Today we walked past as the doors closed forever, heartbroken!
No hoax, the restaurant was partly gutted and the owner's son talked to us on the pavement. What a loss to a Freo institution.

We are Freo locals and have been going to Istanbul restaurant 3or 4 times a year for more years than we can remember- at least 25 years. We always enjoy the tasty food, service is always good and friends we bring always so "oh wow". Thank you Istanbul We will be back again.

Every meal has been worth its value and delicious. The turkish bread and hummus for starter is a must it's to die for. I am vegan and they have quite a few options. Also the falafel is tasty and not dry, my most favorite in town!

We wandered in here and ordered the Turkish feast which was on special Tuesday night's. Selection of bread and dips, pida selection, meat and vege plate and dessert. Go easy on the bread as you won't survive. Dips and bread are great. Pida selection was wonderful and meat or vege dish couldn't be finished. At least 5 different meats on the meat plate. Desert ended up coming home.
Set up a bit like a cafe and the serving person was OK.
Next time will buy a single dish or a couple and share

This is the first time we have visited the Istanbul for about 20 years and now it is still absolutely fantastic. The trio of dips was spicy and beautiful as were the main dishes. The food is exceptional. The staff were wonderful to us. So friendly and obliging. I can only think that maybe it is got better over the last 20 years because before it was just perfect. No belly dancer last night as maybe the owners are like us getting a little bit old