Sarıyer is where eating in Istanbul slows down. Meals take longer. Fish matters more. And the view is part of the decision, not a bonus. If you’re coming here to eat, you’re probably already thinking about seafood. That makes sense.
But Sarıyer isn’t just about classic fish restaurants by the water. You’ll find fine dining hidden on quiet streets, modern kitchens working with seasonal produce, and places that locals keep returning to year after year.
The challenge is choosing well. Some spots look great online but feel rushed in real life. Others don’t advertise much but deliver consistently. We’ve seen visitors overpay. We’ve seen them miss better options five minutes away.
Our guide focuses on places that hold up. Restaurants we recommend because the food is reliable, the setting makes sense, and the experience feels right for the area. No filler. No tourist traps.
If you want to eat well in Sarıyer, this is where to start.
Top 7 Restaurants, Places Eat & Drink in Sariyer
Sarıyer is where Istanbul slows down near the water. Meals take longer here. Fish matters more. Views are part of the table. These are places we return to, not places we send people just once.
Fenz Istanbul
€€ · Seafood, Mediterranean, Asian
Fenz sits right by the marina in İstinye. You come here for the setting first. The Bosphorus stays in view the whole time. Boats pass close. The room feels polished but not stiff.
The menu blends Mediterranean cooking with Asian touches. Seafood leads. Vegetables and herbs matter. Dishes are layered but not heavy. Chef Tolga Bozok’s background shows in the balance. Nothing feels random.
The space is spread across three levels. Lounge below. Restaurant in the middle. Roof bar above. Each works on its own. We usually suggest the main dining room if food is the priority.
This is a good choice for a long dinner. Not rushed. Not quiet either.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Address: Istinye Cd. 12-1 A, Sarıyer
Araka Restaurant
€€ · Creative, Modern Cuisine
Araka is in Yeniköy, tucked into a calm residential street. It feels personal from the moment you enter. Small room. Soft lighting. No noise chasing.
Chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir builds dishes around vegetables, herbs, and seasonality. This is not garnish cooking. Produce leads the plate. The pumpkin purée with za’atar is a good example. Simple idea. Strong result.
Araka holds one Michelin star, and it earns it quietly. Service stays focused. Portions feel right. Nothing is there to impress visually alone.
This is where we send people who want to think about what they’re eating.
Address: Kapalı Bakkal Sokak No:8, Yeniköy, Sarıyer
Azur Restaurant
€€€ · Seafood
Azur sits on the Yeniköy waterfront with a clear Bosphorus view. The room is modern and comfortable. It works well for celebrations.
The menu mixes Turkish, Mediterranean, and South American influences. Seafood is the focus. Ceviche is fresh and sharp. Grilled fish is handled with care. Flavors lean bold without tipping too far.
We like Azur for evenings when you want something refined but not formal. You can stay a while. The room allows it.
Address: Köybaşı Caddesi No:71, Yeniköy, Sarıyer
Balıkçı Kahraman
€€€€ · Seafood
Balıkçı Kahraman is in Rumeli Kavağı, a real fishing village at the northern edge of Sarıyer. This is serious fish territory.
The menu depends on the catch. Turbot is the reference dish here. Grilled properly. Clean flavors. The fish kokoreç surprises first-timers. Dried mackerel divides opinion but stays memorable.
This is not a casual stop. Prices reflect the quality and location. If you care about seafood, it’s worth the trip.
Address: İskele Caddesi No:15/1, Rumeli Kavağı, Sarıyer
Kıyı Restaurant
€€€ · Seafood
Kıyı sits right on the marina in Tarabya. Classic. Reliable. Known. Fish is brought whole. Prepared simply. Served with confidence. Turbot is cut at the table when available. Mezes follow tradition rather than trends.
We recommend Kıyı for visitors who want traditional Istanbul seafood done properly, with service that knows the rhythm.
Address: Haydar Aliyev Caddesi No:186/A, Tarabya, Sarıyer
Rumelihisari Iskele Restaurant
€ · Seafood
This is one of the most accessible seafood spots on the Bosphorus. Prices stay reasonable. Views stay strong.
The menu focuses on classic mezes and fresh fish. You choose how it’s cooked. Grilled seabass is a safe pick. Lakerda stands out if available.
We like it for lunch or early dinner. Especially at sunset.
Address: Yahya Kemal Caddesi No:1, Rumelihisarı, Sarıyer
Zuma Restaurant
€€€€ · Japanese Contemporary
Zuma is in İstinye Park and attracts a mixed crowd. Locals. Visitors. Business dinners.
The food follows Japanese izakaya style. Sushi, robata grill, tempura. Ingredients are high quality. Execution stays consistent.
This is not a quiet place. It’s polished and energetic. If you want Japanese food in Sarıyer with atmosphere, this is the address.
Address: İstinye Park No:461, Sarıyer