Istanbul's Büyükçekmece area sits pretty on the coast. This spot got that Turkish charm mixed with modern marina life. Kiyi Restaurant sits right there watching boats come and go. Been serving seafood since way back. The place got character and locals love it here.

Key highlights:
- Waterfront dining with marina views that'll make you forget your troubles
- Fresh fish selection that changes daily based on what fishermen bring in
- Upstairs seating area gives you the best views of the whole bay

PROFILE

This seafood spot been around for ages. Owner shows up every day making sure things run smooth. You can tell they care about what they do here. The restaurant sits on Haydar Aliyev Caddesi in a quiet part of town. Not your typical tourist trap but worth the trip. Most guests are locals who been coming here for years. Gets busy on weekends but weekdays are chill. They accept credit cards and got valet parking too. The Michelin Guide even gave them a mention for good cooking.

AMBIENCE

Walking in feels like stepping into someone's fancy living room. Beautiful paintings hang on the walls everywhere you look. The marina view steals the show though. Upstairs seating area is where you want to be. Windows all around let you watch boats floating by. Gets pretty romantic when the sun sets over the water. The whole place feels relaxed and comfortable. No fancy dress code or stuffy atmosphere. Just good food and nice views to enjoy your meal.

MUST-TRY

The mezze platter is how you start things right. Cold and hot appetizers that'll wake up your taste buds. Their octopus dish gets mentioned in reviews all the time. Grilled fish is what they do best here. They show you the fresh catch and cook it how you like it. The sole fish cooked in a pan then cut at your table is something special. Don't skip the lakerda appetizer if they got it. This cured fish dish is a real Turkish treat. The shrimp with mushrooms and peppers also hits different.

FOOD

Fresh seafood is what this place is all about. They get their fish daily from local fishermen. You can see the quality in every bite. Their cooking style keeps things simple but tasty. No crazy sauces or weird combinations. Just fresh ingredients prepared the right way. The rice pilaf comes with most fish dishes. Cooked with butter and herbs that make it taste amazing. Even the side dishes here are worth talking about. Portions might seem small to some folks but the quality makes up for it. This ain't a place where you stuff yourself silly. More about enjoying good food slowly.

SERVICE

Staff here are friendly but English can be tricky sometimes. They try their best to help you out though. Most servers been working here for years. Some people complain about slow service but that's just how things work in Turkey. Food takes time to prepare right. The wait is usually worth it. The owner walks around checking on tables personally. Shows they care about making sure everyone's happy. Water and bread get refilled without asking. One thing to watch out for is the tip situation. Some reviews mention automatic gratuity getting added. Always check your bill before paying.

PRICING

This place ain't cheap but you get what you pay for. Fresh seafood costs money anywhere in the world. Expect to spend good money for a nice meal. Most main dishes run pretty high compared to other Istanbul spots. But the quality and location justify the prices. Worth it for special occasions. They don't have printed menus sometimes. Waiters tell you what's fresh that day. This can make it hard to know prices upfront. Wine and drinks also cost extra but that's normal for upscale restaurants. The whole experience costs more than your average Turkish meal.

SUMMARY

Kiyi Restaurant delivers on what it promises. Fresh seafood with amazing views in a relaxed setting. Not perfect but definitely worth visiting. The location and food quality make it stand out. Yes it costs more than other places but you're paying for the whole experience. Perfect spot for date nights or celebrating something special. If you don't mind spending money for good food and nice views, this place won't disappoint. Just make sure to ask for upstairs seating when you make reservations.

FAQs

Do they have English menus?
Sometimes they don't have printed menus at all. The waiters will tell you what's fresh that day and explain the dishes. Most staff speak some English but it can be challenging for non-Turkish speakers.

Is the 25% tip mandatory?
Some reviews mention automatic gratuity being added to bills. Always check your final bill carefully before paying. If you're not happy with the service, you can discuss it with the manager.

Should I make a reservation?
Yes, especially for weekend dinners and if you want upstairs seating with the best views. The restaurant gets busy with locals and the good tables fill up fast. Call ahead to secure your spot.