Istanbul’s 10 Best Dessert Shops

Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, is not only rich in history and culture but also a paradise for dessert enthusiasts. From traditional Turkish sweets like baklava and kadayıf to unique modern twists, Istanbul offers an endless array of dessert options. Here’s a guide to the top 10 dessert shops in Istanbul that you absolutely must visit.

1. Meşhur Balkan Tulumba ve Dondurma

Description

Located in Alibeyköy, Meşhur Balkan Tulumba ve Dondurma is renowned for its tulumba desserts, which are lighter and more delicious than those found elsewhere. The tulumba is made even more special when topped with creamy ice cream, making it a perfect summer treat.

Highlights

• Specialty: Tulumba topped with ice cream.
• Unique Feature: Lighter and less greasy tulumba compared to other places.
• Location: Alibeyköy, Istanbul

2. Tilla, Kadıköy

Description

Tilla in Kadıköy offers the best version of Izmir’s famous lokma, a sweet fried dough soaked in syrup. This place is known for its natural, additive-free ingredients, making their desserts not only tasty but also healthier.

Highlights

• Specialty: Lokma.
• Other Desserts: Tulumba, şekerpare, şambali.
• Location: Kadıköy, Istanbul

3. Fatih Sarmacısı, Fatih

Description

Fatih Sarmacısı is the place to go for the best sarma desserts in Istanbul. This dessert features soft, fluffy sponge cake rolled with apricot marmalade and sweetened with syrup, creating a delightful treat that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Highlights

• Specialty: Sarma dessert.
• Unique Feature: Traditional recipe using apricot marmalade.
• Location: Fatih, Istanbul

4. Kafadaroğlu Baklava Börek, Beşiktaş

Description

Located in Beşiktaş’s Sinanpaşa neighborhood, Kafadaroğlu Baklava Börek is a small but famous shop known for its mouth-watering baklava and börek. Despite its size, the quality of their desserts has earned them a loyal following.

Highlights

• Specialty: Baklava.
• Other Desserts: Börek.
• Location: Beşiktaş, Istanbul

5. Sakarya Tatlıcısı, Balık Pazarı

Description

Situated in the bustling Balık Pazarı in Beyoğlu, Sakarya Tatlıcısı is known for its delicious kadayıf, şekerpare, and kaymaklı ekmek kadayıfı. This dessert shop is a go-to spot for those craving traditional Turkish sweets.

Highlights

• Specialty: Kadayıf and kaymaklı ekmek kadayıfı.
• Unique Feature: Central location in Balık Pazarı.
• Location: Beyoğlu, Istanbul

6. Göreme Muhallebicisi, Kurtuluş

Description

For over 50 years, Göreme Muhallebicisi has been serving some of Istanbul’s best milk-based desserts. From tavukgöğsü to fırın sütlaç, this place offers a wide variety of fresh, traditional Turkish milk desserts.

Highlights

• Specialty: Milk-based desserts like tavukgöğsü and fırın sütlaç.
• Unique Feature: Over 50 years of tradition.
• Location: Kurtuluş, Istanbul

7. Fıstıkzade, Ataşehir

Description

Fıstıkzade brings the flavors of Gaziantep to Istanbul, offering a wide range of baklava and kadayıf. Known for its high-quality pistachios and rich flavors, this shop also provides home delivery, making it convenient for dessert lovers across the city.

Highlights

• Specialty: Pistachio-filled baklava and kadayıf.
• Unique Feature: Uses authentic Gaziantep ingredients.
• Location: Ataşehir, Istanbul

8. Damla Dondurma, Kurtuluş

Description

Damla Dondurma is famous for its seasonal offerings of boza in winter and ice cream in summer. This small shop on Kurtuluş Caddesi often sees long lines of customers waiting to enjoy their delightful treats.

Highlights

• Specialty: Boza in winter, ice cream in summer.
• Unique Feature: Seasonal specialties.
• Location: Kurtuluş, Istanbul

9. Dilek Pastanesi, Fatih

Description

Dilek Pastanesi in Fatih offers a wide variety of baklava, including unique versions like white, chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut, and walnut baklava. Their innovative takes on traditional baklava make it a must-visit for any dessert lover.

Highlights

• Specialty: Various flavors of baklava.
• Unique Feature: Creative and unique baklava variations.
• Location: Fatih, Istanbul

10. Hatay Ekol Künefe, Bağlarbaşı

Description

For an authentic künefe experience, Hatay Ekol Künefe in Bağlarbaşı is the place to go. Using ingredients sourced from Hatay, their künefe is rich, syrupy, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite among locals.

Highlights

• Specialty: Künefe.
• Unique Feature: Uses authentic ingredients from Hatay.
• Location: Bağlarbaşı, Istanbul

Conclusion

Istanbul is a treasure trove for dessert enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of sweet treats that cater to all tastes. From traditional Turkish sweets to modern innovations, these top 10 dessert shops provide a delightful experience for anyone looking to indulge their sweet tooth. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to explore these spots and savor the best desserts Istanbul has to offer.