The Top 5 Best Seafood Restaurants on the Bosphorus

The Meyhane Experience

Eating fresh seafood on the Bosphorus is an absolute must-do in Istanbul. But we aren't talking about a quick fish sandwich; we are talking about a luxurious, 4-hour feast involving endless cold meze (appetizers), hot calamari, grilled sea bass (Levrek), and glasses of Rakı (the traditional anise-flavored spirit).

The Elite Top 5

1. Bebek Balıkçısı (Bebek): One of the most famous and elite fish restaurants in the city. Located in the ultra-wealthy Bebek neighborhood, you might spot Turkish celebrities and politicians dining here.
2. Uskumru (Beykoz): You can only reach this restaurant by boat. You take a tiny ferry from the European side to their private wooden dock on the Asian side. The atmosphere is magical.
3. Balıkçı Sabahattin (Sultanahmet): The only one on this list not directly on the Bosphorus. Housed in a beautifully restored wooden Ottoman mansion in the old city, it is famously a favorite of The New York Times.
4. Kıyı (Tarabya): A legendary, old-school establishment located far up the Bosphorus. It is where true Istanbul gourmands go for the freshest turbot (Kalkan) in the city.
5. Sur Balık (Arnavutköy): Offers spectacular, multi-level views of the Bosphorus traffic and an incredible modern twist on traditional meze.

Don't Drink and Hail

A true seafood feast involves drinking Rakı. Trying to find a taxi in Bebek or Arnavutköy at 11:30 PM on a Saturday night while slightly intoxicated is a miserable experience. Taxis will refuse the meter and demand huge flat fees. Protect your perfect evening by booking a VIP return transfer. Your private Mercedes will wait for you outside the restaurant, ensuring a safe, luxurious ride back to your hotel.