Misina
WHAT: Varied and reliable
A classic in the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood; and always a crowded venue perhaps also because of the limited choice of quality fish restaurants in the region... Nevertheless Misina's popularity has its own merit and the array of mezes alone should be enough to attract visitors and keep them coming back. It's easy to lose yourself when ordering cold and warm starters from the appetizing window display at the entrance; which unfortunately means that eating fish becomes a rare feat. So it's advisable to make a conscious decision before starting if you are determined to save room for fish. Although indulging in the mezes and then warm appetizers is certainly something you will not regret.
(*Recommended: the shrimp casserole and pumpkin dessert (when in season)).
OCCASION: Lunch and dinner. As a hungry couple or larger group of friends.
ENVIRONMENT: Although on one of the main streets of Fenerbahçe neighbourhood the restaurant is very much detached from any hullabaloo from traffic. The old-fashioned looking entrance and the greenery about it create a sort of barrier from the street beyond which lie the restaurant garden and the restaurant itself - the decoration of which is also rather an old-school cliche marine style, though not in the hideous sense rather more nostalgic and warming. The front garden (mostly covered and with heating) is where all the action is with very few requests to sit indoors. But as it's a popular place and there are not many similar alternatives around, reservations for the garden are a must.
AMBIANCE: Warm and familial. Filled mainly with mid-upper aged neighbourhood locals as couples, families or groups of friends. Busy dinner time always and anytime from lunch onwards on weekends.
STYLE: As you feel comfortable; casual (within limits) to smart.
LOCATION: Fenerbahçe, Istanbul
