
Balıkçı Lokantası
A beloved local spot in Kadikoy offering incredibly fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced seafood in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Balıkçı Lokantası

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved local spot in Kadikoy offering incredibly fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced seafood in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
"For super-fresh and well cooked seafood you won’t go far wrong and the price is a pleasant surprise."
Don't Miss the Fish Soup
Try the fish soup; many reviewers praise it as outstanding and a must-order.
Order the Black Sea Salmon
Consider ordering the star item, black sea salmon, which has received high praise.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+90 216 346 40 14
Address
Rasimpaşa, Tayyareci Sami Sk. No:20 D:B, 34716 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh & Flavorful Seafood
Indulge in incredibly fresh seafood, from grilled Black Sea salmon to crispy fried calamari. A true taste of the sea!

Cozy Local Atmosphere
Experience a warm, local setting with fast and friendly service. A cozy spot favored by locals.

Great Value Dining
Enjoy generous portions of delicious food at reasonable prices, offering excellent value.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss the Fish Soup
Try the fish soup; many reviewers praise it as outstanding and a must-order.
Order the Black Sea Salmon
Consider ordering the star item, black sea salmon, which has received high praise.
Budget-Friendly Gem
Offers great value seafood in Istanbul, often more affordable than touristy spots.
Be Prepared for a Wait
Arrive early or expect to wait during peak hours; this popular spot gets busy.
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Fish Soup
Try the fish soup; many reviewers praise it as outstanding and a must-order.
Order the Black Sea Salmon
Consider ordering the star item, black sea salmon, which has received high praise.
Budget-Friendly Gem
Offers great value seafood in Istanbul, often more affordable than touristy spots.
Be Prepared for a Wait
Arrive early or expect to wait during peak hours; this popular spot gets busy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about the incredibly fresh seafood and the authentic local atmosphere, often highlighting generous portions and good value. While most praise the food and friendly service, a few mention occasional staff unfriendliness and that the seasoning can be simple, relying heavily on the freshness of the fish.
"Very good small local fish restaurant. We had fish casserole and hamsa tava. Excellent taste and very fresh. We enjoyed alot. You need to note that the place foes not serve wine or beer, not a problem for us. If you are hungry and want good fish at good price - go there. Staff is very friendly. Recommend!"
Konstantin Rychagov
"Absolutely loved it! The interior is simple, and from the outside the place might not look like much — but don’t let that fool you. The fish was incredibly fresh and full of flavor, served with a crisp fresh salad that made the whole meal feel light and satisfying. No heaviness afterwards, just pure enjoyment. Highly recommended!"
Ruslan Kravtsenko
"Mixed review. Not the friendliest of staff but starters squid was good & fresh. Grilled seabass good but the Turbot I was recommended & when I said at 900TL the most expensive I was told it was thick meaning a good size. It came out as if it were the 4 strips/side parts of the fish having been discarded and now presented as Turbot. I am not one to challenge in a place I’m unaccustomed to but we definitely did not get grilled Turbot as it should normally be presented, bones not a fillet of thick fish as promised. At the most expensive on the menu at TL900 I decided to try but ….it was awful, not much fish at all.
I didn’t find staff that friendly. Told we would have Turkish tea on the house it never appeared. I know it’s not much but it was more we were not valued as customers. Disappointing. I don’t post normally and my experience sadly didn’t match others sadly."
T W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The fish soup is highly praised, and many recommend the Black Sea salmon. Crispy fried calamari and grilled fish are also popular choices.
Yes, it's often noted as offering great value for fresh seafood compared to more touristy restaurants.
No, this restaurant does not serve wine or beer.
Many diners feel it's definitely worth the ferry ride for the amazing food and service.
It's described as a cozy, local, and unpretentious spot, popular with locals.
Yes, the menu does include English translations.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
25 Must-Visit Restaurants in Istanbul, Turkiye (Turkey)
As previously described, we went to many fish restaurants in Istanbul. Ulas Balikcilik was our favorite restaurant in Beyoglu but if you’d like to enjoy a fresh fish dinner in Kadikoy, then the place to go is Balikci Lokantasi. This neighborhood favorite serves delicious fresh fish dishes at a fraction of the price you’d pay at touristy restaurants.
What & Where to Eat in Istanbul: 29 Best Places!
If you are on a tight budget in Istanbul, trying seafood in a restaurant will be expensive. (Yes, although Istanbul is surrounded by two seas, seafood is somehow pricey). In that case, I want to recommend you to eat either on the market (there are a few fish markets around Istanbul, look them up) or in this lovely restaurant in Kadikoy.
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