SUR BALIK, AVANOS

On the riverbank just where the jetboats and gondolas tie up, the Sur Balık is the Avanos branch of a small chain of İstanbul fish restaurants. A large, modern dining room is approached via a corridor designed to mimic the arched entrance to a caravanserai. There's the inevitable television but at least it doesn't dominate everything.

The fish is good and tasty although by no means cheap. I had a delicious balık çorbası (fish soup) followed by fresh calamares and a chunky çıpura (sea bream) and left purring with contentment. The waiters were inclined to serve all the food at the same time, given half a chance but it was early days. If they do this, just ask them to take the excess courses away again to be kept warm.

In summer tables move out onto a terrace overlooking the river and the modern mosque.

Tel: 0384-511 6695, Bahçelievler Mahallesi, Avanos