- Mussel
- Oysters
- Lobster
- Clam
- Crab
- Sea crayfish
- Langust
- Octopus
- Squid
- Fish
Where to Eat Seafood in Istanbul: Taste and Cooking Styles
Fish and seafood can be cooked in many different ways, and each method changes the taste. For example, mussels and shellfish can be prepared as stuffed, stewed, pan-fried, or boiled. They may be served with salt, pepper, lemon, or simply plain depending on preference. Seafood is also commonly enjoyed with salads full of greens.
Some seafood can be used directly in salads as well. For example, lobster is among the seafood that can be used both in salad and in soup. This variety is one reason seafood dining in Istanbul feels so rich and memorable.
Oil Content of Fish Varies by Region
Turkey has four seas: the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Marmara Sea, and the Mediterranean. Since the salt content of each sea is different, the type and sweetness of the fish vary. Even the same fish species can have different oil levels depending on where they are caught. For example, Black Sea anchovy is oilier than Marmara anchovy.
Seafood living in warmer waters is seen in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions. Fish that like colder waters can be found in the Black Sea and Marmara. Similarly, Aegean fish are known to be saltier than Black Sea fish.
The most common fish in restaurants in Istanbul are listed below.
Anchovy
- They approach the shore between November and March.
- It is known as the fish of the winter months.
- It is extracted from the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea.
- It is cooked in oven, steaming, and grilling methods.
- Its pan dishes, rice, soup, meatballs, and even desserts are also made with it.
Bonito
They get different names according to their height.
- 16-22 cm: Chestnut Acorn
- 22-28 cm: Gypsy Acorn
- 40 cm: Dungeon
- 45 cm: Pointed Acorn
- 55 cm: Altifinger
- 65 cm+: Pichuta
It is found in the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea.
Horse Mackerel
- It can be hunted almost every month of the year in Marmara.
- It is a small fish and is delicious when fried in a pan.
- It is consumed in the autumn season.
Bluefish
It is seen on Marmara and Aegean coasts.
They are named according to their length:
- 10-18 cm: Cinakop
- 18-25 cm: Yellowfin
- 25-35 cm: Bluefish
- 35-50 cm: Kofana
- 50 cm+: Back-to-back
Turbot
- It is generally seen in the summer months.
- It is defined as one of the most valuable fish.
- It is rare because it is one of the flatfish living in the sand.
Sea Bream
- Usually likes warm seas.
- For this reason, it is mostly caught around the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas in the country.
- It is most delicious in January, February, and March.
Garfish
- It is found in all seas of Turkey.
- It is one of the fish with the highest phosphorus content.
Sea Bass
- It is found more in Marmara and Aegean.
- It is said that the most delicious sea bass weighs 2 kilograms.
Red Mullet
- It is caught in April-May.
- It is one of the most delicious fish of Marmara.
- The most delicious month is known as April.
Whiting
- It is one of the most consumed fish species in the country.
- It grows in Marmara and the Black Sea.
- It is available and can be consumed all year round.
- Its most delicious period is between February and April.
Best Districts for Seafood in Istanbul
Istanbul has beautiful views and many restaurants where you can eat delicious fish. There are fish and seafood restaurants in Istanbul where you can also enjoy traditional food. The city has a highly developed food and drink culture, especially along the waterfront.
The following districts can offer a pleasant time:
- Bebek
- Arnavutköy
- Rumeli Hisarı
- Kuzguncuk
- Tarabya
- Kadıköy
- Karaköy
- Cankurtaran
- Balat
- Kireç Burnu
- Eminönü
- Garipçe Köyü
Especially in the Eminönü region, there is a ship called the Historical Eminönü Fish Sandwich. In addition, many food shops with excellent views greet you under the bridge. If you are in the area, you can also visit the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar. This part of the city also has many mosques and sits close to Sultanahmet Square and Gülhane, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a seafood stop.
Many of these waterfront districts are spread along the Bosphorus, which is one reason dining in them is so enjoyable. For general background on the waterway that shapes the city's food culture, you can see Bosphorus.
Eating Seafood at the Right Time Matters
Each type of seafood has its own best eating period. Eating it at the right time can increase flavor because it matures better in season. Not consuming certain foods at the right time can also cause illness. For example, oysters can cause poisoning when consumed in summer.
Some foods and drinks can also be harmful to health when consumed together. It is considered dangerous to consume yogurt or ayran especially with fish that is not kept fresh. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that the fish you eat is fresh.
For broader information on Turkish cuisine and travel planning, you can also check GoTürkiye.
