Menu
Menu
Menu
During your Istanbul trip, you will see Turkish desserts everywhere. Although they all look so delicious, there are certain dessert spots in Turkey for you to enjoy the sweets. Don’t worry if you do not like chocolate or syrup because our recommendations are for everyone. So, here are the best dessert places in Istanbul, coming from locals of Turkey.
You won’t meet with a local who doesn’t know Güllüoğlu because it is the best baklava in Turkey. Their most known and biggest branch is at Karaköy although you can find smaller ones all spread over the city. Güllüoğlu makes all kinds of baklava and other delicious sweets. They also make diabetes-friendly baklava if you have such a condition. In fact, Güllüoğlu is the only trustworthy brand when it comes to diabetes-friendly baklava.
So, if you want to experience the best baklava in Istanbul, Güllüoğlu should be your only stop!
Working Hours of Karaköy Güllüoğlu
Monday – Saturday: 7 AM – 1 AM
Sunday: 8 AM – 1 AM
Hacı Bekir focuses on chocolate and lighter Turkish desserts. They have several branches in Istanbul but the most famous one is in the Kadıköy. There, you can find the most delicious cakes ever and their signature Turkish dessert is lokum.
Since its founding in the Ottoman Empire in 1777, the store has set the standard for Turkish sweet treats. This store sells a wide variety of Turkish sweets, including jams, halva, and hard candies.
Working Hours of Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir
Monday – Saturday: 8 AM – 9 PM
Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Turkish milk-based delicacies including fig pudding, rice pudding (sütlaç), and almond pudding (keşkül) are the specialty of Saray Muhallebicisi. Coming from their name, “Saray” means “Palace” and Muhallebici means “Pudding maker”, no wonder why their most delicious Istanbul desserts are so good!
Also, aşure is a traditional Turkish delicacy that is equally delicious and visually appealing. One of the best aşure in Istanbul is made by Saray Muhallebicisi, therefore you should definitely include it on your list of must-eats when in Turkey.
Working Hours of Saray Muhallebicisi: 7 AM – 2 AM
Divan’s patisserie offers an amazing assortment of cakes, cheesecakes, and sweets, ranging from Cointreau-infused “Crêpes Suzette” to the traditional Turkish rice pudding laced with mastic gum. All of these were adorned with vibrant glazes and fruit and nut drizzles, which gave them an immensely tempting appearance.
Working Hours of Divan Brasserie: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Baylan opened in 1923 and they have been known for their signature Turkish desserts since then. They have French-inspired desserts and chocolates on their menu with lots of options. They serve mille feuilles, truffle cakes, tarts, profiteroles à la glace, chocolate mousse, and parfaits.
The dessert that Baylan is most known for is their invention, the “Kup Griye.” This delicacy, which is one of the most known Istanbul desserts was created in 1954 by Harry Lenas, the founder of Baylan. It is a delectable concoction of caramel and vanilla ice cream, served with caramel sauce, honey almond, and whipped cream.
Now, they have more signature dishes such as truffle cake, adisababa, montebianco, caramel, and mon cheri.
Working Hours of Baylan Kadıköy: 7 AM – 10 PM
Şekerci Cafer Erol is located on one of Kadköy’s main streets. It has a long history, having been founded in 1935 by Cafer Erol. This small jewel didn’t lose any of its fascination over the years but instead rose in popularity. They decorate their branch office at Kadıköy every year during special holidays such as Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year.
Following in the footsteps of his great grandpa, who opened a candy business in Ottoman Istanbul in 1807, Şekerci Cafer Erol continues to create traditional Ottoman sweets and candies such as jams, hard candies, lokum, and almond pastes. They’ve also lately started providing ice cream, which is delicious.
Working Hours of Şekerci Cafer Erol: 8 AM – 11 PM
Helvacı Ali has spread all over Istanbul thanks to its popularity. As can be understood from its name, they only serve halva to their customers. However, this halva comes with an ice cream beneath the cup. Halva also comes with various options such as plain, chocolate, pistachio, and lotus. And you don’t need to sit in there to enjoy your Turkish dessert. Because it is served in a cup, you can hold it in your hands while exploring the streets of Istanbul.
