By Zoka

About By Zoka

By Zoka is a rakı-and-fish (rakı balık) restaurant in Çayyolu, known for years as Zoka Balık or Zoka Rakı Balık Çayyolu before taking its current name. It sits on the main avenue through Çayyolu, a short walk from the Koru metro station. The restaurant describes itself as bringing a fresh take on Turkey's meze and fish culture, serving seafood and a spread of cold and hot meze alongside local and imported drinks, rakı above all. One of its signature touches is fish baked on a tile in a wood-fired oven. The owners say they draw on 35 years of experience in the trade and that the place has long been a meeting point for artists, business people and politicians, as well as families and groups of friends. The dining room has a retractable roof, so it can open up in warm weather, and visitors on Tripadvisor mention an open-air seating area. It is also used for private celebrations: according to its listing on a wedding-venue site, it hosts post-wedding dinners and similar events for roughly 50 to 75 guests with a set meal, and menus can be adjusted for groups. By Zoka is open seven days a week until late. Reservations are taken by phone.