Hafiz Mustafa 1864 Eminönü

Hafiz Mustafa is a must visit in Istanbul with lots of branches, and if you are considering dining in this might be a good location. Service is not great, probably because it was a busy location, but the outdoor area for dining is nice for photos. Tried chicken breast pudding - it’s quite special so worth a try, although I probably wouldn’t try again. I regret ordering the iced ottoman coffee - it smells like spice but tastes like water.

Amazing baklava, pistachio, chocolate and walnut all delicious. There are so many varieties it is hard to choose which to order, but all taste so good, with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, perfect for the afternoon break. Highly recommended. Staff also super friendly.

Very child-friendly! We were warmly welcomed and the children were offered chocolate and cake. The cake that my little niece wanted is usually only sold as a whole, but it was kindly cut just for her - such a thoughtful gesture. As if that wasn’t enough, the children were also given free chocolate. Everything was also very delicious: great coffee and tasty sweet treats. A special thank you to Salih Bey for the friendly and attentive service – overall a truly lovely visit.

Well, what can I say, you have to pay for the name. I won’t say that they were the most delicious sweets in Turkey, but they are very beautiful and colorful!( Chocolate baklava is my recommendation for you) there are tables inside and if you are lucky, you can sit at them. You can also buy gift sets in the store (but be prepared for the price, but in a beautiful package and with a beautiful package 😅) Verdict: it’s worth trying once and ticking that you were there!

My kunefe could have been served warmer as it cooled down very quickly and so the cheese pull was not as good as I’d hoped. It’s not easy to get a table so you may have to wait a little but the range of desserts is so broad that there is definitely something for everyone!

Great place for dessert! Best künefe we had in turkey. The plsce has more than 150 years of history. They have a lot of stores around the city so don't miss out on visiting this place. They also sell sweets to take back home with amazing queality. Recommended place!

Hafiz Mustafa 1864 – A Taste of Ottoman Elegance in Istanbul’s Old Town Nestled in the historic heart of Istanbul’s Sirkeci district, Hafiz Mustafa 1864 is more than just a dessert shop — it’s a living chronicle of Ottoman culinary tradition. Established in 1864 by Hadji İsmail Hakkı Bey, this legendary patisserie has survived empires, wars, and modern trends, offering a sweet sanctuary that’s steeped in both flavor and history. 🍬 From golden, flaky baklavas to delicate Turkish delights (lokum) and velvety muhallebi puddings, the menu is a rich tapestry of traditional Turkish desserts. Be warned, though — the sweetness level is intense, tailored to local palates, and might be overwhelming for those accustomed to more subtle tastes. 🪙 Prices are slightly above average, especially at this popular tourist-facing location in the Old Town, but still fair considering the premium ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and historical ambiance. One cup of Turkish tea paired with a slice of baklava feels like sipping a piece of heritage. 🏛️ The interior design blends Ottoman elegance with modern luxury — intricate tiles, polished wood, and glass displays full of colorful confections. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds, and a dream location for food photography. --- 🔍 Review Summary: Historical Value: ★★★★★ Atmosphere: ★★★★☆ Dessert Quality: ★★★★☆ Service: ★★★☆☆ (some guests feel a bit pressured for positive reviews) Value for Money: ★★★☆☆ 🎯 Overall Rating: 8/10 A must-visit for first-time travelers to Istanbul — come for the sweets, stay for the story. Best enjoyed during a slow afternoon with a view of trams rolling by and time gently melting like warm sugar on your tongue. 🧁 Great for: Tourists, first-timers, and dessert lovers 👎 Downside: Slightly overpriced, and the staff can be a bit pushy about 5-star reviews. 📸 Still, it’s a memorable stop — both for the taste and the photo opportunities. Worth a visit!

Sweet Stop After the Spice Bazaar My sister and I visited this Hafiz Mustafa branch today after exploring the Spice Bazaar. I had read great reviews about the brand while planning our trip to Istanbul, so it was definitely on my bucket list! We had already tried some of their chocolates at the Galataport branch a few days earlier and loved them, so we were excited to visit this nearby location. We knew we wanted to try their künefe, and after some back-and-forth, we skipped the Tavukgöğsü and went for the Dubai Cake (new in the menu), which we heard another table raving about. The künefe did not disappoint—crispy, warm, and not overly sweet. We enjoyed every bite. The Dubai Cake was also good, though a bit too sweet for our taste. The family next to us loved it, so it really comes down to personal preference. The staff were warm, friendly, and very accommodating, making the experience even better. This branch is smaller and quite busy—we visited around 4–5 PM and it was full, but still worth it.