5 Best Restaurants in The Bosphorus, Istanbul

This is a Turkish version of a New England fish shack, with nets and crab traps hanging from the ceiling in two venues across the street from one other. Families and other groups come here to enjoy simple, fresh, well-prepared fish for much less than what they would pay at some of the fancier seafood restaurants along the Bosphorus (it's cheaper in part because no alcohol is served).

In business for three decades on Ortaköy's waterfront square, unpretentious Çınaraltı ("under the sycamore") has a massive sycamore tree growing up through its center and shading its upstairs terrace. The balık böreği (a spring roll-esque fish pastry) is a highlight of the wide though fairly standard meze selection, and the fish is mainly served grilled or fried (make sure the price quoted is per fish or serving, not per kilo).

The largest and one of the most popular branches of this local chain of chic eateries is directly on the waterfront, with stylish furnishings and two enormous open-air terraces. The international menu ranges from starters like Asian-style crispy chicken fingers and salmon ceviche to main-course salads, pastas, pizzas, steaks, and the signature house burger.

Fitting for a restaurant housed in the Çırağan Palace, dinner here is a refined, luxurious affair, with formal service, rich Ottoman and Turkish specialties, and one of the most high-end wine lists in Turkey (Chateau Pétrus, anyone?). The pricey menu features cold and hot meze, and entrées emphasize fish and meat dishes, such as in the signature külbastı, lamb escalope served with pureed eggplant.

Situated on the Ortaköy seaside, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the Bosphorus, Voi is a relaxing place to grab a coffee and a quick breakfast with a view.