Stanbuli x Nour: A Homecoming to Remember

In August, something rare and deeply nostalgic happened inside the kitchen at Nour: Stanbuli returned. Not to Enmore, but to Crown Street — and for three unforgettable nights, Chef Ibrahim Kasif turned Nour into a place of nostalgia.

The moment the event was announced, the energy was immediate. Seats vanished within hours. Waitlists grew. People planned entire weeks around securing a spot. And in a true testament to just how much Sydney had missed Stanbuli, some guests loved it so much that they came back two or even three nights in a row.

The Spirit of Stanbuli, Reimagined at Nour

For three nights only (August 11–13), Nour’s menu shifted into a vibrant, meyhane-inspired celebration of Turkish-Cypriot cooking, drawing on the classics that made Stanbuli a cult favourite. Cold and hot meze, charcoal cooking, bold flavours, generous plates — everything that defined Stanbuli’s spirit returned with Ibrahim at the helm. Rakija paired with the menu added to the sense of celebration — a nod to tradition and a bridge between old and new.

As Ibrahim said “Stanbuli was always more than a restaurant. It was an ode to where I came from… This return is a love letter to that time, place and way of cooking that left a mark beyond its walls.”

Guests Felt It — Deeply

The feedback throughout the event painted a clear picture: this pop-up meant something special to people.

Diners spoke about how emotional and exciting it felt to revisit the original Stanbuli flavours — some describing the night as like stepping straight back into a place they’d truly missed. They called the food “incredible” and “sublime,” and praised how the music, old photos, and energy of the room created a wave of nostalgia. Families shared how welcomed they felt, with staff going above and beyond for little ones. And overwhelmingly, guests walked away saying the same thing: it wasn’t just a dinner — it was a moment worth remembering.

Why This Night Mattered

Stanbuli closed its doors in 2022, after 6 years, but the love people had for it never faded. This pop-up reminded us that restaurants aren’t only about plates and menus; they’re about memories, stories, and connections that last long after service ends.

For Ibrahim, this was a chance to honour his heritage and revisit the dishes that shaped his career. For Nour, it was an opportunity to open its kitchen to a different kind of storytelling — one that blended Turkish-Cypriot roots with Nour’s modern energy. For our guests, it was a rare chance to step into something they thought they’d never experience again.

Until Next Time…

While Stanbuli’s return lasted just three nights, the feeling lingered far longer. It reminded us how powerful food can be — not just for flavour, but for memory, identity, and joy.

And judging by how quickly those seats sold out… This won’t be the last time we revisit a moment that meant so much to so many.