Buttery sweetness in thin, crispy layers and a burst of nutty flavor… So, where can you find the best baklava in Istanbul? I ate a lot of baklava to create this list—tough job, right? Here are the 5 baklava shops you absolutely have to try in Istanbul!
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The History of Baklava
I don’t claim to be a baklava expert, but I’ve definitely eaten plenty! That must count for something, right? The baklava we know today was created in the kitchens of Topkapı Palace. It was so mouthwatering that the Ottoman sultans would present tray after tray of baklava to their elite soldiers, the Janissaries.
Thanks to the influence of the Ottoman Empire, the love for baklava spread from Greece to the Balkans, from the Middle East to Southeastern Europe. Every region added its own twist. In Turkey, baklava is usually made with pistachios from Gaziantep, while in Greece it’s made with walnuts.
Over time, baklava evolved into many shapes and styles. There’s classic square baklava, Midye Baklava (clam‑shaped layers filled with crushed pistachios and clotted cream), and Sütlü Nuriye, a milk‑based, softer version—just to name a few.
In recent years, Cold Baklava has become popular, offering a chilled, milky treat topped with cocoa powder. For pistachio lovers, there are alternatives like Fıstık Sarma—basically a sweet pistachio heaven!
Baklava Shops You Must Try in Istanbul
1. Hafız Mustafa
Founded in 1864, Hafız Mustafa is one of Istanbul’s most easily found sweet shops, with branches in touristy areas like Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and İstiklal Street. The interiors are sumptuous, and the staff wear red fez hats.
Its baklava perfectly blends the sweet aroma of hazelnuts and butter. The bright red packaging makes it gift‑friendly. A word of caution: because the baklava is completely natural, it has a shelf life of only 3‑5 days. Be sure to buy it right before heading to the airport!
Don’t visit Hafız Mustafa just for baklava. They also offer incredible Turkish delight, tea sets, and cake masterpieces. The Pistachio Baklava Cake is definitely worth a try. GET DIRECTIONS
2. Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir
This historic shop, opened in 1777 and better known for its Turkish delight, also stands out for its baklava. There are eight branches, including the original store in Eminönü, but I recommend visiting the branch on İstiklal Street.
The downstairs Baklava Bar offers a truly unique experience. Choose any covered plate of baklava as they glide past on an elegant conveyor belt and enjoy this sweet feast. GET DIRECTIONS
3. Çarşı Baklava
This small, cozy shop just outside the Grand Bazaar is a true gourmet tip. Their baklava is flown in daily from Gaziantep.
Çarşı Baklava is mainly a takeaway shop with just a few tables out front. Their baklava—loaded with butter and vibrant green pistachios—is superb and makes a great treat to take home. GET DIRECTIONS
4. Faruk Güllüoğlu
This family business, founded in 1871 in Gaziantep and producing baklava for five generations, opened its first Istanbul store in 1949. With branches all over the city, Faruk Güllüoğlu offers tasty, budget‑friendly options.
The baklava isn’t overly sweet or sticky; it’s crisp and perfectly balanced. I especially recommend trying their incredibly indulgent chocolate baklava! GET DIRECTIONS
5. Bilgeoğlu Baklavacı
This small, modest shop in Kadıköy is one of the Asian side’s hidden gems. Opened in 1956, they make baklava with homemade butter—truly a sweet dream.
My favorite was the Midye Baklava. This crispy pastry filled with pistachios and clotted cream offers an unforgettable taste. They also serve a fantastic su böreği for pastry lovers—paper‑thin layers and absolutely delicious! GET DIRECTIONS
Exploring Istanbul’s baklava culture is like embarking on a sweet journey. I hope this guide helps you find the best baklava spots during your visit to Istanbul! 😊
