The Best Dessert Spots in Izmir, Turkey

A true Izmir classic, the Reyhan Pastanesi is a favorite, known all around Turkey for its amazing sweet and savory baked goods. You’ll find delicious cakes, cookies, and homemade chocolate, plus their Rokoko (a cake made with bitter chocolate, macaroon, and cream) is quite legendary.

Established in 1942, Meşhur Hisarönü Şambalacısı is the best place to taste traditional Şambala, a dessert made of baked semolina, yogurt, and sugar, and topped with syrup and almonds. Be sure you try the dessert with a side of kaymak (clotted cream) for the ultimate sweet Izmir experience.

Another great traditional bakery in Izmir, Sevinç has been a favorite spot for locals to meet up over a cup of coffee and something sweet. The standout at this pastane is the Pavlova, a meringue dessert with fresh fruits.

One of the most sophisticated cafés in Izmir, where the city’s well-to-do residents often meet, there’s something very Parisian about Leone, from its décor all the way to its desserts. You’ll find an excellent Royal Fraisier (a cake with cream and fresh strawberries) and chocolate éclairs with real cream filling just like in France.

Bravo has become famous for its ice cream, and in the summer, you’ll find crowds ordering from the many flavors. One of the favorites is the bitter chocolate ice cream, but the many cakes and tarts also happen to be quite delicious.

Another sophisticated patisserie in the heart of Izmir, Arpege is run by experienced pastry chef Metin Saruhanlı. You’ll gawk over the Passion Cake (made with passion fruit cream, milk chocolate mousse, and crispy praline), Paris-Brest, éclairs and tarts with different fillings, and beautiful cakes with unusual ingredients such as mastic.

A very classic pastane, you’ll definitely travel back to an Izmir from around 20 years ago as soon as you enter Şortan Pastanesi. Apart from the excellent éclair and tartlets, the lor tatlısı (a dessert made with Lor cheese) is one of the local favorites.

A small pastane on a very quiet side street far away from the city’s hectic energy, Rain Patisserie is always popular due to its excellent tastes at affordable prices. The favorites include mozaik pasta (chocolate salami) and pineapple cake.

Another Izmir classic, Lozan Pastanesi has been around since 1969, making the same excellent sweet and savory goods for their loyal customers. According to some visitors, their lemon ice cream is addictive, especially in the hot summer months.