We came to learn about this place because Çağla was called over to help us next door as we were rug shopping. She speaks perfect English, and since our Turkish is still not perfect, she came over and helped out; she was so lovely, helpful, and kind… that should tell you something already about her kindness and hospitality. After we finished buying our rug; Çağla invited us next door to their patisserie.
She had already been so kind to us, but now that we were at her place, she and her husband Erdoğan really went above and beyond in making our visit amazing. They tended to us hand and foot, and provided exceptional service; but the winner of the night was their baklava cheesecake. Erdoğan is a patisserie chef, and makes some amazing pastries. The perfect mix of crispy beautifully laminated patisserie dough, pistachios, and creamy cheesecake in the middle, made this one of the best cheesecakes my wife and I have had in our travels.
Fast forward a couple weeks, and we had some friends visiting from America, and we simply had to share this amazing cheesecake with them, so we contacted Çağla, to ask if we could buy an entire cheesecake to feed all of us. She quickly replied and made one available for us to pick up around 6pm that same evening (If that’s not service, then I don’t know what is!) Again, it was absolutely delicious and my family loved it so much, they’re talking about ordering another already.
I can go on and on about Kurkubinya, but I’ll leave it at this. Please go in, please support local little shops like this. Please go in and enjoy the amazing hospitality of the local Turkish community, you won’t be disappointed.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
₺40–60
We found this place by accident trying to escape the brutal mid-day heat in Ayvalik and I am very very happy we did. The owners are wonderful, warm, and kind people, and their pastries are some of the best I have ever tasted in my life.
I will be thinking of the melon ice cream I tried until I make my way back to Ayvalik.
To the owners: Thank you for your hospitality, the wonderful service, and the delicious sweets you served us, you'll be the first place we visit next time we're in Ayvalik ❤️
