Seasoned travelers know that there is much more to Turkish cuisine than meat. And if you’ve been in Istanbul at least once, you know that the city is bursting with great seafood restaurants offering some of the freshest fish and seafood selections you’ve had in a very long time. The challenge? Deciding where to go. Well, just look through our TOP 7 Seafood Restaurants in Istanbul, and you’re good to go.

Bebek Balıkçı: Bebek Balıkçı is a classic, upscale fish restaurant with a formal setting and a fantastic view over the water. The menu includes cold and hot appetizers (such as eggplant salad, parsley salad, smoked salmon, salted bonito, calamari, shrimp stew), and seasonal fish. Cevdet Paşa Caddesi No. 26A, Bebek; P: (0212) 263 34 47

Balıkçı Kahraman: Unlike most seafood restaurants, Balıkçı Kahraman does not have a waterside location but the quality of the food and the service more than compensate for the lack of sea views. Especially famous for its delicious kalkan tandır (turbot tandoori), Balıkçı Kahraman is a plain yet charming fish restaurant decorated with fisherman’s nets, hanging turbots, photos of celebrity clients and their thank-you notes. Their tomato salad, arugula salad, creamy turbot liver, calamari, and warm breads are raved due to their freshness. Even though some argue that the prices are not modest, especially considering the location and the lack of sea views, many argue that the turbot is worth the splurge and the trip.  İskele Caddesi No. 15, Rumeli Kavağı; P: (0212) 242 64 47

Balıkçı Sabahattin: Balıkçı Sabahattin is a family-run restaurant housed in a wonderfully restored Ottoman mansion, nestled behind Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque on a quiet side street. A delicious range of cold and warm starters, salads, and fish are available, to be rounded off with light desserts and drinks. Keep in mind that the menu leans more towards seafood than fish. Seyt Hasankuyu Sokak No. 1, Sultanahmet; P: (0212) 458 18 24

Rumelihisarı İskeleRestaurant: With a unique location that juts out over the Bosphorus by the Rumeli Fortress, Rumelihisarı İskele Restaurant is an excellent option for a classic seafood meal by the Bosphorus. Be sure to book ahead to get a table on the terrace, and don’t forget to finish off your meal with a delectable chocolate soufflé. Yahya Kemal Caddesi No. 1, Rumelihisari; P: (0212) 263 29 97

Kıyı: Kıyı has long been considered one of the top locations for seafood in the city. It serves an excellent selection of seafood-based appetizers and delicious fresh fish. It has a cozy interior with paintings by local artists on the walls and an outside terrace, which is particularly pleasant in summer. Great food, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere on the waterfront – an all-round winner. Haydar Aliyev Caddesi No. 186, Tarabya; P: (0212) 262 00 02

Çengelköy İskele Restaurant: With a unique location, jutting out over the Bosphorus by the Rumeli Fortress, great fish and seafood, and an unfussy, smart interior, Çengelköy İskele Restaurant is one of the best choices for a fish meal in Istanbul. The menu includes the usual suspects, mostly with a twist: instead of regular dolma (usually known as vine leaves stuffed with mince, rice, and herbs), you are offered sardine-filled dolma, and the fried calamari is served with soy sauce. The dessert menu is much fuller than average, with choices like dried fig with sauce and banana split alongside the usual warm halva and quince dessert. Çengelköy İskele Restaurant No. 10, Çengelköy; P: (0216) 321 55 06

Sur Balık: Located in one of the historic Ottoman mansions that line the seaside, Sur Balık specializes in fresh seafood and original dishes. Here you can enjoy classic Turkish seafood and meze classics, such as tender salted bonito served with fresh red onion slices and seasonal salad, as well as a number of unusual items that you won’t likely find anywhere else, such as sea bass in fresh pesto sauce. Bebek Arnavutköy Caddesi No. 52, Arnavutköy; P: (0212) 257 27 43