Fıccın

Visited Ficcin on a Friday night and the place was very busy, which really added to the atmosphere. The vibe was lively and enjoyable, definitely a great spot if you like some energy with your dinner. They occupy the sides of the whole side street which creates such a vibe. I tried the tuna salad, Tazeki, and the mixed grill for mains. The food was very good overall and nicely prepared. Portions were decent, though the prices felt a bit high for what you get. Service was okay—nothing exceptional, but fine considering how crowded it was. All in all, a good experience with a great vibe and solid food. Recommended if you’re in Beyoğlu and don’t mind slightly higher prices.

We found this place on the recommendation of Claude… it was definitely a good choice. Especially as we got absolutely ripped off for dinner the night before (at Yako - DO NOT GO THERE)… this cost almost a quarter of the price and was way more authentic, and way more tasty. TRY 7,100 for 5 people with lots of food and drinks. And they give us complementary limoncello and Turkish coffee. We were served by Ali who was an absolute legend. He also enjoyed the limoncello with us! Top food, top service, very happy!

Beautifully prepared food with real depth. Traditional Turkish dishes presented in a refined, modern way — flavorful without being heavy or overpowering. What really stood out was the atmosphere. Despite being in a very central area, the restaurant feels calm and intimate, almost like a quiet neighborhood bistro in Paris. A place where you can slow down, enjoy your meal, and actually talk. A place I found by chance, but one I’ll genuinely remember.

Popular place, just off Istiklal Caddesi but food is of another level and not touristy but well cooked and well presented. Some language challenges at first but google translate came to the rescue. People like to be seen here and noticed some people who think they are someone important and love being pampered. Food was good.

It was adorable night as before. We ordered both mix snack plate, liver, meatball and rakı. Both of them very good. If you feel hungry obviously have traditional dishes.

Awesome restourant in the city centre. Very tasty food and friendly staff. This is the only place where I could eat some decent ravioli. Service was quick. Seatings inside and outside. Good portions

We absolutely loved our experience at Ficcin — so much so that we went twice during our week in Istanbul. What makes Ficcin special is that it’s a Circassian restaurant, which is quite unique in the city. The food especially shines in its outstanding cold mezes — including dishes rarely found together on one menu, all freshly prepared: okra in olive oil, beans in olive oil, several variations of eggplant, and the relatively more common levrek marin, yogurt mezes, and salads (all expertly done). Everything was fresh, light, and full of flavor — ideal for pescatarians/vegetarians, and we never felt heavy after our meals. The hot dishes were equally impressive. We particularly enjoyed the seabream, which was well prepared, and the house wine paired very well. Service deserves a special mention. Despite how busy the restaurant was, the staff were attentive throughout. Sonya (originally from Nepal but living in Turkey for over 13 years) took wonderful care of us and made us feel truly welcome. She was outstanding. Prices are very reasonable for the quality, and both the indoor and outdoor seating create a great atmosphere. Desserts aren’t the focus here (not many options, so we didn’t try), but that hardly mattered given how excellent everything else was. Highly recommended — Ficcin is a real gem in Istanbul for anyone who loves meze, seafood, and unique culinary traditions.

Good Turkish restaurant located in a laneway off busy Istiklal St (near Salt Beyoğlu Modern Art Museum). Visited twice. The restaurant operates on both sides of the laneway, multiple sections. Visited Thursday night 7.30pm for dinner (very busy), then returned Friday for lunch. It seems like they offer a set lunch menu for locals/office workers. We were given the English menu (same as for dinner). Staff were efficient, but maybe not as friendly and focused as with a smaller operation. Felt robotic. Food was good. Ordered for dinner: Kalamar tava (fried and battered), came with yoghurt with walnuts (awful). Try serving it with aioli or cucumber dip. Calamari was very tender. Tavuk sis (chicken shish) was delicious and tender, served with fries, rice, grilled tomato and pepper. Also ordered a green mixed salad. Ordered for lunch: Mantis (Dumplings - a bit undercooked, not cooked through), served with yoghurt. The ‘crepe’ Patatesli was very doughy and tasteless. It’s a busy restaurant that doesn’t need to rely on good reviews or repeat customers. We were seated in a quieter area and section which made the difference. Serves alcohol, has smoking allowed on outdoor tables. Settled bill via credit card.

My favorite restaurant in Istanbul! It’s a must stop every time I visit, and I bring all my friends here too. The food is so tasty, the staff is so kind especially Nurgun who spoke great English and was so accommodating. I literally come here every night of my trip!

The food is delicious, the prices are fair, and the service is quick and efficient, making it great value for money. The ambience is fairly average, though, so it may not be the ideal choice for a romantic or upscale lunch or dinner.