Mendirek Balık Lokantası

This place has the best fish I’ve ever eaten in Istanbul. It’s a bit tough to get to – there is a public bus, but it’s still a walk beyond that, so it’s best to go by car. I also suggest that you go with a Turkish friend or two, as the staff doesn’t seem very experienced with foreign patrons.
They do not serve alcohol, so that means no raki. But don’t worry — you won’t need it here. The salads, calamari, scallop, and shrimp dishes were more than enough to satisfy every corner of my stomach. We also ordered a mid-​sized fish, which was «en taze» (the freshest) of the day. No worries, you can see the fishing boats parked in the harbor, and you can tell the little fishies came straight from the Black Sea.
In terms of views, there is also an amazing castle ruin and many dolphins nearby. I’m told it’s also a great breakfast spot. Try to make it out to this secret lokanta, if you can. You won’t regret it, even if it’s just because you felt as if you left the city for a few hours!
PS. Pumpkin/​carrot desert with kaymak — to DIE FOR!