If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Üsküdar, Istanbul, start with Kanaat Lokantası for traditional Turkish home-style cooking, İsmet Baba for a classic fish-and-meze meal beside the Bosphorus, and Del Mare for a refined seafood dinner with seasonal fish and waterfront views. This BestPlacesFinder guide brings together three distinct dining experiences, from a relaxed local lunch to a memorable evening overlooking the water.
Üsküdar is one of the most characterful places to eat on Istanbul’s Asian side. Its dining scene combines long-established Turkish restaurants, traditional fish houses and elegant waterfront venues. Whether you’re exploring the historic centre, walking through Kuzguncuk or following the Bosphorus shoreline towards Çengelköy, these three restaurants offer different ways to experience the area’s food culture.
Best Restaurants in Üsküdar at a Glance
| Restaurant | Best For | Complete Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanaat Lokantası | Traditional Turkish dishes and desserts | Sultantepe Mah., Selmani Pak Cd. No:9, 34674 Üsküdar, Istanbul | +90 216 553 37 91 |
| İsmet Baba | Traditional fish, meze and Bosphorus atmosphere | Kuzguncuk Mah., Kuzguncuk Çarşı Cd. No:1, 34674 Üsküdar, Istanbul | +90 216 341 33 75 |
| Del Mare | Refined seafood and special-occasion dining | Çengelköy Mah., Kuleli Cd. No:45/1, 34680 Üsküdar, Istanbul | +90 216 422 57 62 |
1. Kanaat Lokantası — Traditional Turkish Home Cooking
Kanaat Lokantası is a traditional Turkish restaurant and has been in operation since 1933 in the central part of Üsküdar. Instead of complex presentation and new cooking methods, it features a more traditional lokanta atmosphere with freshly cooked hot dishes, vegetables cooked in olive oil, milk desserts and ice cream.
Why you should visit Kanaat Lokantası?
One of the charms of the traditional lokanta format. You can view the menu and order what interests you and it is a convenient place for a simple lunch while sightseeing around Üsküdar.
Menu includes cooked foods and vegetable preparations so can be adapted for groups with varied preferences. The restaurant also has a long history of offering a good selection of desserts, so don’t forget to allow for something sweet after a meal.
If you don’t want to go to a restaurant, then Kanaat is a good introduction to a way of eating that is still significant in Istanbul.
Which one should you go for?
Try ordering one of the “hot” items of the day and some olive-oiled vegetables and ending with a traditional milk dessert or ice cream. Options may vary; see the display and ask staff what has been planned for the day.
A vegetarian should inquire about ingredients and preparation of individual items, and not assume that all the vegetables are vegetarian.
Who should visit?
Kanaat is recommended for use in particular for:
- Those who want to see traditional Turkish dishes in the center of Üsküdar.
- People who want a quiet bite to eat to pass the time between visits to the sights.
- People that want to experience the classic Turkish desserts and ice cream.
- Any groups who wish to have alternative prepared menus.
- It’s not the ideal choice for a quiet, formal dinner or a restaurant that’s right on the water.
Practical information
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Address: Sultantepe Mahallesi, Selmani Pak Caddesi No:9, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Phone: +90 216 553 37 91. The restaurant also lists +90 216 341 54 44 and +90 216 492 57 96.
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Opening hours: Daily, 07:00–22:30, according to the official website.
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Instagram: No profile independently confirmed for this article.
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Official website: kanaatlokantasi.com.tr
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Google Maps: Get directions to Kanaat Lokantası
The restaurant is within walking distance of Üsküdar’s central waterfront and public transport connections. It generally does not accept reservations outside Ramadan, so larger groups should contact the restaurant before visiting.
2. İsmet Baba — Traditional Fish and Meze by the Bosphorus
Since 1951, İsmet Baba has been serving its restaurant services next to the water in Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar. A family business, the hotel has maintained the feel of a traditional fish restaurant in the old city of Istanbul, with the emphasis on sharing mezes, ordering seafood and spending a relaxed evening by the Bosphorus.
Why is it worth visiting İsmet Baba?
It is a combination of history, traditional food and location that makes this restaurant appealing. It’s not a glossy, modern dining room, but a more romantic space that brings to mind the famous fish houses of Istanbul.
It offers traditional dishes of seafood and meze. The location is particularly great for those who wish to enjoy the Bosphorus beyond the viewing distance, but rather through the table.
