While the name Baylan may be synonymous with desserts, this could soon change with the opening of Baylan restaurant in Bebek. Baylan opened the second branch of its famous Kadıköy patisserie in the tony Bebek neighborhood in 2009 and now has expanded this into a three-story restaurant, with a patisserie and bar that is perfect for after work drinks.

The menu was designed with the consultation of French three Michelin stared chef Alain Ducasse, thereby setting some pretty high expectations. The menu is not extensive, instead focusing on a select number of dishes, which are well-prepared.  A number of items on the menu are cooked using the “sous vide” method in which the food is sealed in an air-tight bag and cooked immersed in water for long periods at relatively low temperatures. This cooking method creates a particularly tender consistency as evidenced by two popular dishes, the Monkfish Pêcheur and T-bone steak. The menu also features a number of tasty gourmet sandwiches such as the Lobster Double Decker served with truffle mayonnaise, and the Bruschetta Florentine, with sautéed spinach and quails egg. There is also a noteworthy wine list, with a nice selection of both Turkish and international wines.

On any visit to Baylan it’s almost compulsory to end your meal with one of their desserts, such as the legendary Kup Griye, an indulgent combination of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with pistachios. But their other desserts, which are classic European in style, are also well worth a try.

Baylan’s interior is rich and tasteful with lots of dark wood, cream colored linens and marble floors in a herringbone design, with a wonderful view over the Bosphorus. Particular attention has been paid to the table setting, with fine linen table cloths, Limoges china and silver flatware, as well as beautiful double walled glasses. Baylan can rightfully be called an Istanbul classic, and with this restaurant it has been reinvented to be enjoyed by a new generation. Baylan Patisserie; Cevdet Paşa Caddesi No.52-54 Bebek; P: (0212) 358 07 60