The Best Places To Get Mouth-Watering Baklava Treats In Istanbul

Baklava had its beginnings within the imperial kitchens of the Ottoman Empire, where a baklava usta (master) would spend a lifetime honing his skills. Baklava can be found all over Istanbul, but not all desserts are created equal, so make sure to get your baklava from these recommended spots.

1. Konyalı

Patisserie, Turkish

Even though Konyalıis known as one of Istanbul’s first restaurants, serving traditional Turkish dishes since 1897, their desserts are also pretty famous. The baklava with orange is Konyalı’s claim to sugary fame, a beautifully crispy and chewy dessert with just the right hint of citrus orange flavor. If you want to skip the mains and go straight for the baklava, visit the Konyalı Pastanesi (patisserie) and get a big box of the orange variety.

2. Hamdi

Restaurant, Turkish

Hamdi is known for some of the best kebab in the city, but their large selection of amazing baklava also makes for a great reason to visit the five-story restaurant in the middle of Eminönü Square. From baklava with walnuts to katmer (flat and flaky pastry filled with crushed pistachio), Hamdi doesn’t shy away from displaying all its fantastic baklava varieties on the ground floor as soon as you walk into the building. Either get a box to go or order some baklava after you’re done with your kebab meal.