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Balıkçı Sabahattin: a carefully plated dish
Balıkçı Sabahattin: the dining room and table setting
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a sharing table
Balıkçı Sabahattin: the frontage and entrance
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a signature dish presentation
Balıkçı Sabahattin: the dining area with a view
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a seasonal plate
Balıkçı Sabahattin: the daylight-filled dining room
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a traditional dish presentation
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a plate ready for service
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a chef-prepared dish
Balıkçı Sabahattin: tables prepared for service
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a selection served at the table
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a hot plate from the kitchen
Balıkçı Sabahattin: a carefully served dish
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Cankurtaran, Istanbul

Meze, daily fish and a long evening in a wooden Ahirkapi mansion

Balikci Sabahattin

Seafood · Istanbul Classic

₺₺₺₺

1 Seyit Hasan Kuyu St., Cankurtaran

Generations of experience in a fishing family come together in an unshowy, produce-led table inside a 1927 wooden mansion and quiet garden. Despite its proximity to Sultanahmet, the restaurant retains the rhythm of a neighbourhood fish house.

Recommended by Can ArelMeyhane & Seafood Editor · Istanbul
Can Arel — Meyhane & Seafood Editor

Can Arel

Meyhane & Seafood Editor

Can’s approach focuses on the way a table unfolds over time. Seasonality of fish, freshness of meze, service pace, sound level and billing clarity are all treated as parts of one experience.

Areas of focus

  • Meyhane culture
  • Fish and seafood
  • Meze
  • Bosphorus restaurants

Editorial principles

  • Ask about seasonality and the day’s catch
  • Include the table’s rhythm in the review
  • Check pricing clarity
Neighbourhoods followed
Arnavutköy · Karaköy · Samatya · Kadıköy
Languages
Turkish · English
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Why go

For a classic Old City seafood meal built around good meze, daily fish and a characterful garden rather than a competition for rooftop views.

Generations of experience in a fishing family come together in an unshowy, produce-led table inside a 1927 wooden mansion and quiet garden. Despite its proximity to Sultanahmet, the restaurant retains the rhythm of a neighbourhood fish house.

Order this

Choose lakerda, samphire and marinated fish from the cold counter, then confirm the species, weight and price of the seasonal fish before it is cooked.

Our short order keeps the table focused on what this kitchen does best.

Best time

Reserve for the garden and dinner. Current listings show daily 12:00-02:00, but service after midnight should always be confirmed by phone.

Timing can change the entire experience; reserve ahead when possible.

Opening hours
  • Mon12:00–02:00
  • Tue12:00–02:00
  • Wed12:00–02:00
  • Thu12:00–02:00
  • Fri12:00–02:00
  • Sat12:00–02:00
  • Sun12:00–02:00
Before you plan
  • ReservationsRequest a table via WhatsApp; your reservation is confirmed when the venue accepts it.
  • AccessibilitySufficient verified detail on step-free entry, lifts and accessible restrooms is not published. Confirm your requirements with the venue before visiting.
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Choose Istanbul editorial standard
Contact details, location and editorial claims are checked before publication. Sponsored placements are always labelled.
Editorial review: Choose Istanbul Editorial Team
Last checked: 25 Aug 2026
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