The restaurant is also a must-visit during walking around the neighbourhood thanks to Kuzguncuk. Before enjoying a long lunch or dinner by the water, you can wander the area’s streets, eating and drinking at its local restaurants.
Which to choose?
The restaurant serves up a number of classics, such as:
- Lakerda: A traditional cured fish, which is a preparation.
- Sea bass flavored with sea salt.
- Kalmaras: Calamari, a traditional hot seafood appetizer.
- Shrimp that is boiled in butter and then cooked.
- Ahtapot salatası: Octopus salad.
- Fava: Traditional, broad-bean, meze.
These are some of the classic dishes that are offered at the restaurant. Seasonal fish can change from day to day, so please enquire about what is available for the day.
Begin with some cold meze, a shared seafood main course, and pick a fish main course from the day’s menu.
Who should visit?
İsmet Baba is a good pick as:
- Anyone who likes seafood and loves the traditional Turkish seafood restaurants.
- A couple of people enjoying a casual meal near the Bosphorus.
- Sharing meze with friends, and some seafood dishes.
- those who visit Kuzguncuk and wish to taste a very old local restaurant.
Ask staff about the fresh fish they have available and its cost before ordering. For a waterfront location, please call ahead, especially for a weekend dinner or sunset visit.
Practical information
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Address: Kuzguncuk Mahallesi, Kuzguncuk Çarşı Caddesi No:1, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Phone: +90 216 341 33 75
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Opening hours: Daily, 12:00–00:00, according to the restaurant’s published information.
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Instagram: @ismet_baba_restaurant
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Official website: ismetbaba.com
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Google Maps: Get directions to İsmet Baba
The address, contact number, Instagram profile and opening hours are listed in a recent Istanbul restaurant guide, while the restaurant’s official website confirms its history and signature dishes.
3. Del Mare — Refined Seafood with Bosphorus Views
Del Mare is a great choice in Çengelköy, on the Bosphorus Coast of Üsküdar for a more elegant dining experience. The restaurant is set right on the waterfront, and is renowned for its modern seafood preparations, local fish and a wine list with the right choices to accompany the meal.
What is so special about Del mare?
Del Mare is not like a typical neighbourhood lokanta or fish-house. It’s about a more thought-out meal featuring innovative seafood appetizers, a menu that rotates fish options, and a restaurant atmosphere that’s ideal for an extended dining experience.
The waterfront is a prime draw and particularly appealing to those who enjoy dining with a view to the Bosphorus. It’s the atmosphere that makes it a consideration for anniversaries, celebrations, and nights when the meal is as important as what you’re eating.
The menu also expands beyond the traditional barbecue menu with fish and popular meze items to more modern seafood dishes.
Which order do you want to get?
Recent mentions of the restaurant’s menu have included:
- Balık pastırma: Unique fish preparation.
- Purple peach: Marinated peach clam.
- Seafood mantı: Seafood version of mantı.
- Keşkekli baby kalamar – Baby kalamari served with keşkek.
Seasonal fish and shellfish are also available in the restaurant. These dishes are examples and may change so check back to see what is offered.
To get the best of both worlds, enquire about the day’s seafood offerings and specials. For those who like wine with fish, the restaurant’s wine list should be an additional reason to try it out for an exceptional dinner.
Who should visit?
Del Mare is well adapted to:
- Couples preparing for an evening of special occasions.
- Those who enjoy seafood, but are looking for modern tastes.
- People who appreciate a seaside ambiance and a more extended dining experience.
- A small group getting together for some type of birthday or other event.
When you’re looking for a more refined experience than a typical everyday lunch, this is the alternative you should consider. It is wise to reserve in advance and ask for a table by the water since having a table by the water is highly desirable.
Practical information
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Address: Çengelköy Mahallesi, Kuleli Caddesi No:45/1, 34680 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Phone: +90 216 422 57 62
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Opening hours: Daily, 12:00–00:00, according to recent published listings.
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Instagram: @delmare_istanbul
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Official website: delmarerestaurant.com
- Google Maps: Get directions to Del Mare
The restaurant’s official contact page confirms its address, telephone number and reservation contact details. The published hours and menu highlights are supported by recent restaurant coverage; confirm current availability directly before visiting.
What to Expect from Dining in Üsküdar
Üsküdar’s restaurants reflect the neighbourhood’s everyday life and its position along the Bosphorus. Rather than having one dominant dining style, the area offers several experiences that suit different occasions.
