Welcome to Oklava Cafe
Oklava Cafe is a delightful haven in Palo Alto, where the rich traditions of Turkish dessert culture come alive. Our story centers on a passion for crafting authentic delicacies, from flaky baklava layered with crushed pistachios to sumptuous desserts like kataifi and tres leches. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, enhanced by our warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service. Our cafe aims to be more than just a dining experience; it’s a celebration of Turkish hospitality that invites guests to savor every moment, whether indulging in a traditional breakfast or sipping on aromatic Turkish coffee. Come, experience our passion, and create delicious memories.
- 205 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Hotline: (650) 561-4898
Welcome to Oklava Cafe, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, where the rich heritage of Turkish cuisine takes center stage. Located at 205 University Ave, this charming cafe specializes in delectable desserts, particularly its renowned baklava, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.
Step inside, and you'll be enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere that beautifully marries modern elegance with traditional Turkish charm. The tastefully decorated interior features vibrant colors and intricate designs, creating a perfect setting for a delightful culinary experience.
Oklava Cafe's menu is a celebration of authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. The star attractions are surely the array of baklava options, each crafted with precision and bursting with flavor. From the Palace Baklava filled with rich pistachios to the unique Shobiyet with clotted cream, every piece tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Priced affordably, you can savor the Harem Baklava for just $2.20 or indulge in the luxurious Carrot Slice with Walnut for $9.60.
- Baklava: Highlighting various styles, from classic triangle shapes to the indulgent Roll with Pistachio, every bite offers a harmonious blend of flaky pastry and sweet syrup.
- Kataifi: This dish showcases shredded dough layered with crushed pistachios, enveloped in syrup for a delightful crunch.
- Milky Specials: Cool, refreshing desserts like Cold Milky with Pistachio provide a unique experience for those with a sweet tooth.
But Oklava Cafe offers more than just desserts; it’s known for its authentic Turkish breakfast, praised by many diners. Paralleling the sweet offerings is a range of savory dishes that include various breads, stuffed with flavorful fillings. Reviews commend the Turkish Coffee as a perfect way to begin your day, equally smooth and aromatic, enhancing your meal’s authenticity.
Diners rave about the friendly and attentive service, with staff members often highlighted for their genuine warmth and willingness to offer recommendations. Whether it's a casual brunch or a special occasion, the ambiance and service combine to create an exceptional dining experience.
Despite its bustling popularity, Oklava Cafe’s charm is in its lively atmosphere. Customers frequently mention its ability to transport you right to Turkey, making every meal feel like a special celebration. The combination of high-quality ingredients, reasonable prices, and unforgettable desserts creates a value that’s hard to beat.
In conclusion, if you're in Palo Alto and searching for a taste of Turkey, Oklava Cafe should be at the top of your list. Its delightful offerings and inviting atmosphere promise a memorable meal, whether you’re indulging in pastries or enjoying a hearty breakfast. Don’t miss out on experiencing the flavors of Turkey — your palate will thank you!

We always come to Oklava for an authentic Turkish breakfast experience, and every time, it's nothing short of amazing. In my opinion, this is hands down the best breakfast you'll ever have. From perfectly cooked eggs to a rich variety of olives, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and all the healthy goodness that makes Turkish breakfast so special--it's all here and done right. The coffee is also incredible--smooth, flavorful, and just what you need to start your day. The staff is top-notch: friendly, attentive, and always making you feel at home. A special shoutout to the manager, who is truly outstanding. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers and goes above and beyond to ensure everyone has a great experience. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for delicious food, great service, and authentic vibes

I came here when a friend in a Friday night and the place was bustling We didn't know what to order so my friend just told the worker "give me your top pics!" We ended up with the following: Palace baklava with pistachio: this was our favorite of the four items. Super flaky layers. Burma kadayif: looks like intricate layers of a bird nest, enveloping honey sweet layers. A bit on the sweet side and very dense. We also got a dessert that had walnuts in it but was a bit on the heavy side because of the nuts and a green topped one known as kataifi. Both of these were okay but I'd go back to try the different kinds of baklava and the savory breads, which looked yummy as well. Really friendly staff that you can tell put a lot of heart into their food! Parking is tough on weekends and I circled worked for 20 minutes before finding a spot in a parking lot on Ramona.

