The Best Bakeries in Istanbul

Istanbul straddles two continents and two baking traditions. The city's street-level simit vendors are as essential as its grand baklava houses, and a growing number of artisan bakeries are adding sourdough and European-style viennoiserie to the mix.

Karaköy Güllüoğlu

The most famous baklava maker in Istanbul. The pistachio baklava is the benchmark — thin, crisp layers of phyllo with a restrained sweetness and intense green pistachios from Gaziantep.

Simit Sarayı

Turkey's answer to the bagel, the simit is a sesame-crusted bread ring sold on every corner. Simit Sarayı elevated the form into a national chain, but the best simits still come from independent street vendors with their glass carts.

Naan, Karaköy

A modern artisan bakery producing naturally leavened breads alongside traditional Turkish flatbreads. Their sourdough boule and lahmacun are equally good.

Hâfız Mustafa 1864

One of the oldest confectioners in Istanbul, famous for Turkish delight, künefe, and a rotating selection of Ottoman-era pastries.