Editor's Pick
Partner
Bar
Rooftop Romantic
Sureyya Teras
$$$$
Four Seasons rooftop with Hagia Sophia views
Restaurant
Balikci Sabahattin
Old City's finest fish restaurant since 1927
In a beautifully restored historic building near the Blue Mosque, Balikci Sabahattin has been serving exceptional seafood for nearly a century. The restaurant's devotion to traditional recipes and the freshest catch has made it a legend among locals and visitors alike.
Editor's Tip
The best seafood in the Old City since 1927. Don't miss the meze spread before the fish.
Insider Tips
- Featured in New York Times twice in 2000 - world discovered this gem
- 100% wild-caught fish from local spearfishermen
- Family-run for 55+ years - sons of founder still operate
- Location is tricky - down an unlikely alley, but worth finding
- Complimentary desserts at the end enhance the value
Best Table: Garden courtyard in warm weather
Pricing Guide
Per Person
1,600 TRY
Range: 1,000 - 2,500
Couples Dinner
4,000 TRY
Range: 2,500 - 6,000
Group of Four
8,000 TRY
Range: 5,000 - 12,000
Service charge: Not included | Tipping: expected 10-15
Atmosphere
Music
ambient, none
Quiet, traditional atmosphere
Volume Level
moderate
Conversation friendly
Capacity
100 guests
medium venue
Dress Code
smart casual
Ambiance: warm lighting, traditional turkish & classic elegant style
Views & Setting
View Type
garden, courtyard
View Quality
good
Indoor Garden Outdoor Smoking
| Spring through Fall
Food & Drinks
Cuisine
turkish traditional, seafood, mezze
Food Quality
*****/5
Bar Program
basic cocktails
good wine list
Must-Try Dishes
- Meze spread
- Daily fresh catch
- Grilled sea bass
- Stuffed mussels
Signature Drinks
- Raki
- Turkish wines
Vegetarian Friendly Gluten-Free Available
Reservations
Policy
recommended
Weekday
Same day usually fine
Weekend
1-2 days recommended
phone
Tip: Hidden down an alley - get directions when booking
The Crowd
Age Range
35-65
Vibe
quiet refined
Mix
40% Locals, 60% Tourists
touristsfamilieslocalscouples
Recognition & Quality
Consistency
legendary
Value for Money
****/5
Local Opinion
beloved
Established 1927 | independent
Getting There
Parking
Not available
Difficulty: challenging
Transport
Taxi: moderate
Tell your driver: Behind Hagia Sophia near Blue Mosque
Staff speaks: Turkish, English
Service style: friendly casual , leisurely pace
More in Sultanahmet
Discover other places in the neighborhood
