Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası Grifin
A historic seafood gem in Istanbul offering fresh catches with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Galata Bridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası Grifin
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic seafood gem in Istanbul offering fresh catches with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Galata Bridge.
Inquire about prices
Ask about prices upfront, especially at the fish counter, as they can vary for tourists.
Try recommended dishes
Don't miss the fish soup, grilled fish of the day, and the chocolate souffle for a complete experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+90 532 215 41 51
Address
Tersane Caddesi, Kürekçiler Kapısı Sk. No: 45, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Website
karakoybalikcisi.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Galata Bridge Views
Dine with breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul's historic peninsula and the iconic Galata Bridge.
Incredibly Delicious Grilled Fish
Savor exceptionally fresh and perfectly grilled fish, often hailed as the best by enthusiastic diners.
Hearty and Authentic Fish Soup
Warm up with a rich and flavorful fish soup, a highly recommended starter that delights diners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Inquire about prices
Ask about prices upfront, especially at the fish counter, as they can vary for tourists.
Try recommended dishes
Don't miss the fish soup, grilled fish of the day, and the chocolate souffle for a complete experience.
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid rushed service and enjoy a more relaxed meal, consider dining outside of peak hours.
Explore street food options
For a quick and delicious bite, try the famous fish wraps available nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
Inquire about prices
Ask about prices upfront, especially at the fish counter, as they can vary for tourists.
Try recommended dishes
Don't miss the fish soup, grilled fish of the day, and the chocolate souffle for a complete experience.
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid rushed service and enjoy a more relaxed meal, consider dining outside of peak hours.
Explore street food options
For a quick and delicious bite, try the famous fish wraps available nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about the incredibly fresh and delicious grilled fish, often highlighting the stunning views of the Galata Bridge and Istanbul's historic skyline. While the food is consistently praised, some mention the ambiance can be humble and that prices might be a concern for tourists, with advice to clarify costs upfront. Service is generally good, though occasionally rushed. The fish soup and chocolate souffle are also noted as must-try items.
"This place was incredible!! The guys who owned the place were soooo sweet. They made us feel sooo welcomed. They made grilled fish taste sooooo delicious. My partner calls him the master of grilled fish. I highly recommend coming here!"
H Wolf
"Place is miserable but the fish is fresh and tasty.
If you don't pay attention around, you can enjoy the food.
Service is ok but even though that it was empty, they were rushing the food without any reason.
Not pricy. Fresh and clean."
Simon T Katan
"Not really! Overpriced! I came here after reading some feedback, but I found that I was better if I didn't. The problem was the price. I don't know if this was because of being a tourist, but there is no menu and you just decide what you want at the fish counter. I know the price is constantly changing, but a table with the price would be better. Even the price for 2 glasses of wine...100 lira. So why 3 stars? The food was good and the waiter tried to make us as comfortable as he can."
miky miky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
To avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours.
Many diners highly recommend the fish soup, the grilled fish of the day, and the chocolate souffle.
While generally considered reasonably priced, it's advisable to ask about prices upfront, especially at the fish counter, as they can vary for tourists.
Some reviews suggest there isn't a traditional menu, and diners choose their fish from a counter. It's best to confirm upon arrival.
The restaurant is described as cozy and rustic, with a fantastic view. Some mention the ambiance is humble.
Yes, there are popular fish wrap vendors nearby, offering a delicious and convenient street food option.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
10 of the best fish restaurants in Istanbul | Restaurants
At this humble, laughably cramped restaurant, nothing is ever short of excellent – and nothing ever changes. A reliable supply of extremely fresh fish helps, but Muharrem Usta, the man at the helm in the kitchen, is the main source of inspiration. This place has been a Karaköy institution since 1923 and is a destination for gourmands from all over Istanbul.
Best restaurants in Istanbul for breakfast, lunch and dinner
because the turnover is so fast ice is rarely used for the little display counter in the window. Inside, the decor is rustic and welcoming, with painted scenes of the Bosphorus on the walls, wood panelling, and a little staircase leading to more seating. If it is winter, warm up with a bowl of hearty balik corbasi (fish soup), always served with a torpedo-shaped white crusty bread roll, or in summer order a plate of prawns cooked over charcoal, or a perfectly grilled sea bass fillet.
The Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Istanbul
Instagram: @TarihiKaraköyBalikcisi Website: Karaköybalikcisi.com Location: Karaköy. Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası Grifin, was established in 1923 by Hüsamettin Doğan on the ground floor of the Griffin House in Karaköy. Hüsamettin Bey had a Greek partner.
Eating safely in Istanbul | Istanbul Eats
For fish, try Furreyya near the Galata tower or, for something more upscale, Grifin in Karakoy. In general, fish in Turkey is usually prepared very simply (on the grill or fried), so you shouldn’t encounter any problems there.
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