Balikci Sabahattin
Influencer Reviews1
National Geographic
About
This Istanbul seafood restaurant, visited on the recommendation of Turkish food writer and TV host Ebru, represents the traditional Turkish approach to an evening fish meal. In Istanbul, a proper seafood dinner is a multi stage affair that begins with an extensive spread of cold and hot mezzes before the main fish course arrives. The restaurant is known for its cold meze variety, fresh seafood preparation, and a signature deep fried John Dory served with a garlic olive oil sauce. Raki, the traditional anise flavored Turkish spirit, is considered an essential companion to a meal of this kind.
The Visit
In the evening, Mark joins TV host Ebru Erke at Balıkçı Sabahattin to experience Turkish seafood at its finest. The meal starts with an array of cold meze, followed by expertly grilled Black Sea salmon and the signature fried John Dory. The setting is lively and convivial, with each dish showcasing the bounty of Istanbul's waters.
What They Ate
Quotes
"[Shakshuka with eggplant] That is amazing with that smoky roasted eggplant, with that garlicky yogurt, and that tomato sauce to just give it enough acidity."
"[Butter shrimp] That butter infused with the thyme, infused with the garlic, and the flavor, the essence of that shrimp. Wow."
"[John Dory] That is so pure, so fresh, crispy on the outside. The actual fish on the inside, it just melts in your mouth"
"Heaven for vegetarians and heaven for meat lovers and seafood lovers. Everything. There's something for everyone here"
Our Reflection
This seafood dinner captures everything that makes Istanbul's food culture so compelling. Before a single piece of fish arrives, the table is already overflowing with cold mezzes that each deserve individual attention. The charred eggplant with garlicky yogurt and tomato sauce is one of the finest combinations of the meal, smoky and creamy and bright all at once. The sea beans are a revelation, melting gently with a clean, pleasant sourness. By the time the hot starters arrive, the butter soaked shrimp and crispy calamari feel almost extravagant on top of everything that has come before. But the John Dory is the reason to make the reservation. Fried whole and served with a garlic olive oil sauce that fills the table with an incredible aroma the moment it lands, the fish is perfectly cooked with a crust that gives way to flesh that is genuinely delicate and fresh. Paired with raki and good company, this is the kind of meal that defines what it means to eat well in Istanbul.
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