Beykoz Balık Ekmek — Restaurant in Beykoz

We love experiencing local food wherever we travel, and Beykoz Balık Ekmek in Istanbul was a true highlight. They specialize in seafood — especially fish — and you get to enjoy your meal in a very casual, traditional setting.

One thing that makes it special is that there’s no cutlery; you eat with your hands, adding a bit more authenticity to the experience. We ordered kalamar, shrimp, salad, and a variety of different fish — everything was fresh, perfectly cooked, and rich in flavor. The service was very friendly and welcoming, making us feel at home.

We were a group of 5 and our total bill came to 4,000 TL (about US$100), which we found quite reasonable for the food’s quality and the location. The restaurant is situated right by the Bosporus, offering an incredible view, atmosphere, and ambiance. They provide valet service, but there’s also paid parking nearby.

If you’re in Istanbul, we definitely recommend choosing Beykoz Balık Ekmek over more expensive seafood restaurants — you’ll get an authentic experience without the...

First and the most important, the fish is delicious and well-prepared. This place should be looked at as a different experience. It’s local but cozy, low profile but lovable. The food is served on used newspaper sheets with no forks or knives, but still, it feels natural. The menu is limited: two kinds of fish, calmari and oysters.

Prices may seem higher than what the place deserves but I think it quite deserves.

As the place is at the Bosphorus directly, the view is beautiful. The surrounding is somehow not clean which can spoil the whole experience.

It’s preferable to go in the evening in summer, or in warm...

This is a place where you eat with your hands — no cutlery needed, and that’s part of the charm. It’s an authentic spot in Beykoz, always busy, which is a great sign of quality. The fish is delicious and fresh, and the prices are very reasonable.

The calamari is excellent, but honestly, whatever you order, you won’t regret it. They have plenty of staff and the service is friendly and attentive.

If you’re a seafood lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. 🐟

As for dessert — that’s their weaker point. The halva was tasty, but the other sweets we tried didn’t quite...