If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit spot. This charming café specializes in baklava delicacies, cakes, and a wide array of pastries, alongside a rich selection of coffee. The desserts are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, making it a paradise for anyone who enjoys indulgent treats. We tried the kunefeh, chocolate cake and pistachio baklavas. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a lively buzz that adds to its charm. However, the seating arrangement is a bit cramped, and during peak hours, it can feel a little too crowded for a relaxed experience. If you don't mind the hustle and bustle, though, the quality of the food more than makes up for it.

I stopped by for some savory pastries/bread as I was in the area. I ordered a few different varieties - the sesame, the cheese, and the olive. I don't think I've ever had Turkish bread before, but have had various baklava and desserts. My favorite out of the bunch was the olive stuff bread. I heated it up at home and it had a nice olive mix inside. I will be back to try some other breads!

Really cute cafe. You can catch up with friends or work on your laptop there or go on your own. They have pastries, desserts, tea, and more. I got a three cheese pastry that was quite crispy and flaky which I enjoyed. My friend got a platter version which looked cute so I might try that or a dessert next time.

Oklava Cafe provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that beautifully combines modern elegance with traditional Turkish charm. The interior is tastefully decorated with vibrant colors, cozy seating, and intricate Turkish designs, creating a delightful and comfortable dining environment. The soft lighting and ambient music further enhance the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. Parking can always get tricky around that area and we chose a parking lot which was about a 5-10 minute walk from the cafe. Food: The food at Oklava Cafe is nothing short of exceptional. Specializing in authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, the menu offers a wide variety of flavorful dishes. The mezze platter is a standout, featuring a selection of delicious appetizers like hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves. The lamb kebabs and chicken shawarma are tender, juicy, and perfectly spiced. The pide (Turkish flatbread) is another highlight, with a variety of toppings to choose from. For dessert, the baklava is a must-try, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Every dish is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience. We ordered a Turkish breakfast (double) with coffee (Turkish Coffee) and to warp it up we got a Pistachio Kataifi , Pistachio Baklava and a King Shobiyet. Absolutley amazing an we definitely took our time to relish and enjoy every morsel from the order :). The deserts with the coffee were beyond good and absolutley well balanced. The sweet element never overpowered the taste and the pistachios added a fine balance to the overall. Service: The service at Oklava Cafe is exemplary. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are always ready to offer recommendations and ensure that diners have everything they need. The service is prompt and efficient, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable. The genuine hospitality and warmth of the staff add a personal touch that enhances the overall experience. Shoutout to Gizem who was our server and definitely made our epxerience exceptional. Drinks: Oklava Cafe offers a diverse selection of drinks, including traditional Turkish beverages like ayran (a yogurt-based drink) and Turkish tea and coffee. The drink menu also features a variety of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The Turkish coffee is particularly noteworthy, providing a rich and aromatic finish to the meal. The drink offerings complement the food perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. Value: Given the high quality of the food, the generous portions, and the excellent service, Oklava Cafe offers great value for money. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the authenticity and richness of the cuisine. It's an ideal place for those looking to enjoy a satisfying and memorable meal without breaking the bank. Oklava Cafe in Palo Alto is a gem for lovers of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of delicious, authentic food, a warm and inviting ambiance, and outstanding service makes it a top choice for dining in the area. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a leisurely meal, or a special celebration, Oklava Cafe delivers an exceptional dining experience and it's a must-visit for anyone in Palo Alto looking to enjoy a taste of Turkish hospitality and cuisine.

Loved the Turkish breakfast! Also ordered Turkish coffee to go with. All the dishes was really fresh and complemented each other, and the simit was soft and served warm. My favorite was the clotted cream and honey and veggies. The coffee is served with sparking water and a Turkish delight so you can cleanse your palette and cut the bitterness with some sweetness :) Vibes are cute too! The natural light is awesome. I would come back to try other baked goods and get the breakfast again.

We had such a good Time here for a lazy Sunday brunch. First of all, the coffee and matcha latte is great. We also taste the tea served in fancy glassware. Also I really love the pastry. Anything with pistachios won't go wrong Super recommend the traditional breakfast for two. Love the bread and all the butter/cheese combinations There are not a lot savory choices. Most pastries are sweet Plus: the Instagram photo came out super nice !! The entire presentation is stylish, vibe is great for a tea time chat with friends