Is there anyone who hasn’t heard of the fame of fish restaurants on the Bosphorus? I’ll save you the trouble of deciding between so many options and share one of my favorites in the Tarabya neighborhood.

Filiz Restaurant, which dates back to the 1940s, is a traditional fish restaurant that serves fresh, high-quality Turkish and Greek flavors. With its timeless old paintings on the walls, classical chairs, and white tablecloths, the place gives the impression of visiting one’s grandparents. Filiz Restaurant has two floors and a terrace. I usually prefer to sit on the middle floor, where I can get the best views of Tarabya.

I should admit that I prefer local mezes to fish dishes. If you are not familiar with what meze is, it is basically an arrangement of delicious appetizers on small plates served with raki. Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers, which are presented on a large tray and allow you to choose your favorites. On my most recent visit, I had the pleasure of tasting their grilled sardines, which were absolutely delicious.

Not only is the food great, but the service at Filiz Restaurant is also exceptional. As their staff rarely changes, you can expect high-quality service. If you want to spend the day in a typical fish restaurant, go to Filiz Restaurant, which overlooks Tarabya’s picturesque harbour. Trust me, this place will leave you with a pleasant memory.