Balıkçı Kahraman
Istanbul
At a glance
Reviews
Bit far, but a true bucket-list meal. I drove over an hour from the city center specifically for the Kalkan Tandır (Turbot) but I couldn’t have it, as it was a big portion and I was a solo eater this time. I ordered and ate the seasonal fish red mullet that recommended instead and it did not disappoint. The texture was unlike any other grilled fish—the skin crispy while the meat stays buttery. Thanks to their secret grill technique. Make sure to order the Tomato Salad. Now I understand why many food critics argue it is the best Salad in Istanbul. The Fish Kokoreç (it looks like a Spanish tortilla) was really delicious too. And fig jam! However, the experience of eating in a traditional fishing village and seeing the quality of the wild-caught Black Sea Turbot hanging outside was special. If you are a seafood lover, this is a pilgrimage you have to make! I also plan to come back again to taste Turbot during the weekday when there is less traffic. Thanks to the team at Balıkçı Kahraman for an unforgettable meal and friendly excellent service.
Balıkci Kahraman - worth the little journey from Istanbul up the coast. they say the best turbot in the world is Black Sea Turbot - and this is where you can experience that for yourself. alongside this king of fish, there is an incredible mezze selection too including the pickled tuna (lakerda)
Famed along the Bosphorus, this is the place to try kalkan - the Black Sea’s spiny turbot, revered by Istanbul’s fish-lovers. The interior is clean, white-walled, and brightened by photo-lined walls and nets overhead, giving a lived-in, local feel. We began with midye tava (fried mussels): crisp, light batter around sweet briny mussels, lifted by nutty-tangy tarator sauce - delightful, a 9/10. The fish kokoreç - a creative seafood twist on the Balkan offal dish - was less successful, lacking caramelisation (5.5/10). Redemption came with the kalkan, grilled and filleted at the table - succulent, clean, and full of flavour (8/10). A true Istanbul seafood institution.
