unique restaurants offering fresh seafood on every corner. However, some establishments do more than just serve food; they offer an experience that creates unforgettable moments for visitors, making conversations long and enjoyable. As you explore Istanbul's best seafood restaurants, we've compiled a list of the top spots that stand out for both their taste and atmosphere. So, where to eat the best fish in Istanbul? Where are the best seafood restaurants in Istanbul? Let's explore the best of Istanbul's seafood kitchens!

1. Kıyı Restaurant – Tarabya

With a long history on the Tarabya coast, Kıyı Restaurant has been serving its guests fresh fish and meze dishes accompanied by the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus for over 52 years. The restaurant stands out with its dishes prepared using both traditional and modern cooking techniques.

The menu features seasonal fish options, which are among Kıyı's most popular dishes. Classics such as mackerel, sea bream and sea bass are combined with appetisers prepared with the restaurant's expertise and fresh herbs. Located on the Bosphorus shore, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience at sunset.

📍Address: Tarabya, Haydar Aliyev Cd. No:186 D:A, 34457 Sarıyer/İstanbul

📞 Contact Number: 02122620002

Source: Tripadvisor

2. Lacivert – Beykoz

One of the most prestigious seafood restaurants on the Asian side of Istanbul, Lacivert stands out with its bridge view and elegant atmosphere. Ideal for both romantic dinners and business meals, the restaurant combines seafood with modern presentations.

Standout dishes on the menu include grilled mackerel, seafood linguine, and fresh shrimp stew. The fish, served with the chef's special sauces and appetisers, impresses guests with its taste and presentation. Lacivert brings together the peaceful rhythm of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's sophisticated seafood culture.

📍Address: Anadolu Hisarı, Körfez Cd. 57/A, 34410 Beykoz/İstanbul

📞 Contact Number: 02164134224

Source: Tripadvisor

3. Balıkçı Abdullah – Çubuklu

Balıkçı Abdullah is a restaurant located in Çubuklu, overlooking the calm waters of the Bosphorus. The restaurant is accessible both by land and by boat from İstinye. The boat option makes the fishing experience even more special.

The menu features a variety of seafood, from red mullet to sea bass. Grilled and baked dishes are complemented by fresh appetisers and olive oil-based dishes. The venue's warm and relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular choice for weekend breakfasts or lunches.

📍Address: Paşabahçe, Çubuklu 29 ve Hayal Kahvesi 18/B, 34805 Beykoz/İstanbul

📞 Contact Number: 05424112535

Source: Oggusto

4. Balıkçı Kahraman – Arnavutköy

One of Arnavutköy's iconic seaside establishments, Balıkçı Kahraman, stands out for its fresh fish, meze and unique sea views. The restaurant is a popular choice for both weekday lunches and weekend dinners.

The menu features fresh fish such as sea bass, sea bream and turbot, as well as stuffed squid, shrimp casserole and meze. The seafood dishes, prepared by the chef with special sauces and spices, offer visitors an unforgettable taste experience. Especially at sunset, the dishes served at the table overlooking the Bosphorus make the dining experience truly magical.

The venue's warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for both family dinners and gatherings with friends. When combined with the tranquillity of Arnavutköy and the Bosphorus view, Balıkçı Kahraman becomes one of the must-visit spots in Istanbul for a seafood experience.

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

📞 Contact Number: 02122429899

Source: Quandoo

5. Ulaş Balıkçılık – Cihangir

Located in the heart of Cihangir, Ulaş Balıkçılık is known for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. With its small and intimate setting, the restaurant is an ideal stop for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The menu features grilled sea bass skewers, fish soup, and seasonal salads. The venue not only offers delicious dishes at reasonable prices but also stands out for its fresh and high-quality seafood. Ulaş Seafood combines Cihangir’s bohemian spirit with Istanbul’s seafood culture.

