Yılmaz Usta Balık Dürüm — Restaurant in Fatih

Summer of 1988 I had one of the most sublime culinary experiences of my (then) young life -- I remember a bobbing open fishing boat on an Istanbul wharf, with a huge fry pan in the middle, frying up just-caught bluefish , slapping it in a pide-style bun. In my personal mythology, best fish I ever tasted. Sandwich is Balik Ekmak. So now in the cold winter of 2024 and my later years both, I sought it out on my second, long delayed trip to Istanbul. It was late and went down to what is Balik Ekmak-ville, wharfside by the south end of Galata Köprüsü in the old city. On the shore are a number of restaurants and stands, with fishing boats. Quick research had me return to the south side of the busy Ragıp Gümüşpala Cd., to the west end of the square, where the best Balik ekmek iz, which is named after the sandwich and is where the locals go. And the crew and food was outstanding . It wasn't blue fish but was mackerel, and that's another one of my favorites so all good there. Pide bread was long gone but the wrap was fine, and so we're the extra onions I requested. The fish was delicious . There's only outside seating and it was cold but the warmth of the service and the steam from the cart made for a good atmosphere anyway, not every one will feel that way. when I go again, and hopefully I won't wait another 36 years to do so, I'll get there earlier for the pide and ask them not...

Wonderful Hospitality, Great Value, and Comfortable Indoor Dining

We had a very pleasant experience at this restaurant, which stands out in the area for its smoke-free and comfortable indoor seating—a real relief compared to many other venues. The service was excellent: genuinely friendly, courteous, and attentive from start to finish.

There’s a good variety of options on the menu, and many are very reasonably priced. We especially enjoyed the meat patties, limonata, and freshly squeezed orange juice—all well prepared and satisfying. While the pide and borek were more average, the overall quality and attention to detail made up for it.

One of the highlights was the staff's thoughtful approach to food allergies, which was handled with care and reassurance. The team here is truly affable and accommodating, and it shows in the atmosphere and the way they treat their guests.

Highly recommended for a relaxed meal with honest food, genuine hospitality, and great value. We visited...

This is the REAL one! I saw a video on TT and saved it. But forgot about it. My friend who is a local was saying they have good fish sandwiches .

We got 2 for each of us and tore it up. It’s kinda like a fish burrito filled with veggies and coated with their seasoning. It looked spicy but it wasn’t. I love how the shell is crunchy.

We will be going back tomorrow😂😂 I wished I went earlier in my vacation,because I would have gotten one every day.

I love fish and it was a perfect meal. Not too heavy and balanced.

It is popular so there was a little wait when I was there. There is indoor seating. The first time I didn’t know and thought it was only the few seats outside. So don’t be afraid to go in. It’s nice and airy.

There are a lot of copy cats in the area , but my friend said there are no good and he’s right because they had no customers when we walked by.

So don’t be tempted to skip the line 😂

10 out of 10....