First and foremost my girlfriend and I were the couple who apparently took the last order from the girl who apparently "drove over an hour." My girlfriend has been raving about Backlava Story for months and we finally had free time to stop by and check them out. Before we entered, that girl who gave a bad review passed by the store, saw us extremely hyped and turned around to follow us in. If she drove over an hour, she would've called over the phone to have an order ready. So being petty and giving an establishment a 1 star review just because I bought trays for my family's birthday is just selfish and outrageous, especially when everyone enjoyed the free samples. As you walk in the smell of butter and baked goods filled the room. I immediately felt like a kid a gain. I'm also more of a savory person so Backlava Story really left an impression on me. The woman at the cash register was extremely nice, welcoming, and offered us and the two girls behind us free samples. As I tried the sample I realized I haven't had such a big smile from ear to ear in a long time, the flaky buttery crust, reminded me of what home felt like. The sweet walnuts were indulgent but not overly sweet.When we got home we finished our small tray so quickly that I wanted to move onto the medium tray so badly but had to wait for my brother's birthday the next day. When we tried the medium tray the next day as a family after dinner, both my brothers and his girlfriend loved it. It felt like the clock turned back 25years and we were all kids again enjoying our favorite sweet treats. Thank you so much for giving us an opportunity to taste and buy your amazing backlava we will be returning real soon! read more

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C'mon, warm sample of baklava to lure you in? And it works! $27.50 with tax for a tray of 12 baklavas. There is a 5% discount if you order online with the QR code, unfortunately I didn't see it until after I made the purchase. The neighborhood is very sketchy and in a very remote area of the city. Almost in a warehouse, auto mechanic area. The baklava's do keep very well after you bring them home. However, they didn't make it too long because they were eaten up by my companion. read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing spot Absolutely worth the trip to SOMA Took the bus here bc parking seemed tricky read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Simple shop where you can drop in and get freshly made baklava and try a free sample as well. The staff is always so welcoming. They serve pistachio or walnut baklava in various sizes, but the smallest tray will set you back $30. Everyone that's tried has consistently agreed that this is the best baklava you can get in the bay area. I also enjoyed the walnut a lot more than the pistachio because I found it less sweet. It's a great way to introduce people to baklava, but I can't eat too many because it's usually too sweet for me. read more

Baklavastory - Pistachio baklava - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Best Baklava in the city! It was a hit at my Christmas party and everyone loved it since it wasn't too sweet. Their pistachio one is my family's new fave! I ordered through Instagram DM and it was super easy (both ordering and pickup). Everyone was super sweet and I def will be getting more! I love how you can actually see into the kitchen and how delicious the store smells read more

Baklavastory - 35 piece pistachio baklava - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We're literally writing this review right in front of the baklava shop. This is our second time here, and this time we tried the walnut baklava. It's absolutely incredible. I actually liked the walnut one even more -- unbelievably light, crisp, and delicious. It's the kind of tray that's worth driving all the way from San Jose for. Huge compliments to the people who make it. Truly outstanding. Turkish approved! read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a truly small-batch production where every piece of baklava is handcrafted with care. A sweet--but not overly sweet--treat made with love. If you follow the owner on Instagram, you'll even see him travel all the way to Turkey to harvest his own pistachios. It doesn't get more authentic than that! As someone who works in hospitality, I've had the joy of receiving boxes of this baklava from the owner to share with our team. He's that thoughtful! TIP - do call and order ahead so you get the flavor you want! read more

Baklavastory - 10/10 - perfection!! - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I had bookmarked Baklavastory a long time ago and finally made it here after work one day. I was just looking to try the baklava myself but sadly they do not sell singles, only trays so I was a bit disappointed to find that out. The employee did not let me leave empty handed however. She gave me a sample of their two baklavas, pistachio and walnut and both were excellent. Tasted super fresh and both really let the nut shine. If you're strapped for time and looking for a gift to bring to a party or dinner this is the place. Baklavastory has gotchu baby! I was going to an overnight with friends at a vacation home and I knew this was my chance. I called Baklavastory to place an order and 20 minutes later my partner was able to pick up a tray for me. They only had walnut pistachio at the time so I didn't have to hem and haw over which one to pick of their two flavors. I love that the walnut baklava is chock full of walnuts. They definitely don't skimp on the nuts and the proportion of honey with nuts and that flaky pastry dough is *chef's kiss.* We had some of the leftover baklava with coffee the next morning and it HIT! I still think about it occasionally.  Do yourself a favor and find an occasion to buy some baklava to share with family and friends and try for yourself. read more

