Laduree
In business since the late 19th century, Laduree is a historic patisserie opened by Louis Ernest Laduree, a French miller, at a period when Paris was taken over by an effervescent and buzzing atmosphere. It brings a Parisian touch to Istanbul and has two branches in the city, one in the fashionable İstinye Mall and the other is at Akasya Mall on the Asian side. The internationally known location combines the style of Parisian cafes and the delicacies of French patisserie. Almost all Laduree cafes have pastel-colored boutique decor, and you should head there for its macarons, which are probably some of the best in the city. Among the myriad of flavor choices from caramel to strawberry and chocolate to raspberry, the macarons are also a perfect gift choice. To indulge in style, fine teas and coffees in elegant cups and cold drinks are available at the menu. The prices are a little bit high, but it is worth trying at least once.
Recommended dessert: Macarons, of course.
La vie en Rose
Why not remember iconic French singer Edith Piaf, if only for day, in one of the French style cafes in Istanbul? Designed to embrace and share the French art of living, La vie en Rose is where guests can find artisan foods and desserts or chill on a summer evening with instrumental music. The patisserie bistro's favorites are banana, Oreo and peanut butter puddings. Another best-seller is Tart Mont Blanc. Decorated in pink, La Vie En Rose also offers some of the best lemonades in town. It is located in Yeniköy, a fancy coastal neighborhood on the city's European side.
Recommended dessert: Banana pudding
Ma Jolie
Located in Beykoz on the Asian side, Ma Jolie is a colorful pastry shop which offers all sorts of exquisite cakes, chocolates, macaroons and other pastries. Ma Jolie uses only the original Belgian Callebaut Chocolate, the pioneer chocolatier since 1850, the finest of in terms of seed quality and amount of cocoa. Zesty, crunchy cookies, fluffy cupcakes and chocolates with a variety of flavors like Turkish coffee, roasted pistachio, coconut or Earl Grey tea are served warm and fresh to guests along with cheesecakes and tarts. With its light blue decor, the boutique patisserie makes guests feel as if they were in a small Paris shop.
Recommended dessert: Cupcakes
Patisserie de Pera
Serving guests over a long history of more than 120 years inside Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, a historic hotel overlooking the Golden Horn in Beyoğlu, Patisserie de Pera had a makeover a year ago and reopened with a new Art Nouveau design by British architect Anouska Hempel, largely known as the "Queen of Design." With a soft spot for everything French, the patisserie's design preserves the place's nostalgia with crystal tea cups, fine silverware, porcelain plates and lacework napkins. Strawberry and vanilla macarons, homemade chocolate, éclairs with different flavors, opera cake, Paris-Brest, a French dessert, made of choux pastry and a praline flavored cream, and brie cheesecake are some of the patisserie's specialties. Guests can enjoy an elegant afternoon bite under extravagant crystal chandeliers there. The historic hotel has a storied guest list, including Mata Hari, Josephine Baker, Edward VIII, Agatha Christie and Sarah Bernhardt, among others.
Recommended dessert: Paris-Brest
La Patisserie Lune
Stylish interior design can make a place more appetizing for customers. La Patisserie Lune, the Parisian-style patisserie in the city's upmarket Nişantaşı neighborhood, is operated by an experienced chef specializing in baked goods. Mostly serving French cuisine, the boutique patisserie also makes a fusion of Turkish and European flavors. The patisserie's backyard has a cozy place to have coffee with friends anytime. What you should try there are freshly-baked cupcakes, éclairs and macaroons. La Patisserie Lune's menu also includes breakfast options, salads, and sandwiches. Customers can pick their favorite tea leaves among little boxes and have a tea time menu in elegant tea cups.
Recommended dessert: Strawberry pie
