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. ...
Oct 13, 2025

Filiz Restaurant Istanbul

Local way of fish and meze

"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

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

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

Seafood starter:

TL

300

+90

2122620544

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. 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

Life Foto Studio

Korean Playtime in Istanbul

Life Foto Studio in Moda turns an ordinary day into playful memories! Enter the Korean-style photo booths, pick your favorites tools, strike a pose, and let loose.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 17, 2025

Boden

Cool ambiance for a chillout

Thanks to Boden, it is now possible to find a chic ambiance, tasty cocktails, food and reasonable prices all in one place in Kadıköy.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu

A Rooftop Escape

Among the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu lies a hidden gem with breathtaking views at the rooftop of the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations.

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Best hammam experience

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı Istanbul is the best choice if you're looking for a great Turkish bath experience. It's pricier than other places but so worth it!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Vildan

Ay

Oct 15, 2025

Frankestayn Kitabevi

Empowering pages in Beyoglu

Frankestayn Kitabevi celebrates gender, feminism, and the voice of marginalized authors and it's a hidden gem in the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 13, 2025

Hasanpaşa Gashouse

Industrial heritage

Hasanpaşa Gashouse, which has been providing the Kadıköy District for 130 years with gas, has finally opened as a cultural centre and a museum...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Oct 13, 2025

Bohem's Coffee

The heartfelt hospitality

The real highlight of Bohem's Coffee wasn't just its ambiance or décor—it was the genuine warmth of the owner.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 12, 2025

Moda Nostalgia Tramvay

Ride On The Asian Side

Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 2025

Az Cok Thai

Flavors of Thailand in your plate

At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 2025

The Museum of Innocence

Beauty of Storytelling

This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 2025

Batard Bomonti

French Bistro in Istanbul

Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 2025

3rd Culture Store

Design store in Istanbul

From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 7, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

241 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

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

241 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 500 Spotters.
Filters