- Traditional Turkish cooking: Lokantas serve prepared dishes that are practical for lunch and often include vegetable preparations, stews and desserts. Kanaat Lokantası is a good example of this format.
- Fish and meze: The Bosphorus shoreline has a long association with fish restaurants where meals can involve several shared starters before the main course. İsmet Baba represents this traditional style.
- Contemporary seafood: Waterfront restaurants such as Del Mare offer a more modern approach, with creative starters, seasonal seafood and a setting suited to longer dinners.
The neighbourhoods also have different characters. Central Üsküdar is convenient for ferry and rail connections, Kuzguncuk suits a slower neighbourhood walk, and Çengelköy offers a distinctly waterfront dining experience.
How to Choose the Right Restaurant in Üsküdar
The best choice depends on the type of meal you want rather than on a single universal ranking.
| If you want… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A traditional Turkish lunch | Kanaat Lokantası | Prepared Turkish dishes, vegetable options and classic desserts |
| A long seafood dinner | İsmet Baba | Traditional fish, meze and a historic Bosphorus-side setting |
| A special-occasion meal | Del Mare | Contemporary seafood, seasonal ingredients and waterfront dining |
A few practical tips can make your visit easier:
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Check the menu before travelling. Seasonal seafood and daily prepared dishes can change.
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Confirm fish prices before ordering. This is particularly useful when choosing fresh fish from the day’s selection.
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Reserve for special occasions. Call ahead if you want a particular table or are planning a weekend dinner.
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Plan around public transport. Central Üsküdar is convenient for ferries and Marmaray, while restaurants farther along the shoreline may require additional walking or a taxi.
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Confirm current opening hours. The times published online may change for special dates or seasonal arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best restaurants in Üsküdar?
For a varied shortlist, Kanaat Lokantası is a strong choice for traditional Turkish food, İsmet Baba for classic fish and meze, and Del Mare for a more contemporary seafood dinner beside the Bosphorus.
2. Where can I eat traditional Turkish food in Üsküdar?
Kanaat Lokantası is a good starting point. Its established lokanta format focuses on prepared Turkish dishes, olive-oil vegetables, milk desserts and ice cream.
3. Which Üsküdar restaurant is best for seafood?
Both İsmet Baba and Del Mare are worth considering. İsmet Baba offers a traditional Istanbul fish-house experience, while Del Mare focuses on contemporary seafood and seasonal ingredients.
4. Which restaurant is best for a romantic dinner?
Del Mare is a particularly suitable option if you want a more refined seafood meal with a Bosphorus-side setting. Request a waterfront table when booking, subject to availability.
5. Can I find vegetarian food in Üsküdar?
Yes. Kanaat Lokantası serves olive-oil vegetable dishes alongside its other prepared foods. However, ingredients and cooking methods vary, so confirm that individual dishes meet your dietary requirements.
6. Are these restaurants close to Üsküdar ferry terminal?
Kanaat Lokantası is in central Üsküdar and is convenient for visitors arriving by ferry or Marmaray. İsmet Baba is in Kuzguncuk, and Del Mare is in Çengelköy, so allow additional travel time for those waterfront locations.
7. Do I need to make a reservation?
It depends on the restaurant and occasion. Kanaat generally does not accept reservations outside Ramadan, while calling ahead is advisable for dinner at İsmet Baba or Del Mare, especially if you want a waterside table.
8. What are the opening hours of the best restaurants in Üsküdar?
The published hours for these three venues are:
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Kanaat Lokantası: 07:00–22:30 daily.
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İsmet Baba: 12:00–00:00 daily.
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Del Mare: 12:00–00:00 daily.
Check with the restaurant before setting out, as schedules can change.
Conclusion
Üsküdar is a rewarding destination for anyone who wants to explore Istanbul’s Asian-side food culture. Kanaat Lokantası offers traditional Turkish cooking in a classic lokanta setting, İsmet Baba brings together fish, meze and decades of local history, and Del Mare provides a more contemporary seafood experience beside the Bosphorus.
For an everyday meal, start with Kanaat. For a traditional fish dinner, choose İsmet Baba. If you’re planning a special evening with a waterfront setting, consider Del Mare.
Together, these three restaurants offer a practical starting point for discovering where to eat in Üsküdar, whether you’re visiting for a quick lunch or planning an evening around Istanbul’s famous shoreline.
