Baklava, künefe and milk puddings.
The city's legendary sweet stops, several within walking distance of Galataport: paper-thin pistachio baklava, sizzling künefe, and milk-based puddings from a 19th-century confectioner.
Karaköy Güllüoğlu is the city's best-known baklava shop, and reviewers agree it lives up to the name. Pistachio is the classic, but they also send you to the cold baklava, the pieces filled with kaymak, the carrot slice and the su böreği, a layered savoury pastry. Order a mixed plate with tea, then take a box home.
Try thisA mixed plate of pistachio, cold and carrot-slice baklava, with tea
On the Galataport waterfront, this branch of Hafız Mustafa, the confectioner founded in 1864, is a bright, roomy place to sit over tea and sweets. Baklava is what most reviewers order, but the künefe, trileçe and Turkish delight are close behind, and several call the Turkish coffee the best they had in the city. The staff are warm and quick.
Try thisBaklava and trileçe, with a Turkish coffee
Beyzade is a künefe house first: it is the dish nearly a thousand reviews mention, served hot from the pan with pistachio. The katmer and baklava are just as loved, and the Turkish coffee is made with care. It serves breakfast too, which reviewers rate highly, and the staff are attentive and friendly.
Try thisPistachio künefe straight from the pan, with Turkish coffee