Istanbul's seafood restaurants: Four seas and seasonal fish throughout the city

With its diverse cuisine from kebabs to seafood, Turkey offers a variety of dishes for everyone according to his or her own taste. Kebabs often draw the most attention. When in Turkey, you will see many different kebabs, even some made solely from vegetables. But seafood is also another category of Turkish cuisine that deserves recognition as well.

Turkey is a country surrounded by four bodies of water: The Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Marmara. It is home to a wide range of fish and seafood. In the north, there is the best fish the Black Sea has to offer, just like the best fish from the Mediterranean when in the south. In addition to the four seas, inland lakes and rivers are also fertile for fishing and the seafood industry. That is why it is a must to visit all the fish markets and seafood restaurants everywhere on Turkey's coast.

The fish-selling process in Turkey is not restricted to fish markets, as there are many local fishermen selling what they catch around the coastline from small fishing boats or small stalls located around the seas. You will either choose one of them and take it home to cook or give it to a fish restaurant and ask them to cook it for you, especially when you are in seaside towns on the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Each season this is fresh fish in Turkey with many mezes accompanying them. When summer arrives, mostly southern and western seaside towns are filled with local and foreign tourists seeking out the best seasonal fish. During the winter, Istanbul is where seafood is in demand. Imagine the freshest seafood in a restaurant overlooking the amazing bridges or historical peninsula in Istanbul. Since we are in the midst of winter, we will focus on where to get the best seafood in the city.

POPULAR SEAFOOD AND FISH RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL

Beylerbeyi Doğa Fish Restaurant



In Beylerbeyi, Istanbul's most elite district on the Asian side, Beylerbeyi Doğa Fish Restaurant amazes its visitors with its mesmerizing view overlooking the two Bosporus bridges and where the Bosporus meets the Marmara Sea. Just next to the sea, the restaurant's tables make you feel like you are sitting on a balcony over the Bosporus. The high-quality service, incredible ambiance and the restaurant's atmosphere are suitable for romantic dinners and special events. The waiters always suggest the best fish and mezes in season. What you must try is the grilled calamari rings. You do not have to make a reservation if you visit on weekdays, but it is better to make reservation on weekends to ensure a seaside view.

Address: Yalıboyu Caddesi, No: 36,
Beylerbeyi, Istanbul
Phone: +90 216 422 28 51

Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı



Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı (Historic Karaköy Fish Restaurant) is one of the highlights in Istanbul when it comes to fish restaurants. With nearly a century of history, Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı's popularity goes beyond Turkey's borders. Each year, hundreds of tourists choose this authentic restaurant to eat the best fish in an old Istanbul atmosphere. The restaurant overlooks the Golden Horn and Topkapı Palace. Among the specialties you must try are the fish soup, seabass cooked in paper, lakerda (raw fish) and skewered fish. It would not be an exaggeration to say it is one of the best fish restaurants in the Marmara region. The service and quality is of a high standard, as you will see when you visit. Reservations are not mandatory, but if you want a seat with a nice city view, you should call ahead of time.

Address: Tersane Cad., Kardeşim Sk., No: 30,
Karaköy, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 212 251 13 71

Leb-i Derya



Located in the Tomtom neighborhood, one of the most touristy places in Istanbul, Leb-i Derya is an exquisite fish restaurant and lounge with an amazing view of the Golden Horn. It is not just a fish restaurant, but also a lounge where you can have a drink in a cozy atmosphere. Leb-i Derya is located at the top of an old building on İstiklal Avenue, and it is one of the best restaurants to combine the moonlight and old Istanbul spirit. Ayvalık calamari is among the restaurant's specialties and I would highly recommend you order it. Its rooftop is a perfect atmosphere to relax and have a drink on hot summer days, but there also has an indoor area to eat in and enjoy the Istanbul landscape at the same time. On weekends, a reservation is a must, but on weekdays you can find a suitable place to sit. Leb-i Derya is a perfect place for a regular night out. It is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends.

Address: Tomtom Mahallesi, Kumbaracı Yokuşu, No: 57/6,
Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 212 2934989

Poseidon



It is impossible to enjoy a seafood dish without a great view of the Bosporus. One of the most visited restaurants, Poseidon, is located in Beşiktaş, one of the easiest locations to reach in terms of transportation. It is an elegant restaurant that draws attention both with its wines and seafood, so they call themselves a "wine and dine center." It is a great spot to visit on hot summer days with its huge terrace if you would like to have some fresh sea air. But it is still one of the places that entertain a number of visitors in the winter in Beşiktaş. With fresh seafood and an exquisite atmosphere, Poseidon is suitable for romantic dinners and lovely nights out with friends. It is a bit pricy compared to other fish restaurants around Beşiktaş, but with the service and quality of food, the restaurant deserves the night.

Address: Cevdet Paşa Cad., No: 58,
Beşiktaş, Istanbul - 34342
Phone: +90 212 263 38 23

Kuleli Yakamoz Fish Restaurant



Kuleli Yakamoz Fish Restaurant, on the Asian side of Istanbul, is known for its tranquil atmosphere and is a perfect restaurant for a romantic night out. With its panoramic Bosporus view, Kuleli Yakamoz Fish Restaurant, next to the Kuleli Military High School, is one of the most preferred fish restaurants in Istanbul, especially by those who would like a night away from prying eyes. Even though it is primarily a fish restaurant, it also has chicken, red meat and vegetarian items on the menu. To enjoy the freshest fish with high-quality service and affordable prices, Kuleli Yakamoz is a perfect restaurant to visit. A reservation is required only if you are going to visit as a group for a business meeting or other events.

Address: Kanlıca Mahallesi, Kanlıca İskelesi Yanı, No: 1,
Beykoz, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 216 3310013

Kıyı Fish Restaurant



Kıyı Fish Restaurant, located in Istanbul's Tarabya district on the European side, is one of the most popular fish restaurants among Tarabya locals. Recently though, it has become more popular among local and foreign tourists as well. It has a cozy atmosphere with wooden walls decorated with celebrities who have visited and a serene atmosphere resembling a fisherman's house. Kıyı is not on the coast, but it still has an excellent sea view. The restaurant has been known for its fresh seasonal fish and delicious starters since 1964. So if you would like to get away from Istanbul's central points, Kıyı Fish Restaurant in Tarabya is a good option.

Address: Kefeliköy Cad., 126,
Tarabya, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 212 262 00 02