Filiz Restaurant Istanbul

Local way of fish and meze

Zeynep from Istanbul

Engineer by degree, HR professional by heart, and artist by soul. I believe life is best lived in layers—some structured, some spontaneous, all meaningful. I’m the founder of ZepArt, a brand born from late-night sketches, street art inspiration, and a love for self-expression. Creativity is my compass, whether I’m curating designs or wandering through Istanbul’s hidden corners. ...
"Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers..."

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Istanbul Spotter Zeynep

Engineer by degree, HR professional by heart, and artist by soul. I believe life is best lived in layers—some structured, some spontaneous, all meaningful. I’m the founder of ZepArt, a brand born from late-night sketches, street art inspiration, and a love for self-expression. Creativity is my compass, whether I’m curating designs or wandering through Istanbul’s hidden corners. You’ll often find me walking by the Bosphorus with my lovely dog, chasing moonrises, or admiring murals tucked into alleyways. I’m drawn to places that feel alive—where nature, art, and people ...

About this spot

Tarabya, Haydar Aliyev Cd. No:166, Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye

Seafood starter:

TL

300

+90

2122620544

Oct 13, 2025

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 252 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Taksim Tünel Tramvay

Nostalgic Red Tram Ride

My suggestion is to take the route from Taksim Square to Tünel and continue exploring nice neighborhoods like Çukurcuma, Asmalı Mescit, or Galata.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Dec 3, 2025

Nørre Coffee Shop

Nordic Style in Istanbul

This Scandivanian-style, two-floor café has a simple yet tastefully decorated interior. And the small open kitchen adds a touch of warmth and authenticity.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Dec 3, 2025

Karaköy Lokantası

Wow experience

"Karaköy Lokantası" in Istanbul is a beautiful, modern spin on the traditional Turkish restaurant. I like their hummus with pastrami -- it's a must taste!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Mediterranean

Monumental sculpture of a woman

"Mediterranean" or Akdeniz is a beautiful sculpture in Istanbul, in the Yapı Kredi Culture Art building. I fell in love with it on first sight...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Dec 3, 2025

A Bit of Eggo

Because breakfast matters

"A Bit of Eggo" is my final destination for a high protein, organic egg breakfast on my favorite walking route in Istanbul. I love the cute outdoor area!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Sensus Galata

Time to wine down!

"Sensus Galata" is a dark red heaven for Istanbul's wine lovers. Come here and discover why this wine region is one of the world's most underrated...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Yirmibir Ocakbaşı

House o' flames

"Yirmibir Ocakbaşı" is a meeting point for me & my circle in Istanbul. It's a grill restaurant with an open fire pit in the middle. Great for kebab & raki

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Ortaköy Kahvaltı Evi

Lovely breakfast

"Ortaköy Kahvaltı Evi" is my favorite place in this neighborhood of Istanbul. Like the name suggests, this restaurant is famous for its breakfast...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Emre

Kamar

Dec 3, 2025

Kubbe-i Aşk

Coffee break in old town

"Kubbe-i Aşk" in Istanbul means 'Dome of Love', and it's in Suleymaniye. I like going there in wintertime to see Istanbul under a white snowy cover...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Yucel

Babadag

Dec 3, 2025

Gabfoods

Healthy & delicious

"Gabfoods" is the first Paleo healthy restaurant in Istanbul. Located on the Bosphorus waterfront, these guys have put the taste back into healthy eating.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Pide-Sun

Never had a better pide

"Pide-Sun", located between Istanbul's Kadıköy and Moda, is the secret restaurant of the Anatolian side. The portions are big and the pides are fully...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Dec 3, 2025

Sütiş

Breakfast by the sea

"Sütiş" Istanbul is a restaurant in the narrow streets Arnavutköy. Its breakfast and desserts gather locals from far and wid. I recommend the milk ones...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Dec 3, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

252 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

252 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Istanbul

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters