Karakoy Gulluoglu (Karaköy Güllüoğlu)
8.4Friend Score / 10#2 of 13 Cafés & Coffee in Istanbul
Known forpistachio baklavawalnut baklavadolamasarayburma
The baklava benchmark in Istanbul, run by the Güllü family in Karaköy since the 1940s. It's self-service: pay at the register, grab your tray, eat standing or take a box. Yes, a friend sends you here over any hotel dessert. Caveat: order by weight (porsiyon) and it's cash-and-card busy.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Fri 07:00–23:00 Sat–Sun 08:00–23:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Karaköy tram (T1) / ferry pier, ~3 min walk |
| Time needed | 20-40 minutes |
| Best time to go | Mid-morning or mid-afternoon between meal rushes |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.4/10- Value8.0
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take a box back home or to my hotel?
- Absolutely, they box it up and it's a classic gift to bring back. It keeps for a few days at room temperature, though it's best the day you buy it. Say if it's for travel and they'll pack it accordingly.
- Do they take cards?
- Yes, card and cash both work. It gets busy, so having your order in mind before you reach the register keeps the line happy.
- How much baklava should I order per person?
- Baklava is rich, so a small portion (say 100-200 grams) goes a long way for one or two people. You can always go back for more, which honestly you will.
- Is this the same as the Güllüoğlu shops all over the city?
- Not exactly. There are several Güllüoğlu branches and family offshoots around Istanbul, but this original Karaköy shop (Nadir Güllü) is the one people mean when they say the best. Come to this one.
- What are the hours?
- It opens early, around 7am on weekdays and 8am weekends, and runs until roughly 11pm. That means you can genuinely have baklava for breakfast, which is a very Istanbul move.
- How does ordering work at Karaköy Güllüoğlu?
- It's self-service and slightly chaotic the first time. You tell the register what you want and how much (usually by weight or portion), pay, then take your receipt to the counter to collect. Point and smile if your Turkish is shaky.
- Is there anywhere to sit?
- There's limited standing and counter space; this is more of a grab-and-go than a lingering café. Many people eat a piece standing with a tea and take the rest with them.
- Which baklava should I get?
- The classic cevizli (walnut) and fıstıklı (pistachio) are the safe, brilliant choices. If you can't decide, ask for a karışık (mixed) portion so you can taste a few kinds.
Nearby in Ask Istanbul
- NeolokalRestaurant0.34 km · 4 min walk
- Karaköy LokantasıRestaurant0.37 km · 5 min walk
- Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)Attraction0.41 km · 5 min walk
- Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü)Attraction0.42 km · 5 min walk
- Karakoy (Karaköy)Neighborhood0.43 km · 5 min walk
Where to stay near Karakoy Gulluoglu (Karaköy Güllüoğlu)
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