Istanbul Lounge, the loved eastern suburbs spot known for its pastries, Turkish breakfasts and what many call the best künefe in Australia, is relocating to the heart of the city with a new Gilbert Street home set to open later this month.
The move follows five years in Kensington Park and came about after regulars pushed for something more central.
“The demographics are more suitable for us here,” says owner Gül Bulca. “It’s a great mix of people, it’s easier to park, and it’s just more accessible for everyone.”
Istanbul Lounge is one of the few Turkish eateries in Adelaide, and it has developed a cult following for its full-flavoured breakfast platters, warming service, and, of course, that künefe.
Made fresh daily by Gül herself, the golden, crunchy dessert is layered with stretchy cheese, drizzled with sugar syrup and sprinkled with pistachios – “some say best in Adelaide,” she laughs, “some say best in Australia.”
The new space is set to be just as evocative and character-packed as the food. There will be traditional mosaic lamps, hand-painted ceramics, bright İznik tiles, and interiors reminiscent of the bustling bazaars of Istanbul. It’ll be colourful, lived-in, and designed to feel like home – because for Gül, it is.
“I missed Turkey,” she says. “I am of Turkish heritage, and, for a long time, I had wanted to open up a Turkish place. This is my little slice of Istanbul in Adelaide.”
The daytime menu will still cover all the favourites like sigara börek, çılbır (poached eggs over garlicky yoghurt with chilli oil), and toast loaded with Turkish sausage, pastırma, and cheese. But there are a few new additions, too. The team plans to launch a meyhane-style offering in the evenings with mezze plates and bespoke Turkish cocktails as soon as the liquor license kicks in.
Gül is a committee member of the Turkish Association of South Australia, a director for the Adelaide Middle Eastern Dance Festival, and runs her own belly-dancing studio, Belly Dance Elysium, so naturally, the space isn’t just a cafe. It’ll transform into a belly-dancing studio on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Anyone for a shimmy?
Between the food, the culture and the curated day-to-night offering, the new Istanbul Lounge is shaping up to be a proper inner-city jewel. Relax with a Turkish coffee, browse the collection of English and Turkish books, enjoy a game of backgammon, and put the highly rated künefe to the test. Most of all, enjoy a love letter to home, heritage, and hospitality. Doors due to swing open June 25.
WHAT: Istanbul Lounge
WHERE: 162 Gilbert St, Adelaide
WHEN: Due to open June 25
For more info, click here.
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