Stanbuli
Turkish food, a cuisine oozing with culture, spice and fire. A restaurant providing the smell and taste of a vibrant nation resting quietly on Enmore road.
Rushing up the bustling Friday night streets of the inner west, past the shining lights of Enmore theatre, the pink tiled façade of Stanbuli is an instant stand out. Entering through the front door, walking along the marble top bar and up the wooden trimmed staircase, a big smile on my face as I’m met by my party and a frosty glass topped with the finest Italian bitters, a much-needed refreshment to start the evening.
Taking in the ambience, the clean and refined finishes and friendly, energetic and passionate staff a great mood booster, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment to enjoy an evening with friends.
It wasn’t long until the ordering was complete, and food starting to flow out of the kitchen. White anchovies drowning in the finest olive oil, dips scattered around the table with the steamy bread screaming to be coated by the vibrant colours surrounding my plate. Grazing on the various flavours on the table, sipping on your beverage of choice and chatting about all the worlds bullshit, a great way to share a meal with friends.
Slowly devouring the meze plates, our bottle of white bone dry at this point. It was time for a cigarette break and colour change in drink. Entrees now a memory, the table was cleared, fresh glasses given, wine tasted and mains starting to take real estate. First to drop was the kofta, the aroma of spices instantly making my mouth salivate. The bronze rimmed plate filled with meat still bubbling from the fire. Next to arrive was the ricotta filled ravioli sitting on a bed of spiced tomato sauce, a mouth watery dish.
Marinated chicken was next to arrive, dripping with juices and served with various pickles, super tender and juicy what a joy! Just when we though we ordered too much, a monstrous platter pilled sky high with lamb chops arrived over my shoulder. The perfume of the meat instantly hypnotizing, a big distraction as we played Tetris placing the dish on the ever-shrinking table top, what a feast we are about to have!
Every protein cooked to perfection with the combination of spices and textures singing Turkey in my mouth. An amazing meal that was only stopped due to the limitations of my stomach. Food consumption stopped, blood alcohol level rising and conversation compelling, the perfect trifecta for a great evening.
With the meat sweats subsiding, it was time for dessert! Lokma, fried dough coated in sugar and cinnamon resting on a pool of sweet honey, pairing with a creamy espresso martini and a refreshing and sweet plate of watermelon a perfect combination to end the meal, a true Turkish delight.
Every mouthful was outstanding, wine and cocktail selection on point and conversation interesting, a much-needed evening to unwind and enjoy with friends the experience Stanbuli had to offer. A restaurant which is a must try on the ever-growing hotspot that is Enmore road.
