Named after an affectionate term used to describe the citizens of Istanbul, Stanbuli is the Turkish culinary magic carpet ride we’d been waiting for from this fragrant, spice-driven cuisine.

The vision of chef Ibrahim Kasif – and backed by the Porteno Group – it’s inspired by the traditional Turkish tavern, meyhane, and delivered in a contemporary Australian aesthetic. From the kitsch purple and pink ‘Marie-Louise’ 1950s hair salon façade through to the smart energetic downstairs bar and lively bistro-style dining room upstairs – the fit-out is simply beautiful, but not overstated.

Well-dressed staff are as friendly as they are professional, while Kasif’s interpretation of Turkish cuisine is generous, full of colour and big on flavour. If dining as a couple, sit at the bar downstairs and embrace the enthusiasm, or go with friends and ascend to the first floor for a feast that might end in doggy bags to take home for snacks the following day.

Broken into sections, the menu starts with small ‘raki mezesi’, medium ‘meze’ and finally large ‘charcoal’ and main dishes all inspired by Istanbul street food. Although you can’t really go wrong, there are two things that you must always order when they are available – mussels stuffed with fragrant rice, and the blue mackerel sandwich, a house-made bun with lettuce, pickled turnips and of course grilled fish.

Start with a salad of ‘ezme’ (crushed tomatoes, chilli and pomegranate vinaigrette) and ‘patlican’ where sumac smothers smoked eggplant and cucumber. The ‘gavurdagi salata’ arrives as a tumble of green olives, walnuts, and pistachios and is garnished with pomegranate and sweet spanner crab. ‘Hellim’, sheep’s and cows milk cheese is grilled and served with a spicy, fermented Turkish sausage, while the kebab of hand-minced lamb belly served with roasted beetroot-spiked yoghurt will transport you straight to the streets of Istanbul.

Stanbuli continues to be one of our best by over-delivering on their promise of a good time in the style of Istanbul’s buzzy meyhane culture.

Must eat dish: Fish sandwich
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