Downtown Istanbul

Nice place, but a few deficiencies – Was having a drive around Brisbane and came across Downtown Istanbul restaurant in Hawthorne Rd. Hawthorne (Brisbane). We decided to check it out as it was a lovely Sunday afternoon and we were in time for lunch. Premises have an excellent location and some off street parking. It wasn't too busy and seating was pleasant, the staff were attentive. We started with some kofta balls, which were quite good and very tasty. My partner ordered a glass of wine for $12 (but the bottle was about $50) which was quite expensive, but may have to allow for the current inflation effects and for a Sunday price increase. But the wine was good. The menu wasn't too expansive, which I think is often a good thing. We both ordered a warm lamb salad. While there was plenty of lamb in the salad, it was under-cooked and some of the slices were close to being raw inside. We didn't eat those pieces and I left them on the plate with the raw meat exposed for someone to hopefully see. The salad was a bit of a disappointment too. There was plenty of what I presume was spinach and kale, but there was a dearth of sweet potato and feta cheese. I thought that at one point I may have had to go on a safari to find some feta. Also, the was a bit too much oil in the salad. Lunch for two on a Sunday was $82, but probably understandable these days. Would I go back? Probably. I always try to give a place a second chance. But next time I won't be ordering the warm lamb salad.