If you are in Istanbul and have something to celebrate and you want to give yourselves a treat, Iskele fish restaurant will be a good choice.
Iskele restaurant is located on an old wharf just under the second Bosphorus bridge which will make you really feel like you're at sea.
The menu is classic, starting with cold mezes (marinated seabass, stuffed mussels are my favorite) continuing with hot mezes or appetizers. They make great calamari, fried or grilled.
As for the main course, of course you have to ask the waiter's advice depending on the season. If they have fresh Lagos (white grouper) fish, I think you should give it a try. Many people find small fish tastier. It is suggested here because small fish like goatfish are fried to perfection. You can really smell and taste the fish.
As you can see, the menu is classic and not creative. However, every type of food served is top notch.
Finally, they serve small portions of different local desserts. But instead, you can ask for chocolate souffle, which is excellent.
The service is great with good English speaking waiters. Since Iskele is popular amongst celebrities and business people, reservation is highly required.
It is fairly expensive, but still it is a good option for a special night out.
Please make sure that you select your wine from the menu and check the price
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...
by
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
by
"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
by
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips