1. Güllüoğlu, Karaköy
Ask anyone on the street where the best baklava is in Istanbul, and they will probably will give you the same answer: Karaköy Güllüoğlu. This place, the first baklava shop in Istanbul, was founded in 1949 by the Güllü family, which has been in baklava business since 1820. After 64 years, its elegant atmosphere still feels welcoming, if a bit more nostalgic. For website click here.
Address: Mumhane Street No:171 Post Code :34420 Karaköy, Istanbul Phone: + 90 212 249 96 80
2. Divan Patisserie, Taksim
If “lokum”, Turkish delight, is the Sultan of all Turkish sweets, then you should not miss a visit to its palace when you are in town. This sophisticated patisserie inside the famous Divan hotel in Taksim offers you the finest quality of lokum and full-flavored Turkish coffee beside. It is open between 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. For website click here.
Address: Asker Ocağı Caddesi 34367 No:1 Şişli Istanbul, Turkey For information and reservations: + 90 212 315 55 00
3. Baylan, Kadıköy
Since its founding in 1923, Baylan Patisserie has become a classic in Istanbul. Besides chocolate, it prides itself on being redolent of poetry and art, as important Turkish poets, novelists and artists used to hang out in this patisserie. You should definitely try its “Kup Griye”, a cup with ice-cream and cream, a dish invented at Baylan and today sold in Europe with the name “Coupe Baylan.”
Address: Muvakkithane Caddesi No: 9/A 34710 Kadıköy Phone: + 90 216 346 63 50 - +90 216 336 89 19
4. Özkonak Lokantası, Cihangir
This small restaurant in Cihangir may not impress you at first sight. However, it is one of those traditional restaurants founded to serve local shopkeepers – a very demanding clientele. Özkonak became famous beyond the neighborhood for its puddings. You should definitiely try its “muhallebi”, a milk pudding thickened with rice flour, or “kazandibi”, milky pudding that contains shredded chicken breast.
Address: Akarsu Yokuşu, No 60 Cihangir, İstanbul Phone: + 90 212 2491307
5. Mado
The original Turkish ice-cream shop was founded in Kahramanmaraş in southern central Turkey. It has tighter structure and denser flavor than other ice-cream. Mado spread this 150-year-old taste all over Istanbul and today has become an indispensable part of the Istanbul food scene with its great variety of desserts. For website click here.
6. Akdeniz Hatay Sofrası, Fatih
Künefe, the very famous dessert of Hatay region, is one of the flavor that you should not miss. Made by infusing cheese with an intense syrup, it is totally worth the extra calories. Akdeniz Hatay Sofrası is a very nice restaurant in Fatih where you can find Hatay dishes, finished off with künefe, of course. For a recipe for künefe, click here: For website click here.
Address: Ahmediye Caddesi No:44/A Fatih, Istanbul Phone: +90 212 444 7 247
7. Ab’bas Waffle, Bebek
Waffles are a very popular dessert for Istanbul’s hot summer days, made to order with different sauces and toppings, then folded to take on a stroll. This small waffle shop may surprise you with its long lines, but all those people cannot be mistaken! If you are walking through Bebek, be sure to grab a waffle from Ab’bas.
Address: Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No: 46/C Bebek Beşiktaş, Istanbul
8. Tatlı Köşem, Moda
This pretty cafe in pink and blue sits on a corner in Moda. If you prefer lighter desserts to traditional cream- and syrup-filled Turkish ones, Tatlıköşem will transport you to your childhood with its delicious, European-style cakes (including cheesecake) and cookies with ingredients like apple, blueberry, almond and gum mastic.
Address: Caferağa Mh. Dr. Esat Işık Cd No:20, 34710 Kadıköy, İstanbul Phone: +90 216 336 0027
9. Ciao Gelato, Ortaköy
Ciao Gelato is an Italian ice-cream shop in Ortaköy where you can find large variety of gelato flavors, including lavendar, ginger, lemon with basil and gum mastic. More Turkish flavors are available during Ramadan. All ingredients are chosen to be organic and fresh.
Address: Mecidiye Mh. Muallim Naci Cd No:6, Ortaköy Beşiktaş Phone: +90 212 3270515
10. Delicatessen, Nişantaşı
If you’re craving decadent, American-style desserts, look no further than Delicatessen. Their dense brownie and bubbling fruit crisps leave expats’ mouths watering. If you’re further north, similar sweets are available at its related cafe, Mangerie, in Bebek. For website click here.
Address: Mim Kemal Öke Cd. No:19, Şişli İstanbul Phone: +90 212 225 0604
