Sariyer Balik is a family run Turkish seafood restaurant at 56 Green Lanes in Newington Green. Inspired by the fishing culture of the Sarıyer district beside the Bosphorus, it brings the easy sociability of a Turkish meyhane to North London. The focus is on fresh fish, seafood and dishes designed to be shared, making the restaurant particularly well suited to a relaxed meal with family or friends.
Cold meze provide a varied beginning. Cacık combines yoghurt, cucumber and herbs, while atom adds garlic and chilli for a more forceful flavour. Fava bean purée, carrot tarator, fried aubergine with yoghurt, purslane, artichoke and kısır bring together creamy, earthy and sharp notes. Feta with tomato and cucumber offers a crisp, simple contrast to the richer plates.
Hot starters move the meal towards the sea with fried calamari, grilled tiger prawns, shrimp cooked in chilli butter and a seafood salad of octopus, squid and prawns. Smoked mackerel and fresh anchovies reflect the direct, unfussy cooking associated with Istanbul fish restaurants. The daily fish selection can vary with availability, with whole grilled fish allowing the natural flavour and texture of the catch to remain central.
Rocket salad, bread and vegetable dishes make useful companions to the fish and encourage the table to build a meal from several contrasting plates. Diners can move between cool yoghurt meze, lively chilli dressings, smoky grilled seafood and clean citrus flavours rather than ordering a single heavy course. This emphasis on freshness and sharing gives Sariyer Balik its distinctive neighbourhood character.
Address: 56 Green Lanes, Newington Green, London N16 9NH, United Kingdom