Last Updated on 9 June 2026 by Vanessa
The Dalyan restaurant Balikçim The Fisherman gives fresh fish to stray cats. The restaurant owner even goes as far as to make little beds for pregnant cats to keep them cozy and warm.
Hungry cats line up daily for fish in Dalyan’s restaurant Balikçim The Fisherman
Balikçim The Fisherman and its cats
As Balikçik The Fisherman swings open its doors around 11:00 am, a line of eager patrons forms outside the establishment. These aren’t your typical customers; they’re a colony of local cats, drawn to the tantalizing aroma of fresh fish. They position themselves in front of the fish stand, making their presence known and politely asking for something to eat.
No matter how many cats line up, the owner of this Dalyan restaurant, Pierre, will go to any lengths to feed them.
Sometimes, they’ll get a tasty treat straight from the shop. However, the restaurant owner always places leftovers in a tray around the corner.
The owner of Balıkçım The Fisherman has gone the extra mile by creating little beds for the cats, offering them a warm and cozy place to rest. Currently, a pregnant cat occupies one of these beds. She’s more than happy to have a safe spot to rest before giving birth.
Tourists, too, often feed the cats during the tourist season. Outside of this, our furry friends rely on the compassion of locals, business owners, and volunteers who maintain feeding stations around Dalyan.
In any case, if you visit Balikçim The Fisherman, you are sure to be greeted by a clowder of cats hoping for food. Some will approach you, while others hide under chairs, begging with their eyes from a distance.
Most of the time, visitors love these feline guests, and many can’t resist catching the moment on camera. As such, the cats have become unofficial mascots of Balıkçım The Fisherman.
A common sight in Turkey
Caring for stray cats is a widespread practice in Turkey. Many business owners take it upon themselves to feed and care for these animals. This tradition is rooted in the country’s culture and religion, where kindness to other living beings is highly valued.
In cities and towns across Turkey, it is common to see cats lounging in cafes, restaurants, and shops, often receiving food and affection from the staff and customers.
If you’re interested to learn more, check out our stories of stray cats in Istanbul, Fethiye, Lake Van, and Ephesus.
About the restaurant
The name “Balıkçım” is derived from Turkish, where “balık” means “fish” and the suffix “-çım” is a term of endearment similar to “my” in English.
Balikçim The Fisherman is a popular seafood restaurant and fish shop in Dalyan, Turkey. It is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, which customers (and cats) can select from a display to be cooked to order. If the desired dish isn’t available, the restaurant owner will personally explore other vendors and eateries to assist you.
The menu features a variety of fish, grilled squid, prawns, and other seafood dishes, complemented by traditional Turkish meze and salads.
There are also lots of options for vegetarians (Piyaz, Baba Ghanoush, Cacık, Sigara Böreği, etc), as well as a selection of tasty wines.
The restaurant provides a laid-back ambiance, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a wonderfully cozy establishment with numerous plants for shade, making it an ideal spot to while away a few hours.
The service at Balikçim The Fisherman is incredibly friendly and efficient.
Every dish we sampled boasted top-notch quality, and the generosity of complimentary wine was beyond expectation.
This restaurant quickly became our absolute favorite in Dalyan, prompting multiple return visits during our stay.
So, if you find yourself in Dalyan, make sure to stop by Balıkçım The Fisherman not just for the fantastic food and wine, but also for the chance to share the space (and a meal) with Dalyan’s famous four-legged residents.
Practical information
Address
Balikçim The Fisherman, Hasan erkul sokak no 9/b belediye sokak kosesi dalyan ortaca mugla, 48840 Muğla, Turkey.
Opening times
The Dalyan restaurant Balikçim The Fisherman is open every day of the week, including weekends, from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.
Reservations
We went three times to Balikçim The Fisherman in Dalyan during the first week of May. There was always a spot for our group of eight, so reservations weren’t necessary. However, summertime will most likely be busier. To make a reservation, please call +90 543 848 44 48.
Conclusion
The restaurant Balıkçım The Fisherman in Dalyan stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a role in animal welfare. The cats certainly seem to appreciate these gestures of kindness, and we can only hope that they inspire others to help as well.
Looking for a hotel in Dalyan, Turkey? Check out Başar Hotel, which offers excellent quality and affordability. But the best part? They also take good care of the stray cats of Dalyan.
If you are planning a broader road trip to the region, check out this Istanbul to Antalya road trip.
Read next: Meet Teddy, the ferry-riding cat from Dalyan
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan.
Photos 7, 16, and 17 by Joanne Danthine.
Check out these other restaurants with cats
- Brasserie Mokafé in Brussels, Belgium
- Só Caprichos in Port de Soller, Mallorca
- Eftalou Tavern on Lesbos Island, Greece
- La Guineu in Sitges, Spain
- Los Farolés in Cannes, France
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