Hafız Mustafa 1864 Nişantaşı — Restaurant in Şişli

When you think about baklava and Istanbul you almost immediately think about Hafiz Mustafa, however in my opinion their Baklava is inferior to other top end Baklava makers.

The other day I tried a cheese kunafa here and the cheese was still almost completely solid and the taste wasn’t that good, on that occasion even the tea was actually bad. Before that I had a selection of Baklava at another branch and they were not tasty at all.

I tried Hafiz Mustafa and time and time again I was proven that their baklava was only suitable for a person who feels some nostalgia to Turkey and just a want a little reminder of what it is like but if you put it in a competition against other baklava makers they would have one of the last positions.

However on this visit to Turkey I lived just next to this branch and decided to give their cakes a try. Yes they are covered in sweet syrup and gelatine on top to ensure maximum longevity but almost any cake I tried tasted great. Their trilece is fantastic and the mixed berry cake brought some nostalgic memories of supermarket bought trifles I had in the UK despite it having no custard!

They have a wide selction of well made products like chocolates, lokum, cakes, gifts and souvenirs. They are all great for consumption on site or to take home overseas. Another good thing about this place is that it stays open until late. So it is a place to gather with friends and stay late in the area without...

Stepping into Hafız Mustafa 1864 in Nişantaşı feels like entering a temple of tradition, flavor, and hospitality. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by a warm, courteous staff whose genuine kindness elevates the entire experience. Their attentiveness and charm make you feel more like a guest than a customer.

Baklava & Pastries Beyond Compare The quality of the baklava is simply outstanding—flaky, golden layers of perfection, generously filled with pistachios or walnuts, and delicately soaked in syrup that strikes the ideal balance between sweet and aromatic. Every pastry, from the classic künefe to the creamy sütlaç, is a masterclass in Turkish dessert craftsmanship.

Tea & Treats, the Perfect Pairing If you choose to sit in, you're in for a treat. Their tea service is impeccable—fragrant, strong, and served piping hot, perfectly complementing the rich variety of sweets. It’s a moment of indulgence that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Take a Taste of Turkey Home Whether you're a local or a visitor, Hafız Mustafa is the go-to destination for traditional Turkish sweets to take home. Their packaging is elegant and travel-friendly, making it an ideal gift—or a personal stash of joy.

Highly Recommended This isn’t just a pastry shop—it’s a cultural experience wrapped in sugar and sincerity. Hafız Mustafa 1864 Nişantaşı is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality, tradition, and...

At first glance, the location and the interior are beautifully designed – truly impressive. The taste was excellent as well. I had a perfect experience yesterday: great service and I even took something to go. Service, friendliness, everything was a 10/10.

However, today at lunchtime I wanted to return and dine in – and it was a complete disappointment. Apparently, the good service is only temporary. No solution was offered either.

I ordered water, a coffee, and a dessert. The dessert understandably takes a bit longer, but at 31°C and humid weather, it’s absolutely reasonable to expect not to wait 15 minutes or more for just water and coffee. When I got up to express my concern, explaining that I had already been waiting a while, I was told, “It will be brought with the dessert.” But in such heat, it would have been common sense to at least ask or offer water earlier.

I was truly disappointed – I felt I was treated inadequately, especially after the extremely attentive and friendly experience the evening before. From outstanding to insignificant.

Realistically, 2 stars. They could have easily kept me as a satisfied returning guest. But they should at least be able to understand how unreasonable it is to make someone wait over 10 minutes for a drink in...