Black Sea fish

Photo: tomislav medak · CC BY 2.0

Food

Black Sea fish

Bonito in autumn, anchovies in winter: in Akçakoca the fish changes with the season.

In Akçakoca the fish changes with the season. The fishing season opens on 1 September; bonito in autumn and anchovies in winter are the stars of the table. At the harbour, anglers catch horse mackerel, bluefish and young bluefish.

Local fish dishes include salt-cured bonito, anchovy pastry, gurnard soup, pan-fried fish and poached fish. Starting the meal with fish soup is a local habit.

Fish restaurants are spread across the centre and along the 38 km of coast; you'll find fresh fish of the season almost everywhere.

Before you go

Fish in Akçakoca: a season-by-season guide →

Keep exploring Akçakoca

Other local food

Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide
FoodGeographical indication · 2017

Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide

A vegetarian Manav flatbread made with chard and spinach and cooked on a griddle, registered with a geographical indication.

Akçakoca Melengüççeği (illustration)
FoodGeographical indication · 2017

Akçakoca Melengüççeği

A Manav pastry with geographical indication, made with "dartı" from water-buffalo cream.

Akçakoca Yellow Hazelnut (representative photo)
FoodGeographical indication · 2019

Akçakoca Yellow Hazelnut

A hazelnut with a high oil content, locally called "mincane", with geographical indication since 2019.

Akçakoca Kaplan Dede Chestnut (representative photo)
FoodGeographical indication · 2022

Akçakoca Kaplan Dede Chestnut

A chestnut named after Mount Kaplan Dede and its legend, awarded geographical indication in 2022.

How to get to Akçakoca

  • Istanbul (Kadıköy)223 km · ~2.5–3 h
  • Ankara (Kızılay)273 km · ~3 h
  • Düzce city centre37 km · ~35 min

By car, take the TEM or D100 to the Düzce exit and drive about 37 km north; you can also come along the coast road (D010) via Ereğli or Karasu. Many bus companies run direct services to Akçakoca; there is no train.

Transport details →
Last checked: October 2026Is something on this page wrong or out of date? Let us know