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The Bosphorus-view dining room at Ismet Baba
A waterfront table at Ismet Baba
The Ismet Baba dining room in Kuzguncuk
A selection of meze from the Ismet Baba kitchen
A fish plate served at Ismet Baba
Grilled fish from the Ismet Baba kitchen
The daylight-filled dining room at Ismet Baba
A table of meze and seafood at Ismet Baba
A hot seafood dish from the Ismet Baba kitchen
The Bosphorus-facing windows at Ismet Baba
A raki and meze table at Ismet Baba
Seasonal fish from the Ismet Baba kitchen
A classic seafood table at Ismet Baba
The Ismet Baba frontage in Kuzguncuk
Dessert service at Ismet Baba
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Kuzguncuk, Istanbul

Seasonal fish and a classic raki table beside the Kuzguncuk ferries

Ismet Baba

Seafood · Traditional Meyhane · View

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1 Kuzguncuk Çarşı Ave., Üsküdar

Run by the same family tradition since 1951, Ismet Baba pairs its literal Bosphorus edge with seasonal fish, traditional meze and unhurried service. The room draws its character from Istanbul memory rather than polish for its own sake.

Recommended by Lara EkinciEvening & Refined Dining Editor · Istanbul
Lara Ekinci — Evening & Refined Dining Editor

Lara Ekinci

Evening & Refined Dining Editor

Lara’s editorial focus is whether an ambitious evening genuinely delivers on its promise. She does not treat the view as separate from food and service, assessing consistency from the reservation process to the final moment.

Areas of focus

  • Refined restaurants
  • Rooftops and views
  • Late-night dining
  • Romantic and special-occasion tables

Editorial principles

  • Measure the promise against the price
  • Never separate the view from food and service
  • Check the reservation experience
Neighbourhoods followed
Beyoğlu · Karaköy · The Bosphorus · Nişantaşı
Languages
Turkish · English
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Why go

For a classic fish-house meal in a historic address where the waterfront is part of everyday Kuzguncuk rather than a staged backdrop.

Run by the same family tradition since 1951, Ismet Baba pairs its literal Bosphorus edge with seasonal fish, traditional meze and unhurried service. The room draws its character from Istanbul memory rather than polish for its own sake.

Order this

Start with lakerda or marinated sea bass, add buttered shrimp or calamari, then ask for the day's fish with its weight and price before ordering.

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

Best time

Call ahead for sunset or a window table. Open daily 12:00-00:00, with the waterfront side filling faster at weekends.

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

Opening hours
  • Mon12:00–00:00
  • Tue12:00–00:00
  • Wed12:00–00:00
  • Thu12:00–00:00
  • Fri12:00–00:00
  • Sat12:00–00:00
  • Sun12:00–00:00
Before you plan
  • ReservationsCall the venue to check table availability and reservation arrangements.
  • 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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