Balikci — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Nestled near the bustling İstiklal Caddesi lies a hidden gem for seafood lovers—a charming, time-honored local fish restaurant with an air of authenticity and tradition. Renowned for its impressive array of fresh offerings, the menu boasts a delightful selection of fish, shrimp, calamari, and hearty soups.

During our visit, we opted for the grilled Çupra (sea bream), and it was nothing short of exceptional. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, the fish was incredibly fresh, with a flavor that spoke volumes of its quality and careful preparation. Each bite was a testament to the culinary expertise of the kitchen.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere was equally captivating. The cozy, tranquil ambiance provided the perfect setting for an enjoyable meal. Far removed from the hustle and bustle outside, this restaurant felt like a peaceful retreat—a place where time slows down, and the focus is solely on savoring great food and good company.

If you're seeking an authentic seafood experience in the heart of Istanbul, this local treasure near İstiklal Caddesi should be at the top of your list. A true delight for both the palate...

Incredible dining experience! We decided to explore some of the back alleys off of Istikal St and found this absolute gem! Of course we were the only tourists eating here and the rest were locals all enjoying their food. We ordered up a feast of five plates of grilled and fried fish and they were fresh and the price was excellent. We had an amazing grilled sea bream and had fried whiting, hamzi tava, red mullet and calamari. Along with a shepherd's salad and an order of fries, this was a perfect meal! This is five stars easy all the way!

The biggest surprise was when the bill came! This is the deal of the century especially if you love your fresh seafood! Bill...

My partner and I ate here at least once (sometimes twice!) a week throughout our 6 weeks stay in Istanbul. That’s how good it was!

We tried almost every dish and we highly recommend the anchovy, sea bass and horse mackerel. The soup is a great starter too.

The shrimp stew was alright, it’s cooked in a tomato-based sauce and topped with melted cheese. Good with the free bread they provided!

It’s a clean, no-frills restaurant. It’s inexpensive too. I appreciate the quick service and the attentive staff! I am amazed at how a simple dish of fried fish can taste so good. I used to not be a big fan of fish, but they have succeeded in making me a convert...