The 10 Best Restaurants for Fish on the Bosphorus
Ten addresses on the Bosphorus or with the water as part of the table, combining fish and seafood with capable cooking. From traditional grilled fish to local-water sushi and contemporary seafood plates, product and technique come before the view.
How was this list selected?
Fish and seafood range, seasonality, sourcing approach, consistency of cooking, connection to the Bosphorus and service were considered together. Confirm the daily catch, weight and price before ordering.
The order is based on current Choose Istanbul editorial judgement, not advertising or user-review scores.- Çengelköy, Üsküdar
Del Mare, Çengelköy
Choose it for the view and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Ask for the house signature and the current drink pairing.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Ortaköy, Beşiktaş
Lokanta Feriye
For waterside dining, architectural atmosphere and a recognised kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Choose seasonal Istanbul dishes and leave room for a contemporary Turkish dessert.
- When to go
- A weekday sunset table on the Bosphorus side.
- Arnavutköy, Beşiktaş
Chef Mezze, Arnavutköy
Choose it for the view and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Ask for the house signature and the current drink pairing.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Yeniköy, Sarıyer
Lokanta Limu, Sarıyer
Choose it for the atmosphere and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Ask for a house signature from the current yaratıcı mezeler, ızgaralar, levrek ceviche gibi deniz ürünleri, şefin özel tarifleri selection.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Bebek, Beşiktaş
Sankai by Nagaya
For Istanbul’s MICHELIN-starred Japanese table, experienced through counter rhythm and exacting service.
- What to eat or drink
- Choose Sankai Sushi or Nagaya Signature; the whole table selects the same menu.
- When to go
- Monday to Saturday after 18:30; ask about the complimentary five-kilometre transfer when booking.
- Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş
Sunset Grill & Bar
For a view-led business lunch, celebration or long dinner where wine pairing matters; the kitchen and service stay anchored in a classic Istanbul experience.
- What to eat or drink
- Start at the sushi bar, then choose a seasonal plate or charcoal-grilled meat and ask the sommelier to guide the wine pairing.
- When to go
- Reserve a window or terrace table for 30-45 minutes before sunset. The current Google Business listing shows daily hours of 12:00-01:30.
- Yeniköy, Sarıyer
Araka
For modern Turkish cooking where creativity rests on the flavour of the ingredient rather than spectacle.
- What to eat or drink
- The day’s vegetable and herb plates, followed by seasonal fish or meat.
- When to go
- Choose an early evening garden table and confirm Monday closure when booking.
- Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
BİZ Istanbul
To combine a Taksim arts itinerary, a broad Istanbul panorama and a kitchen focused on the city's culinary heritage in one stop.
- What to eat or drink
- Seasonal Istanbul recipes, the day's fish, vegetable plates and meze for sharing.
- When to go
- Arrive before sunset for the terrace light; it opens daily from 12:00 to 01:00 and dinner reservations are recommended.
- Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş
Novikov, Kuruçeşme
Choose it for a cocktail-led night with a kitchen that supports the drinks.
- What to eat or drink
- Ask for a house signature from the current i̇mza kokteyller, bar atıştırmalıkları selection.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş
Divan Kuruçeşme
Choose it for the view and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Ask for the house signature and the current drink pairing.
- When to go
- Choose an earlier hour for a calmer visit and confirm current hours before setting out.
