Galatalı Balık Karaköy

Best meal I had in my week stay in Istanbul. The service, the ambiance, the food was all the best.
The fried calamari is not to be missed! Thanks to their half portions we were able to try more Mezzes. Make sure you don’t miss this gem of a restaurant.

On the edge of the bay in Karakoy, there is a line of restaurants opposite the ferry terminal. As for the ferry, no idea where it takes you… we didn’t get on it…
However the line of restaurants is what should get your attention. Having taken over almost every building in the line of streets facing the water, they all offer a waterside view. They are all big and have plenty of space, as well as advertisers asking you to come inside and see the menu/​view.
Except one.
Galatali is at the top of a hotel, indeed, you have to go into the hotel, take the elevator to the top floor, and then the stairs to finally get to the restaurant. The only sign is at the top of the hotel. There is no man out front, and no menu either. This is key. They don’t seem to feel the need to make you aware of their reputation as it seems that it is already known.
When we booked, we were informed that there were no window seats available, but what they meant was the large windows at the front, we were seated at a nice window seat that gave view of the Bosphorus Bridge, while we could still see out the main window at Topkapi Palace and the various mosques.
The view taken in, we concentrated on the food. You’ve got a choice here, choose from the menu, or go to the counter and choose the fish directly. We started with the menu and had questions. The mains are all seafood, and were listed by fish, and with no description as to how they would be prepared. The answer is simple. You buy a fish and they prepare it as they see fit. We ended up ordering some hot and cold starters (aubergine purée, octopus salad, hot butter prawns and Halloumi) and a Sea Bream on the waiters suggestion. He even brought us our fish so we could see the quality.
The food was delightful, the starters really popping. The butter shrimp were great, tiny little guys, cooked in butter with garlic and peppers. Just a hint of spice but making sure the flavour wasn’t spoiled. The Sea Bream though, taken off the bone but still with the head, and so expertly cooked.
Finally we had the Galatali special for dessert, raspberry compote, chocolate mousse, and some sort of pastry with Tahani inside. Whatever it was, it was so tasty that despite not being able to finish our mains, this was eaten with gusto (although split between the both of us).
The crowd was lively, being a mixture of friends having dinner together, businessmen having a meal and a couple of touristy people (us). Make a reservation, ask for the window seat and enjoy your meal!
NOTE: No meat at this restaurant, this is a seafood only place.