This place is quite large with two floors. There aren't too many people do service is able to be…read morepresent. I really liked the tea here but overall felt like the food portions were quite small. The chicken and rice platter with tomatoes and fries is much better than just the chicken and rice alone which offered pretty dry chicken. I'd recommend the dessert here though!

With eighteen locations in Istanbul one can safely assume there is often a Saray Muhallebicisi…read morenearby, the brand's 87 years of experience making them a trusted place for both packaged goods such as Jam, Honey and Yogurt alongside casual Turkish Cuisine and Pastries. Using their own dairy and Honey, with options available to dine-in or takeaway, prices trend slightly higher than other like concepts while quality is better than some but not on par with the best in Turkey.

Warm, soft, pistachio semolina halwa on top of cold Turkish vanilla ice cream. Honestly had no…read moreexpectations. It was absolutely delicious. I wanted to try the classic but had no room. I didn't realize you can get half and half. So keep that in mind if you'd like to try both flavors.

Begun by Şerif Helvacı in 1938 in Babadağ Haci Serif has since expanded to 41 locations, each built…read moreon Turkish Ice Cream topped with warm Halva plus confections including Turkish Delight, Chocolates and Cookies. Now in its third generation of family ownership, with most items made at a workshop in Denizli, guests can expect gracious hospitality towards the southeastern end of the Egyptian Bazaar with samples followed by a stunning array of tastes, textures and temperatures at low prices even by Turkish standards.

I love Istanbul . I love Turkey…read more I love the Turks, their heat. I love their baklava . When I was in the old Constantinople, i slept in the area of the Egyptian Bazaar ( Spice Bazaar ) , and this pastry was amazing on the road What walked EVERY morning to reach the heart of the city . Needless to say, every morning I stopped there for breakfast ... and back home , and again every time we went over front . What I had not fossilized , mind you : I eat all the time. But this definitely stole my heart . That much that when my best friend is gone there, last Christmas,as birthday gift ( i luckily was born in that period ! ) I ask her to bring me those baklava . ------------------------------------------------ Amo Istanbul. Amo la Turchia. Amo i turchi, il loro calore. Amo i loro baklava. Quando sono stata nella vecchia Costantinopoli, dormivo nella zona del Bazar Egiziano (bazar delle spezie), e questa pasticceria strepitosa era sulla strada che percorrevo ogni mattina per raggiungere il vivo della città. Inutile dire che ogni mattina mi ci fermavo a colazione... e di ritorno a casa, e ogni volta che ci ripassavo davanti. Non che mi fossi fossilizzata, intendiamoci: io mangio di continuo. Ma questa decisamente mi ha rubato il cuore. Tanto che quando la mia migliore amica c'è stata, lo scorso Natale, come regalo di compleanno (che giust'appunto cadeva a fagiolo!) mi sono fatta portare quei baklava.

The most amazing baklava I've ever had hands down!! And we have it all the time in the states…read more. even comparing it to everyone else I had in Istanbul I regret not buying more before I left.. I'm praying they can ship to Louisiana because I need some MORE!!!!

Really fresh ingredients, great service and local feel atmosphere. We had the salad kofta, and…read moregrilled kofta with French fries. Do not skip the Turkish coffee, coupled with kenafe.....yummy! Highly recommended!

With all the high reviews I had to try this joint. We dined in and ordered the baklava and Kunefe…read more I've had a good number of baklavas before but never kunefe. It's hard to list cons for warm desserts unless it's like eating sugar. The desserts were amazing. They do offer different types of baklava being pistachio or walnuts so may sure you pay attention to what you are ordering. As for the kunefe, this is definitely something different. I ordered it because everyone was ordering it. It was heavy, definitely over 1000 calories but totally worth it.

Strolled by this little ice cream parlor on the way to doing some serious shopping in Besiktas. I…read morehad some stracciatella ice cream while wifey went for the "mastik," a typical Turkish version of ice cream (or "dondurma," as we learned it is called in Turkish). We loved the taste and the portions were just right. Very clean and totally safe for tourists!

Personal Favorites: Dairy Desserts​ ( Kazan Dibi: Google it)…read more Style: Turkish Ambiance: No Ambient it is an​ on the street mode Service: Good Bolulu Hasan Usta is famous​ with Dairy Desserts. I believe his best ones​ are Kazan Dibi, Tavuk Gogsu, Muhallebi, ​and Profiterole​. Those are very lite and very delicious​ light desserts. They have a lot of branches all over the town. If you are in need of some sweets definitely​ give it a try. They also serve Turkish Coffee and Tea as well.

The best baklava! I also tried an exotic pistacho version of knafe. The servers ALI and IBRAHIM…read morewho helped me are absolutely charming and even let me try an extra sample of one of their famous baklava and a second cup of tea on the house. I went back again and had their incredibly fresh and delicious warm Katmer sweet. They make it fresh to order. It takes 10 minutes. Katmer is a rich, crispy Turkish pastry served warm straight from the pan to keep its flaky texture and melted filling. Originating from Gaziantep, it's made of paper-thin dough filled with crushed pistachios, sugar, and clotted cream (kaymak). It's really a must try and it's one of the most delicious desserts that I've had in Turkey. They serve a very large portion for 900 TL. There are four big slices (it's technically a serving for two to four people) but I'm embarrassed to say I ate them all. :) it's so good! They have a lovely terrace outside to enjoy summer nights with a cup of Turkish tea.

Located not far from Karaköy Güllüoğlu is Köşkeroğlu Karaköy, to many the only competitor for best…read moreBaklava though Köşkeroğlu's collection spans larger including not just standards featuring Walnuts or Pistachios but also Rice Pudding, Asure Pudding and packaged goods. Actually two separate spaces, one selling Kebap and traditional Turkish Food with the other specializing in Dessert, it is inside the latter that several counters are found covered in Phyllo wrapped around everything from ground Beef in the case of Borek or loaded with Nuts and Honey. Named for the 1946 founder, though he surely had no idea diabetes-friendly or Gluten-free Baklava would one day be a thing, prices trend similar to other shops in the area while textures are a little less well-differentiated than Güllüoğlu except in the case of unrivaled Pistachio "Bride Packs."

WOW! A Turkish friend messaged me, told me to go here, order the Ekmek Kadayifi (Bread Pudding with…read moreClotted Cream). I think it was around 15 TRL? The Pudding has a crumpet-like texture (also like a Chinese yeast-raised rice cake), soaked in super sweet syrup; the Clotted Cream was SO fresh & a nice counter to the sweetness. Probably very nice with Ayran or plain black Cay (tea) also. Picked up the pastry to-go after a long touristy day. This bakery/cafe seems to epitomize 'turkish cafe culture' to me. I'd like to go back on an afternoon, sit, sip tea (always free refills at all Turkish places), chat with friends, read & people watch. This area is not too far off İstiklal Street, a nice mix of local & tourist. A hilight, food-wise during my visit to Istanbul.

A must stop in the Autumn and Winter when it is Quince season. The poached Quince's in syrup…read moreserved with Water Buffalo clotted cream are sublime.