Istanbul Imports

This shop and café is a gem! We happened upon Istanbul Imports while taking zumba class next door. I was with a small group of women. As soon as we entered the door we were greeted by the owner, a lively, warm and jovial woman. She was so happy to have us try her Turkish treasures. She really made us feel so welcome and had us smiling and laughing the whole time.
I ate the beet, kale and pomegranate salad, it was so fresh and delicious. For desert the baked quince seasoned with cinnamon was so light and tasty! They also have a selection of Turkish teas and coffee.
We milled around the shop, taking in all the colors and textures. I purchased some adorable baby knitted items that the owner made.
I’ll definitely be returning to this warm and interesting store and café.

For many Unilocalers café Turko may recall nostalgia of a forgotten home, to me it exemplified magic, drive and survival. Until recently Café Turko was the home of Istambul Imports Inc., a business selling rugs, textiles, jewellery and kitchen ware.
The 2009 financial shockwave may have pulled the rug under many store owners’ feet, but Istambul imports managed to survive. How did they do it? Do flying rugs and genies really exist?
Whether a genie granted the owners a second chance or turned the survival switch on, the rug sellers turned themselves into cooks almost over night. The result of this transformation is undoubtedly inspirational.
For store owners in need of advice on how to survive an economic downturn, they need not hire a financial advisor, the turkish family at Café Turko could teach them one thing or two.
Although tasting their entrees, I felt like that transformation had not been completed yet, where cooking lamb’s meat makes ends meet, I am hopeful that we’ll soon see cooks turning into chefs, genie willing.

such beautiful merchandise and such reasonable prices — beware, you might spend all your $$ on textiles and jewelry! i do wish i hadn’t just had breakfast, because the food at café turko looked and smelled amazing!

I was not expecting the food and atmosphere to be so nice. I have never tried Turkish tea or foods before but I must say that I am a HUGE fan now. I recommend trying their hummus and lentil soup! The service is great and the fact that this place had legit Turkish folks running the place made the experience even better. Definitely give this place a try!

My friends and I stopped in for brunch and were delighted with the entire experience. The food was delicious, freshly made and very tasty. The restaurant was very clean and we felt as if we were back in Turkey. We will definitely return and enjoy another great meal. Sureyya and her son made us feel welcome and at home. I wish them every success.

I have spent a lot of time in Fremont since I moved to Seattle a couple years ago, yet somehow never noticed this shop. I walked by with a friend a few weeks ago, and was immediately delighted to discover Istanbul Imports. The shop was still in its «regrowing pains», converting into its new iteration as a café, but Sureyya greeted us with a smile and let us poke around. Having lived in Istanbul as an international student three years ago, I desperately missed Turkey, the food, the people, and practicing the language. I promised to return once the café was up and running.
I returned this past weekend when my sister and BIL were in town visiting, and I knew I had to take them. The café is now up and running, and we were able to indulge in Turkish tea and coffee. Had we not eaten just shortly before, we would have sampled some of the goodies they had on display. But for sure, I will be back! Drinking the Turkish tea again, served as it is should — sweet, strong, and its distinctive tulip-​shaped glasses — it almost brought tears to my eyes. If you would like to get a taste for true Turkish hospitality, friendliness and dedication to being an excellent host, you should definitely stop by Istanbul Imports and Café Turko. I’m so glad that they decided to stay. Now I know where to get my Turkish tea fix and stock up on classic Turkish goodies of all kinds. :)

Interesting store. I walked in because they were having a closing sale. Too bad huh? There are some beautiful and unique things in here.

OOOOHHH Shop for joy.
Shop for pleasure. Find a treasure. The shopowner knows Seattle and when he is not busy he will chat with interest and great knowledge. I tried on a lovely ring. I hope it’s there when I go back.

This import store has everything from rugs to earrings. But I especially love the little lanterns that hang from the ceiling. For authentic items from Istanbul they aren’t that expensive. There is so much to look at and it is all very beautiful!