When you think of Istanbul, the first images that pop into your head might be of the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, or a tasty bite of a mouth-watering kebab. But this time, we’ll take a different route and go on an ice-cold journey through this city of culture, history, and gastronomy. Ready to explore the best ice cream spots in Istanbul?
1. Lillo Gelato
Lillo Gelato brings an authentic Italian ice cream experience to Istanbul. Their secret lies in using real fruits that let you taste the fruitiness at your first bite. The bitter sorbet and nectarine are among the favourites. Vegans also have delicious alternatives, including matcha and black seed. With four locations across Istanbul, Lillo Gelato makes quality ice cream accessible to all. One of the best ice cream spots in Istanbul.
- Caddebostan: Bağdat Cad. No:280, Kadıköy
- Metropol İstanbul: Ataşehir Bulvarı, Gazi Sokak, Ataşehir
- Pırlanta Göztepe: Fikirtepe, Bahtlı Sok. 46A, Kadıköy
- Aqua Florya: Yeşilköy Halkalı Cd. No: 93, Bakırköy
2. Serez Dondurmacısı
Serdar Kemahlı, who has been in the food industry since 1999, realized his childhood dream of making ice cream in 2010 and founded Serez Dondurmacısı. The caramel-salty flavour is legendary. Aside from the ice cream, they also make sorbets and salep, a traditional Turkish hot drink.
3. Vero Gelato
Vero Gelato offers handcrafted ice cream made with milk, salep, and real fruits, prepared following Italian and Turkish traditions. They have branches in Caddebostan, Moda, and Bostancı.
4. Gelateria Bonacci Bomonti, Sisli
Located in Bomonti, Gelateria Bonacci offers a variety of ice cream flavours, from pineapple to walnut, coffee, raspberry, and even lavender. Their desserts and coffee are equally well-known. It’s a must-visit spot when you’re in the area.
- Cumhuriyet, Silahşör Cd. No:53/A, 34360 Şişli
5. Meşhur Dondurmacı Ali Usta, Moda, Kadikoy
Serving in Moda, Ali Usta has been producing and selling ice cream for over 40 years. Despite some rumours about the taste changing over the years, Ali Usta is still one of the favourites, offering a variety of flavours for every palate.
- Caferağa, Moda Cd., 34710 Kadıköy
6. Girandola, Arnavutköy
Aslı Eraltan, the founder of Girandola, learned the art of making sugarless, Turkish flavour-infused gelato in Verona and Milan, Italy. They produce artisan gelato daily using high-quality ingredients. One of their popular features is their low-sugar content, allowing you to enjoy your ice cream guilt-free.
- Yeniköy: Köybaşı Cad., Arpacı Ali Sok. No:2, Sarıyer
- İstinyePark: İstinye Bayırı Cad., İstinye Park AVM Kat: -1, No:11, Sarıyer
7. Dondurmacı Yaşar Usta, Bostancı
Yaşar Çarlı learned the craft of making ice cream from his master Hıfzı Yorgun, later establishing his own business in Bostancı in 1962. Yusdo, one of the best in Turkey, secrets its success in fresh milk, carefully selected fruits, and natural ingredients.
- Cevdet Paşa Cd. No:52 D:54, Beşiktaş
8. Baylan, Bebek
Established in 1923, Baylan is the oldest patisserie in Istanbul. Aside from its iconic chocolate Truffle cake, its organic, additive-free, daily milk-based handmade ice creams are also legendary. You can take this unique ice cream experience home in special iced bags.
9. MUÀ
MUÀ embarked on a journey to introduce Istanbul to real Italian ice cream, carrying on the tradition of Florentine ice cream masters. Starting its journey in a small shop in Yeniköy, Muà now has 9 branches in Istanbul and one in Bursa. Their speciality is creating unforgettable flavours using fresh milk and regional fruits.
- Şaşkınbakkal: Bağdat Cad. No:349, Kadıköy
- Caddebostan: Bağdat Cad. No: 292/16, Kadıköy
- Yeniköy: Köybaşı Cad. 126/B, Sarıyer
- Akaretler: Şair Nedim Cad. No: 45, Beşiktaş
- Reşitpaşa: Kongre Cad. 20/A, Sarıyer
- Bebek: Cevdet Paşa Cad. No:43/C, Beşiktaş
10. Balkaymak, Moda
Balkaymak has been serving since 1979. They’ve maintained success through the quality of their ice cream, attractively served in a flower shape that’s a hit with children. Aside from ice cream, their waffles and baked potatoes are also worth a try.
- Ali Nihat Tarlan Cad. No:34/A Bostancı, Kadıköy
11. Damla Dondurma ve Boza, Kurtuluş
Damla Dondurma ve Boza, operated by brothers Ali and Fahri Tufan from Macedonia, make fresh ice cream daily with fresh milk from Sarıyer. The nostalgic atmosphere can take you on a trip back in time.
- Feriköy, Kurtuluş Cad. 110/A, Şişli
12. Kahve Dünyası, Various Locations
Famous for its coffee and desserts, Kahve Dünyası also conquers hearts with its ice creams. The secret of their ice cream lies in their home-style production that involves nourishing Jersey cow and goat milk, genuine salep powder derived from the roots of wild orchids grown in the mountainous regions of Anatolia, 100% real Altınmarka chocolate, fresh fruits and delicious nuts, and the absence of any artificial additives and dyes. Their myriad of options ranging from honey-almond ice cream to cherry ice cream will cater to a variety of taste preferences, making the offerings extra enticing.
13. Mini Dondurma, Bebek
A classic favorite, regulars of Mini Dondurma know the pleasure of getting their milk-scented, low-sugar ice cream and enjoying a stroll in Bebek. Their rose petal Turkish delight ice cream is a favorite among many of their acclaimed flavors. Adding friendly service to the quality taste makes standing the test of years easy for Mini Dondurma.
- Cevdet Paşa Cad. No: 38/A, Beşiktaş
14. Lu Gelato
A frequent stop for those living around Göktürk, Lu Gelato serves special ice creams using Belgian and French chocolates. They also have options for fruit ice cream lovers, with sorbets available in pineapple, strawberry, and melon flavors. You can also visit their branches in Erenköy and Kalamış.
Embarking on an ice cream adventure in Istanbul is a refreshing way to explore this culturally rich city. Every ice cream spot tells a different story, adding to the unique fabric of Istanbul. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start discovering the best ice cream spots Istanbul has to offer!