Istanbul Explorer
HomeBlogAboutContact

Categories

  • Food and Restaurants
  • Bars and Nightlife
  • Hotels and Accommodation
  • Wellness and Beauty

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Follow Me

© 2025 istanbulexplorer.com. All rights reserved.

← Back to Blog

Best Seafood Restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul, with its prime location straddling two continents and flanked by the Bosphorus, truly knows its way around fresh seafood. You'll find a delightful array of options here, from cozy spots right by the water to stunning rooftop restaurants offering incredible views. The city's seafood scene is vibrant and welcoming, with many places priding themselves on serving up the day's catch alongside warm, friendly service. Whether you're after a classic grilled fish or something a bit more adventurous, you're in for a treat.

Food and Restaurants•Nov 11, 2025

Top Recommendations

Şiva Oyster Fish Restaurant

Get Directions

Kiyi Balik Karakoy

Get Directions

The Boil Seafood and Steak House

Get DirectionsVisit Website

Complete List

Şiva Oyster Fish Restaurant

Şiva Oyster Fish Restaurant

4.8•4324 reviews

This restaurant offers a delightful seafood experience. You can tell they put care into their dishes, especially the fresh fish and those tasty oysters; it’s always a treat. The vibe here is quite welcoming, making it easy to settle in. Plus, the staff truly goes out of their way to make you feel right at home, adding to a pleasant evening out.

Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. No:22, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCall
Kiyi Balik Karakoy

Kiyi Balik Karakoy

4.7•371 reviews

Kiyi Balik Karakoy is a fantastic fish wrap restaurant. You can tell they use really fresh mackerel, grilled just right, tucked into a perfectly spiced wrap. It’s got that authentic flavor you crave, with a nice balance of seasoning and a little crunch. The service is quick, making it ideal for a delicious, on-the-go meal. It feels like a true local spot.

Azapkapı, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get Directions
The Boil Seafood and Steak House

The Boil Seafood and Steak House

4.9•1440 reviews

The Boil Seafood and Steak House is a restaurant where you’ll find some truly fresh seafood and solid steak dishes. It’s a fantastic spot for an evening out, especially on the rooftop where you get those amazing city views. There’s often a lively vibe too, making it a memorable place for a relaxed meal or just a drink with friends.

Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. no:17A, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite
Old İstanbul Rooftop Mezze & Seafood Restaurant

Old İstanbul Rooftop Mezze & Seafood Restaurant

5•711 reviews

This rooftop mezze and seafood restaurant offers truly incredible views of the Bosphorus. It’s a lovely spot where you can enjoy fresh, delicious seafood, and the mezze are fantastic too. You’ll find the service attentive and the atmosphere quite inviting. It feels like a special place for a memorable meal.

Hoca Paşa, Orhaniye Cd. No:7,34845, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite
Galata Sunset Restaurant

Galata Sunset Restaurant

4.9•2733 reviews

Galata Sunset is a seafood restaurant right by the water, and it’s a spot you’ll want to revisit. They really know their fish here; it’s always fresh and tastes wonderful. You can tell they put a lot of care into the service too; everyone's so friendly and makes you feel right at home. Plus, the views, especially at sunset, are truly something special. It’s got a lovely vibe, often with live music adding to the charm.

Galata Köprüsü Altı, Haliç tarafı No:7 Karaköy, 34000 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite
Fish Port Restaurant

Fish Port Restaurant

4.7•3230 reviews

Fish Port Restaurant is a lovely seafood spot right under the Galata Bridge. You can tell they really care about fresh fish; the grilled sea bream is always a winner. It’s got a warm, relaxed vibe, and the views of the Golden Horn, especially at sunset, are truly something special. The service is attentive too; they’ll make you feel right at home.

Rüstem paşa mahallesi Yeni Galata köprüsü altı, Eminönü Haliç tarafı no 1, D:2, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite
Yelkenci Karaköy

Yelkenci Karaköy

4.7•2051 reviews

Yelkenci Karaköy is a seafood restaurant offering a truly stunning Bosphorus view, especially from its upper terraces. You'll find delicious fresh fish and a great selection of flavorful meze here. The staff are quite friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed meal overlooking the water.

Arap Cami, Fermeneciler Cd. no:27 Karaköy, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite
Galata Sanat Restaurant Galata Köprüsü

Galata Sanat Restaurant Galata Köprüsü

4.8•8191 reviews

Galata Sanat Restaurant is a fantastic spot right under the bridge. It’s a seafood restaurant where you’ll find genuinely fresh fish and delicious dishes like shrimp casserole. The lively atmosphere, often with live music, makes it a great evening out. You can’t beat the views of the Bosphorus and the city lights. Plus, the staff always makes you feel welcome; they’re incredibly friendly.

Haliç tarafı, Rüstem Paşa, Galata Köprüsü altı no : 6, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite
Popina

Popina

4.8•579 reviews

Popina is a seafood restaurant with a wonderful spot right by the water. You’ll find the views of the Bosphorus and Galata Bridge are just stunning, especially when the sun goes down. The fish and seafood dishes here are simply delicious, and it feels like they really care about fresh ingredients. The staff are always so welcoming; it’s a truly pleasant place to enjoy a meal.

altı karaköy haliç tarafı, Yeni, Galata Köprüsü No : 10, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite
Sultanahmet Fish House, Istanbul Restaurant, Dining

Sultanahmet Fish House, Istanbul Restaurant, Dining

4.6•1805 reviews

Sultanahmet Fish House is a restaurant that truly knows its seafood. You’ll find incredibly fresh catches here, often cooked to perfection. I always enjoy their sea bass or those amazing buttered prawns. It’s got a wonderfully warm vibe, making it a comfortable spot for a meal. The staff are so genuinely friendly, they’ll make you feel right at home.

Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:16, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Get DirectionsCallWebsite

Tips

Istanbul's seafood scene is truly special, and you'll find some incredible spots, especially around the bustling Galata Bridge in Karaköy and Eminönü, or for breathtaking rooftop views in Sultanahmet. You absolutely have to try the fresh catch of the day, whether it's a perfectly grilled sea bass or a quick, delicious fish wrap, a local favorite. Many places offer stunning sunset backdrops, often with live music adding to the lively atmosphere. The service is usually warm and friendly, making you feel right at home. Just remember to always check the menu prices before ordering, as some tourist-heavy spots can have varied costs. Enjoy the amazing flavors and incredible ambiance!

Share this post:

Get the Best of Istanbul in Your Inbox

Sign up to receive new guides and local favorites delivered weekly.