🐟 Istanbul’s Best Fish Restaurants Along the Bosphorus

Dining by the Bosphorus is more than just a meal — it’s a ritual. The breeze from the sea, the silhouette of minarets against the setting sun, and the gentle sound of ferries gliding past set the perfect backdrop for a fresh seafood feast. Istanbul’s fish restaurants along the strait aren’t just known for their views — they’re a deep dive into Turkey’s maritime culinary traditions.

Whether you’re after a candlelit dinner with panoramic views or a lunch of grilled çupra (sea bream) with locals, this guide will take you to the best seafood spots from Sarıyer to Üsküdar — with notes on what to eat, when to go, and where to book.

🐠 Seasonal Fish Guide: What to Eat When

Turkey’s fishing culture is seasonal — so what’s freshest depends on the time of year.

👉 [Book a seafood tasting dinner cruise or reserve top waterfront restaurants here]

🏞️ Top Fish Restaurants Along the Bosphorus

1. Park Fora – Kuruçeşme

Fine dining meets waterfront serenity. Known for its elegant setting and expertly grilled fish, Park Fora offers sea views with white tablecloth service.

What to Order: Grilled levrek, calamari, shrimp casserole
Tip: Request a table closest to the water for the full experience
👉 [Reserve a table at Park Fora]

2. Sur Balık – Arnavutköy

This reliable upscale chain has multiple branches, but the Arnavutköy location is right on the water and favored for sunset dinners.

What to Order: Çupra, sea bass in salt crust, meze sampler
👉 [Book Sur Balık Arnavutköy via affiliate dining portal]

3. Yeniköy İsmet Baba Restaurant – Yeniköy

A legendary, no-frills fish restaurant with an old-school Turkish atmosphere. Loved by locals for its classic plates and unbeatable Bosphorus breeze.

What to Order: Fried anchovies in winter, rakı + meze spread
Vibe: Unpretentious, nostalgic
👉 [Join a Bosphorus fish crawl or private food tour]

4. Kiyi Restaurant – Tarabya

Since 1964, Kiyi has served generations of Istanbulites with fresh seafood and traditional décor. Located in Tarabya, it’s a true culinary institution.

What to Order: Lüfer (in season), octopus salad, stuffed mussels
👉 [Make a reservation with Bosphorus view table request]

5. Balıkçı Sabahattin – Cankurtaran (Old City)

Hidden behind wooden doors in Sultanahmet, this classic fish house doesn’t sit on the Bosphorus, but makes the list for its historic feel and coastal-style cuisine.

What to Order: Grilled sea bream, shrimp stew, Turkish-style fish soup
👉 [Combine with Old City tour or pre-book online]

6. Set Balık – Sarıyer

This low-key, high-quality gem in Sarıyer serves incredible seasonal fish with views of the open sea, far from tourist zones.

What to Order: Palamut (bonito) in autumn, cold starters with olive oil
Tip: Great for lunch before or after a Bosphorus boat trip
👉 [Add to a full-day Bosphorus village tour itinerary]

7. Del Mare – Çengelköy (Asian Side)

One of the best seafood restaurants on the Asian side, Del Mare offers gourmet cuisine with dramatic views of the European skyline across the water.

What to Order: Fish carpaccio, shrimp risotto, seabass skewers
👉 [Reserve a romantic table with skyline view]

8. Villa Bosphorus – Beylerbeyi

A favorite for weddings and special events, this waterfront villa-turned-restaurant is known for its dramatic nighttime setting under the Bosphorus Bridge.

What to Order: Salt-baked fish, hot appetizers, seasonal desserts
👉 [Book a VIP dining experience with transfer options]

🚢 Bonus: Dine on the Water – Bosphorus Dinner Cruises

If you want the seafood + view combo without choosing a single restaurant, hop on a Bosphorus dinner cruise.

• Includes: 3-course seafood meal, live music or Whirling Dervish show, city lights from the water
• Available year-round with heated interiors in winter

👉 [Click here to reserve a top-rated Bosphorus seafood dinner cruise]

🧂 What to Expect at a Fish Restaurant in Istanbul

• Starters (Meze): Cold eggplant dishes, tzatziki, marinated fish
• Main Dish: Grilled whole fish (ask for no bones if preferred), seafood stew
• Drinks: White wine or rakı (Turkish anise spirit)
• Desserts: Helva, seasonal fruit, or semolina cake

Tipping: 10% is appreciated but not mandatory.

🌅 Final Thought

Whether you’re sitting at a linen-draped table in Arnavutköy or eating anchovies on a paper plate in Sarıyer, Istanbul’s seafood scene is deeply tied to its soul. There’s no better way to taste the city than by its shores — with a fresh catch, good company, and the Bosphorus glimmering beside you.

🎣 Hungry for more?
Book your Bosphorus seafood experience today — from upscale restaurants to sunset dinner cruises.
👉 [Browse and reserve fish dinners, private tables, and food tours]