Working Hours of Helvacı Ali
Monday – Friday: 1 PM – 12 AM
Saturday & Sunday: 1 PM – 12:30 AM
Bolulu Hasan Usta is known for its specialized Turkish milk puddings. They are a famous chain dessert brand in Turkey and you can find any type of Turkish sweets there. Cakes, traditional desserts, and every single pudding available in Turkey.
If you haven’t tried rose water, mastic gum, or almond pudding yet, here is the best opportunity for you. In addition, you can also get an ice cream on top of your pudding although it is not really popular among the locals.
Working Hours of Bolulu Hasan Usta: 9 AM – 12 PM
At first, Çikolata Dükkanı was a hidden gem but over the years they became really popular thanks to the delicious chocolate they serve. Their main shop is at Kadıköy Moda which you can reach by nostalgic Kadıköy tram. Around that area, they also have a smaller shop but most people use it as a takeaway Turkish dessert shop. Lastly, they also have another shop at Akasya Shopping Mall which is at Acıbadem Üsküdar, near Metrobüs station.
Çikolata Dükkanı’s desserts have the names of women. For example, their signature sweet is Asuman which is a cup filled with chocolate, strawberries, crumbs, and cream on top. They also sell waffles, brownies, and other types of chocolate-focused desserts. If you have a sweet tooth, go to Çikolata Dükkanı without a second thought. By the way, you may have to wait in line to sit for a while because especially during mid-day their shops are packed.
Working Hours of Çikolata Dükkanı: 11 AM – 10:45 PM
Kukis is at Acıbadem Üsküdar, 10 minutes of walking from Acıbadem Metrobus station. During the day, you can easily find a vacant spot to sit there but after 7 PM it gets crowded you may need to wait for people to leave. Kukis is popular for its vast menu of desserts. You can find any type of cake there along with brownies, and other milky treats.
Working Hours of Kukis
Sunday – Thursday: 7 AM – 12 AM
Friday & Saturday: 7 AM – 1 AM
Mendel’s is known for its secret chocolate recipe when it comes to making delicious chocolate desserts. Chocolate that’s accompanied by flavored coffee will be a great break for you. You can find the spot in Beşiktaş easily as it’s on the main street.
Working Hours of Mendel’s: 11 AM – 1 AM
Puufu is a hidden gem located in Çengelköy and Ortaköy. Right now, even though it is getting popular day by day among the locals, most people don’t know about there. They make traditional Japanese pancakes that look like a cloud.
Working Hours of Puufu
Tuesday – Sunday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Monday: Closed
Kazım is the best patisserie you can visit at Beylerbeyi. They make pastries, cakes, desserts, and of course, profiteroles. Locals who are living there know that Kazım Patisserie’s signature Turkish dessert is profiteroles. Soaked in chocolate, these little doughs filled with cream will surely boost your mood.
Working Hours of Kazım Patisserie: 4:30 AM – 12 AM
Hook Cafe is a hidden gem located in the back street of Çengelköy. Their signature sweet dish is a strawberry cake soaked in chocolate. But here is their trick of getting more popular: The cake comes without chocolate and the waiter asks if you’d like to record a video for social media. While the waiter is pouring chocolate on the cake, you can record to show your friends how appealing the dessert looks. You can also have fondue, waffles, or cups in Hook Cafe.
Working Hours of Hook Cafe: 1 PM – 3 AM
Çikolata Kahve is a boutique dessert spot in Turkey. The spot is in Çengelköy and has a breathtaking Bosphorus view on its terrace. Though you can sit inside, most people rather be on the terrace for the view. However, unlike most dessert spots in Turkey, you have to pick all the chocolates you want to eat with your coffee before seating yourself. After seating yourself, you order what you drink.
Working Hours of Çikolata Kahve İstanbul
Tuesday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 12 AM
Monday: Closed
