Seafood restaurants in Turkey
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A
Sultanahmet Fish House
If you're the fishy type, traditionally there have been only three viable dining options in the Old City: heading down to Kumkapı, grabbing a fish sandwich on the dock at Emininönü or booking a table at the pricey Balıkçı Sabahattin. But now there's this casual restaurant in Cağaloğlu. What makes this joint distinctive are its prices, which are remarkably low for what's on offer. Wine is also well priced, and everything is squeaky clean. Wow.
reviewed
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Rumeli Iskele
Businessmen (sometimes with girlfriend, sometimes with colleagues) are a permanent lunchtime fixture at this old timber ferry terminal building right on the water, ordering delectable meze such as levrek marine (sea bass in a creamy but piquant lemon sauce) or çıroz (salted and dried thin mackerel). The catch of the day is priced by the kilo (prepare yourself for a hefty outlay) and there are good wine choices by the glass and bottle.
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Poseidon
This place evokes class with a capital ‘C’ – for credit-card danger. If you want some of the best seafood in the city served on a stylish deck overlooking the bobbing boats of Bebek Bay, it’s the perfect place. You’ll be in the company of beautifully groomed women who dote on designer handbags and are often mistaken by their businessman dining partners as said fashion accessory.
reviewed
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B
Moonlight Restaurant
The waterfront Moonlight, in situ since 1983, offers an extensive Turkish wine list and professional but unfussy service. The mostly seafood offerings are well presented and very fresh. The biggest drawcard, however, is the romantic back terrace, which is regularly filled with happy couples.
reviewed
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C
Riverside Restaurant
Considered Dalyan's best fish restaurant, the Riverside also boasts a gorgeous and breezy terrace where you can dine under mulberry trees while admiring the Lycian tombs and listening to the quack of ducks. The owner, an ex-head chef who still does his own cooking, offers exquisite seafood and fish accompanied by his own special sauces. The stuffed fish is a speciality.
reviewed
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Beyaz Yunus Lokantası
Set on a stunning terrace overlooking the bay, the Beyaz is famous for its fresh fish and seafood. Sample some of the exquisite seafood mezes such as calamari stuffed with feta, or octopus slow-cooked in red wine. Down some steps is a delightful 'Sunset Bar'- perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif! It's on the Faralya road about 1km from the town centre.
reviewed
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D
Club Arma
Current tenant of a former oil depot built right into the cliff-side above the harbour, this pricey fish restaurant specialises in meze (brought to you properly on a tray to choose from) and seafood in its infinite variety. As its name implies, the place moonlights as a club and is one of Antalya's sexiest venues to sip a gin and tonic. Just be careful not to fall off the fabulous open terrace or you'll literally end up in the drink.
reviewed
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E
Doğa Balik
There’s something very fishy about this place – and the locals love it. On the top floor of a modest hotel in Cihangir, Doğa Balık serves fabulously fresh fish in a dining space with wonderful views across to the Old City. It also has a lavish meze buffet, which is a great idea.
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F
Deniz Restaurant
İzmir's premier fish restaurant is still going strong, offering dishes such as fish paella as well as the odd kebap, but it's expensive even by fish eateries' standards. Try the house speciality, tuzda balık (fish baked in a block of salt that's broken at your table; suitable for three or four people). Expect your fellow diners to be in their best party frocks.
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G
Balık Pişiricisi
The queues of diners on the street and waiters galloping from table to table reveal much about this fish restaurant. Though simple and modern, it has a reputation for good seafood at reasonable prices. Try the speciality, dil şiş (grilled sole).
reviewed
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H
Berk Balık Restaurant
Run by a group of friends, this restaurant specialises in fish and seafood, served on a terrific upstairs terrace that buzzes like a village tavern. It's absolutely packed with locals tossing down octopus in garlic and butter, or excellent fresh fish at pleasing prices.
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I
Sahil Restaurant
Right on the waterfront, this Mediterranean-styled place is known for its fish (though meat dishes are also good). But make sure you ask for prices in advance; for some travellers, the bill's been a nasty surprise. Barbun (red mullet) is the speciality.
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J
Aphrodite Restaurant
Dozens of tables sit outdoors - mere steps from the water - at this meat and seafood standby. Not only is this an idea spot to soak in the harbourside drama at eye level, it's also a recommended location for grills and köfte (meatballs).
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K
Kemal'ın Yeri Deniz Mahsülleri
Friendly, informal and fun, this restaurant in the Alsancak district prides itself on 'customer satisfaction', and serves good fish dishes at great prices. Try the grilled kalamar with the secret - and sumptuous - house 'mayonnaise'.
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L
Fevzi Hoca Balık-Köfte
There are no menus at this fish restaurant. Just choose your glistening beastie and it comes in a meal deal with salads, pickles and dessert. The hushed ambience makes it resemble somewhere you'd go with your parents for a birthday dinner. Cheaper köfte meals (TL7) are available if you're a bargain-seeking fish phobic. It's on the 1st floor of a shopping arcade.
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Ottoman Restaurant
Host Rasim and the terrace high above Side's main (and always busy) drag are the main reasons for dining at this excellent restaurant off Liman Caddesi, which serves a lot of fish.
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Liman Restaurant
Something of an institution and well known for its meze (TL6 to TL12) and kavurma (a kind of lamb stir fry), this lively restaurant is in the heart of the covered bazaar. The fish soup (TL9) is equally celebrated, as is the balık buğlama (fish stew; TL40 for 500g).
reviewed
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O
Kortan Restaurant
Worth a visit just to see the interior of this lovely, 350-year-old former tavern, it also boasts five tables on a pretty terrace (phone to reserve one). The speciality is grilled fish. Try the delectable barbun (red mullet).
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P
Kazim Usta Restaurant
Opposite the tourist office, this venerable establishment founded way back in 1950 is considered the top fish restaurant in town, and has capitalised on its reputation by overcharging. The sumptuous fish soup is a speciality. If you want a table on the waterfront, reserve at least a day in advance.
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Q
Köşk
Specialising in fish, the Köşk cultivates a slightly staid air to please the decorum-minded older diners that form its core demographic, though at €1.40 the beer's cheap enough to enthuse the younger crowd as well.
reviewed
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Korsan Fish Terrace
On the roof of Patara Stone House, this restaurant is arguably the finest seafood experience in Kalkan. Its homemade lemonade (TL3.50) is legendary and there's live jazz on Tuesday from 8.30pm. Other outlets in the mini Korsan empire, run by Turkish-British couple Uluç and Claire, include Korsan Meze, opposite the town beach, one of the oldest (1979) and most consistent restaurants serving modern Turkish and international cuisine in Kalkan; and Korsan Kebap, a simpler place that's ideal for lunch on a terrace by the harbour with upscale kebaps and pide.
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Tabaklar
In the thick of the bazaar, and serving fish at affordable prices, this simple but hugely popular place is one of İzmir's best kept culinary secrets. Try the speciality: dil şiş (grilled sole).
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T
Pasifik Otel Restaurant
If you fancy a walk and some fish, head to this hotel restaurant, at the far northern end of the seafront, where you can enjoy a great fish casserole on seating overlooking a small beach.
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Sandal Balıkevı
A new fish restaurant with tables inside and out, it's well run, clean and popular locally. Fish is fresh and prices are reasonable. Try the speciality sardines. There's live music some evenings.
reviewed
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Mezgit Restaurant
A new, family-run place, it's already established itself locally as a great place for fresh fish at fair prices - it's half the price of the port. Daily prices are chalked up on the board.
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