📍Address: Kuloğlu, Liva Sk. No: 15/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

📞 Contact Number: 02124342502

Source: Ulaş Balıkçılık

6. Eleos – Yeşilköy and Beyoğlu

Eleos, located on the Yeşilköy coast, offers a feast with a hint of the Aegean, transforming the enjoyment of seafood in Istanbul into a ritual. Its branch in a historic apartment building in Beyoğlu combines modern city life with the elegance of the Mediterranean. The white linen tablecloths and blue details used in the venue turn every meal into a visual feast.

The menu features the unique touches of Mediterranean cuisine. The sea urchin served with roasted peppers, sea bass fillet with sesame sauce, and orange-flavoured squid are among Eleos' signature dishes. Thanks to the chefs' creativity, each plate perfectly reflects the freshness of the seafood and the aromas of the Mediterranean.

📍 Addresses:

📞 Contact Numbers: 

  • Yeşilköy: 0 (212) 663 39 11

  • Beyoğlu: 0 (212) 244 90 90

Source: Tripadvisor

7. Aqua – Four Seasons Bosphorus, Beşiktaş

Combining the magic of the Bosphorus view, Aqua is one of the pioneers of modern seafood cuisine in Istanbul. Chef Görkem Özkan's carefully prepared menu offers traditional flavours with a contemporary touch.

Standout starters include prosecco-sauced clams, mini squid stuffed with pastrami, and grilled octopus with citrus. Main courses such as squid-stuffed couscous with sea bass and a two-person fisherman’s stew bring the sophisticated spirit of the Mediterranean to the table. The venue's elegant atmosphere and special wine pairings make Aqua one of the most refined seafood experiences in Istanbul.

📍 Address: Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. NO. 28, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

📞 Contact Number: 0 (212) 381 40 00

Source: Four Seasons

8. Adella Seafood Restaurant – Fatih

If you are looking for a stylish escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Adella Seafood Restaurant is the place for you. With its modern and airy décor, the restaurant welcomes guests with contemporary takes on classic seafood dishes.

The menu features special dishes such as shrimp stew enriched with citrus and spices, fresh sea bass fillet, and Italian-style stuffed squid. Adella is one of the rare places that lets you feel the magic of the Bosphorus in every bite, with its elegant atmosphere and meticulous service.

📍 Address: Hobyar, Hamidiye St. No:16, Fatih/Istanbul

📞 Contact Number: 0 (212) 527 52 71

Source: Tripadvisor

9. Park Fora – Beşiktaş

Located on the Kuruçeşme coastline, Park Fora offers one of Istanbul's most impressive seafood experiences, set to the peaceful rhythm of the Bosphorus. Its location, where the water almost touches your table, makes the sunset and the view part of the dining experience.

The menu combines both traditional and innovative flavours. The restaurant's signature dish, fish dumplings, brings together classic Anatolian flavours with seafood, showcasing Park Fora's expertise. The Bosphorus's essentials, such as turbot, sea bass and shrimp, are served fresh daily.

📍 Address: Ortaköy, Muallim Naci Cd. 54/A, Beşiktaş/İstanbul

📞 Contact Number: 0 (212) 265 50 63

Source: Tripadvisor

10. Sait – Galataport

The culinary journey that began in Yalıkavak, Bodrum, in 1993 is now coming to Istanbul with Sait. Combining the modern lines of Galataport with the classic elegance of the Bosphorus, the restaurant is listed among the recommended restaurants in the Michelin Guide.

The menu features fresh seafood and Aegean-inspired appetisers. Specialities such as fava, atom, artichoke hearts and seafood karakılçık pilaf are among the highlights of Sait's menu. Its refined service and location overlooking the Bosphorus make Sait a must-visit for those who want to experience the finest seafood in Istanbul.

📍 Address: Kılıçali Paşa Mahallesi, Meclis-i Mebusan Sok. O1 Blok No:8 D:102, Galataport, Beyoğlu/İstanbul

📞 Contact Number: 0 (212) 401 06 33

Source: Tripadvisor

READ MORE