Best Grilled Fish in Istanbul
5 restaurants compared
Price range: TRY180.00 – TRY520.00
Avg recommendation: 91%
Top 5 Grilled Fish in Istanbul (Quick Answer)
Our editors' picks across 5 restaurants:
- Sur Balık Arnavutköy, TRY420.00 (Arnavutköy)
- Rumelihisarı İskele, TRY520.00 (Rumelihisarı)
- Adem Baba — score 95/100, TRY350.00 (Arnavutköy)
- Giritli — score 90/100, TRY180.00 (Sultanahmet)
- Balat Sahil Restaurant — score 88/100, TRY280.00 (Balat)
Scroll down for detailed comparisons, prices, and diner tips for each restaurant.
All 5 Restaurants Compared
#1
Sur Balık Arnavutköy
Arnavutköy·$$$$
Bluefish with Lemon and Olive Oil
TRY420.00
Whole grilled bluefish finished with fresh lemon and extra virgin olive oil.
Tip: Among the most affordable fresh fish here — doesn't require the premium pricing of octopus or prawns but tastes equally fresh.
#2
Rumelihisarı İskele
Rumelihisarı·$$$$
Grilled Fish of the Day
TRY520.00
Fresh whole fish from the morning delivery, grilled simply.
Tip: Ask your server what arrived this morning rather than consulting a menu — the best fish changes daily and will be their top recommendation.
#3Score 95/100
Adem Baba
Arnavutköy·$$$
Grilled Fish of the Day
TRY350.00
Fresh daily catch grilled whole with lemon and olive oil.
Tip: Arrive at noon when the day's catch is displayed — point to what you want rather than ordering off a menu. Prices are typically charged by weight.
#4Score 90/100
Giritli
Sultanahmet·$$$
Sardines Wrapped in Vine Leaves
TRY180.00
Fresh sardines wrapped in grape leaves and grilled, a signature Cretan preparation.
Tip: Order this—it's the dish that defines Giritli. Arrives grilled in a bundle, unwrap at the table.
#5Score 88/100
Balat Sahil Restaurant
Balat·$$
Grilled Seabass
TRY280.00
Fresh whole seabass grilled and finished with olive oil and lemon.
Tip: Price varies by season and fish weight. Ask the server for today's price before ordering. Winter seabass is cheaper and fattier.