Enjoying a feast of meze and grilled fish alongside the Bosphorus is an Istanbul classic, a favorite experience for residents and visitors alike. Anywhere you go along the Bosphorus, you’ll notice that the coast is dotted with seafood restaurants, with a considerable range in the quality. The refined neighborhood of Arnavutköy on the European shore is a favorite place for upscale seafood restaurants, and one that stands out in particular is Sur Balık. Located in one of the historic Ottoman mansions that line the seaside, known as yalı, Sur Balık specializes in fresh seafood and original dishes.

At Sur Balik you can dine on Turkish seafood and meze classics, such as tender salted bonito, served with fresh red onion slices and seasonal salad while enjoying the beautiful view and Bosphorus breeze. But if you are in the mood for something different, you won’t be disappointed. They also offer a range of classic Turkish dishes but with a seafood twist, as well as a number of unusual items that you won’t likely find anywhere else.

A real stand-out is the sea bass in fresh pesto sauce (levrek fesleğen), a dish that is bursting with flavor and will surely leave you wanting more. The Swiss chard stuffed with fish (pazı sarma), and the fish balls (balık köfte) are both an interesting and light take on Turkish standards. While balık mantı, might sound odd, the result is surprisingly tasty, as these fish-filled dumplings are, just like the original, slathered in a garlic-yogurt sauce and dusted with herbs.

Meanwhile, if its more standard seafood meal that you’re in the mood for, there is plenty on offer. The grilled octopus is very tender and highly recommended, or any of the fresh fish of the day. A great accompaniment to a seafood meal is their salad with ruby red tomatoes and wilted onions that is incredibly juicy and flavorful (surprisingly, soy sauce is the secret ingredient). To end the meal, again you can chose go with a more classic item, like the volcanic chocolate cake, which spews a rich warm chocolate filling. Or you can try something different, like the profiteroles served with a tahini sauce.

Having established a strong following with their branch in Sarayburnu over the past five years, the Arnavutköy location is their second location, which they are now expanding having taken over the building next door. With plans to open a third location on the Golden Horn before the end of the year, Sur Balik is quickly rising in the ranks of city’s favorite seafood restaurants.