Super Mario Emin Usta Istanbul Review: Mackerel Kebab & Fish

On our first evening in Istanbul,

we were on the hunt for a great dinner spot and stumbled upon

Hür Süper Mario Restaurant, also known as Super Mario Emin Usta.

After a long journey to Istanbul, we really just wanted something casual and close to our accommodation. We were looking for a place that stayed open late, and this gem fit the bill perfectly.

* Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM / Google Maps Link ▼

Super Mario Emin Usta

Hur Süper Mario Restaurant

Our Menu Picks & Review

Four of us ordered three main dishes and four beers.

We weren't starving, so we kept our order relatively light!

▲Please note these prices are from our visit in August 2025.

Restaurant prices and exchange rates can fluctuate.

The menu was super helpful, featuring both pictures and item names, making ordering a breeze.

After we placed our order, they brought out complimentary bread and olives. I remember the olives being a delicious pickled variety.

If you're traveling through Istanbul, Turkey, you'll find two main beer brands commonly sold in restaurants:

Bomonti and Efes.

Efes: Turkey's most popular beer, known for its crisp and light flavor.

Bomonti: Offers a slightly smoother and richer taste.

While we'd heard general beer prices in Turkey could be around ~$5, the restaurant's prices, at around 265-275 TRY per 500ml bottle, felt a bit steeper than expected. That's roughly ~$8.25-$8.50 USD per bottle based on current exchange rates.

Still, when you're on vacation, you've got to indulge! The bottled beers were perfectly chilled and delicious. Their mild flavor perfectly complemented our meal.

Mackerel Kebab (Uskumru Dürüm)

If you're visiting Istanbul, this is an absolute must-try!

It features grilled mackerel, carefully deboned, wrapped in a thin tortilla-like bread. Served with fresh vegetables and a special sauce, it’s rolled up for easy eating!

The sweet and savory flavors are incredibly addictive. I expected it to be fishy, but it was surprisingly mild and utterly delicious.

Fried Calamari (Kalamar Tava)

Whenever you're in Europe, do yourself a favor and try the fried calamari. It has a distinct charm compared to what you might find elsewhere.

These were wonderfully tender and chewy. However, I have to admit, the portion size here wasn't great for the price, so I wouldn't highly recommend it for value.

Grilled Sea Bream (Çupra)

Just like in other European destinations, when you're in Istanbul, make sure to try some grilled fish dishes.

The grilled sea bream we had here was served whole, perfectly cooked, and seasoned just right – not too overpowering. It paired wonderfully with our beers!

▲ I also snapped some photos of the menu.

These photos were taken during our visit in August 2025, so please keep in mind that prices may have changed since then. Always check current pricing!

Istanbul, being a major tourist destination, definitely has a higher cost of living compared to other parts of Turkey. I'd heard Turkey was affordable, but Istanbul definitely has a higher price tag!

Given Turkey's reliance on tourism, prices, especially in Istanbul, can be quite volatile. Restaurant costs, tour tickets, and other expenses felt quite high. Who said Turkey was cheap? 😭

We chose to sit at an outdoor table. We were charged a service fee of 210 TRY, which was about ~$4 USD. I wondered if we would have avoided that if we sat indoors, but enjoying our meal al fresco was a lovely experience regardless! 🧡

Nearby Attractions

The Super Mario Emin Usta restaurant is conveniently located in Beyoğlu, Istanbul's New City district.

Old City: Home to iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

New City: Features the Galata Tower, Taksim Square, and İstiklal Avenue.

From the restaurant, it's just about a 10-minute walk to the Galata Tower, making it a perfect post-dinner stroll.

The tower takes on a completely different, magical ambiance at night. We visited around 10:00 PM, and it was still bustling with people!

Right in front of Super Mario Emin Usta, you'll find the Eminönü Pier, where numerous boats are docked. It's a fantastic spot for a leisurely walk.

▲ Left: Süleymaniye Mosque / Right: New Mosque

And if you look across the water from the pier, you'll see Istanbul's New City district illuminated by beautifully lit mosques.

Their dazzling lights make for a stunning backdrop for photos and a truly memorable sight!

Overall Verdict

Super Mario Emin Usta isn't necessarily a place for an extravagant gourmet meal, but it's perfect for enjoying the local atmosphere and convenience, especially on your first night in Istanbul.

I'd recommend it if you're:

✔ Looking for dinner near Galata Tower

✔ Searching for a restaurant that stays open late

✔ Wanting to casually experience local Turkish food on your first day

✔ Hoping to enjoy evening views of the pier after your meal

Especially on your first day, navigating long distances with jet lag can be daunting. Its location near Galata Tower and the pier made it a satisfying choice for us.

If you're wondering where to have your first dinner in Istanbul, Super Mario Emin Usta is definitely worth considering! 🙂