Istanbul On King

I had walked by this place, with its open doors and pizza by the slice on display for what looked like hours, and did not have the highest hopes.
But when the need for a cheap dinner struck and I read some of the reviews, I learned my hopes had been misplaced. Istanbul on King has a great thing going for them. From my online order for pickup to my enjoyment of the meal, I had a solid experience through and through. I ordered the chicken burger with chips and it got better with every bite. The blend of sauces and aioli, though a bit strong at first, became remarkably good on the last, perfect bite. The type of bite where you have all the components of the sandwich in one, compact grand finale. The chips also were very good, with a little bit of crispiness and nice salting. Some sort of sauce would have made them better, but that was my fault for not asking, I’m sure.
Though I had little interaction with the staff, they were helpful and gave me exactly what I needed. The online ordering through menulog was another huge plus, as I could walk right over there and grab and go. And, unlike many of the Asian places, on King, Istanbul on King takes credit, a boon for me.
While not changing the game, Istanbul on King is pretty damn good at it. I would recommend this place sober or not for a good dinner (or lunch) on the cheap and quick.

Food is pretty good! And the service was actually pretty good too!
I came here for lunch one day and I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. I think overall anything on the menu is good I’ve had their sandwiches, salads, and chips. Overall, good food for a quick bite. Obviously, don’t come here expecting some 5 star restaurant.

Decent quality late night greasy food spot.

There’s a buzz about this corner shop, it’s right in the midst of the Newtown night scene and it is open late almost every night of the week. they do a range of hot food and their pizza slices that are made on Turkish bread can be bought singly and they are packed with a cheesy punch. There is also kebabs, burgers and chips. It is lit up bright and does have an air of festivity about the place. It reminds most of that drunken night out in Newtown when we went for a kebab. Prices are mostly under $ 10 and there is a range of cool drinks to choose from too.

The late night kebab shop. And so much more…
This is pretty much the only thing open late night at this end of King Street. If I was near the station I would go Saray, but this is north end, marly end. It was the best place to get some food after stumbling out the the newtown hotel at some horrific hour. But the Newtown has closed (again) much to everyone’s dismay and this place is frequented by the patrons from the other nearby pubs — marly and kuletos.
They have awesome turkish pides and pizzas all ready to go. They even put tomato sauce on it for me. The kebabs and burgers look good but I am never in the correct frame of mind to go about ordering one. I just eat what I see in the window, which is tops.
Coming home from anywhere else late at night and get the cabbie to take king street and stop opposite while you get some food. You will be grateful the next day.

You know what it’s like — 2am and feeling a little giddy after a good night out and STARVING hungry. It’s likely that anything you consume in this alcohol-​induced fug would taste like Chef Hat food, but don’t succumb to any old salty burger. Choose Istanbul on King Street if you want delicious kebabs, chips or flat breads. You can choose what you fill your soft wrap with — things like falafel, chicken, pork, tomato, HOT chilli sauce, cheese — heavenly. I don’t care if my taste buds had been addled by drink — it tasted marvellous, and I’m sure you would’ve felt the same. Take your freshly made kebabs and sit on the sofas around the back to ensure you really savour the deliciousness (and rest tired feet). But Istanbul doesn’t have to be restricted to 2am — it could be the perfect end to any night — whether a trip to the cinema or a late library session — I’m confident it would taste just as good.

The first time I had an Istys Chicken Burger my eyes bulged in excitement and I raved about ‘the-best-chicken-burger-I’ve-ever-tasted-in-my-life’ for the rest of the night. Having ducked out of Istys neighbouring Marly Bar for a midnight meal, I was certain that I had never tasted a burger so good in my life. The chicken was tender, cheese melting perfectly over the sumptuous breast, the soft bun toasted to perfection and lined with a crisp and juicy crunch of lettuce, all drizzled with the perfect equation of chilli sauce and aioli. There was a chicken god, and it was making its way into my tummy.
And yet, the next morning when I spoke of my uncovered treasure to friends, they smashed my crysal bubble of love with one statement: «Everything tastes good at 1am on a Saturday night».
Rocked by their refusal to accept my new relationship with Istys, I was left questioning, could they be right? Was it not in fact that the burger was delicious, but simply that I was satisfying an after hours hunger pang? Would it have been just as beautiful if it were a kebab, hot chips, or even McDonalds? Would I still feel the same if I had it again? After battling the turmoil in my head, I knew there was only one thing I could do. I would have to go back and eat another Istys Chicken Burger. At least then, no matter what the outcome, I would know for sure.
So I left for Istys in a flash, not being able to stand another minute of not knowing. Nervously, I approached the counter and ordered my $ 7 burger (I hadn’t even noticed how cheap it was the night before — it didn’t matter, you can’t put a price on love) and waited, my breath shallow, my mouth trembling in a mixture of hunger, anticpation and fear…
Yep. It was still as good. Best Chicken Burger ever.
(Rachel and Istys went on to live a long and tasty life together.)