Baklavastory - Entrance - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I find an absolutely unbelievable that I have not left this place a review. I guess I am just reviewing the hitters today because every place is getting five stars for being absolutely the best thing in that category. Having been to Istanbul, my friend, and I had pretty high expectations when someone said this place was worth visiting. In addition, I'm not a big fan of sweets at all, so I honestly didn't think that I would eat more than one let alone any size tray whatsoever. The owner is such a sweetheart, as soon as you walk in you are immediately assaulted in the best way possible with a fresh baklava. He hand harvest the fresh pistachios from Turkey directly and walnuts from a specialty farm north of Sacramento and shares all the details with you. He makes them on the spot, but if you do have a big order, definitely order in advance. I literally have not tasted such flaky and phenomenally flavored baklava ever. Not even in Turkey. I think recently, the shipment of pistachios for this year has been held up, so only walnut is available, but I hope this changes in a few weeks! read more

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Yummy goodness!! I totally love the baklavas from here - tried both the pistachio and walnut ones. Both are fresh and good! They sell by the tray and not by pieces. I didn't know this when I visited the place for the first time. They were out of trays for the day and only had pre-orders. I came back again and this time I placed a phone order for a small tray of Walnut baklavas. They were hot and fresh from the oven when I picked them up. Advice to pre order in the morning since they run out pretty soon. I will keep coming back to this place whenever I am in SF city. read more

Best baklava I've ever had. A quality-obsessed, small business model with an ethic toward community (everyone who walks through the door gets one!). Make sure to order ahead! The pistachio baklava are my favorite. read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Absolutely delicious!!! Tasted so fresh and were moist. I wish the friend that gave them to me had given me a few more.

Popped in on a Saturday after running some errands. As soon as you walk in you see the entire operation working super hard and fresh trays of glistening baklava moving around the store. It's small but you can see just how much work goes into it! We were given big pieces of samples as soon as we walked in and they apologized multiple times for the wait but it was only about 10 mins before we got our order. I will warn you that if you think you might pop by for 1 piece you have to buy 12 minimum and you will definitely rely eat all of them. I liked the pistachio baklava a tiny bit better but these are genuinely pockets of joy that I will definitely be back for! There is no photo because I was too excited to eat them! read more

I rarely eat baklava, but really enjoyed the flakiness, decadent-ness, and texture of the pistachio sample that I tried. It was literally warm to the touch, a testament to how fresh all of their baklava is. I wish we could have the option of purchasing lower quantities, because it's quite heavy with a good amount of oil and sugar. I also thought prices were quite steep ($25 for a 12 piece tray)...I'm just thinking in comparison to a pineapple bun from Pineapple King or egg tart from Holy Nata read more

Baklavastory - Trays of baklava - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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What an amazing find! If you haven't been to baklavastory, I don't know what to tell you. This is by far the best baklava I have ever had. There was a customer inside who said he was from Turkey and this was better than any place he has ever been to. As soon as you walk in, you can smell the amazingness. They will give you a sample. They are super nice! I could've easily eaten 10 by myself. They have 2 flavors...pistachio and walnut. To me, I'm a bigger fan of the pistachio...but you still can't go wrong with either one. I was told to eat them upside down. Had no idea! And it made a difference... I cannot say enough about this place. Stop reading about it and go try it! Awesome local business with an excellent product. 5000 stars! read more

Best baklava I've ever tried! So decadent and flaky on the outside! I went on a Saturday and ordered this small tray and got very lucky as I only had to wait for 15min! They're very popular and sell all sizes of trays! Call/book in advance if ordering for a big party read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Popped in for some baklava and was able to try a piece of walnut baklava and pistachio baklava. It was fresh, warm, and so so good. It's a small place to walk in and no seating. The owner was warm and welcoming and so friendly. He also said the baklava is baked fresh all day every 20 minutes. It was a bit later in the day and was hoping to buy a single piece but can only buy trays. They were out of pistachio trays already so recommend to come earlier or order. I'll definitely be back and highly recommend. read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Did you know they import their pistachios from Turkey? But they get their walnuts in Nor Cal? My favorite one is their pistachio baklava. On 2 different occasions I had to get their walnut version because the pistachios wasn't available, something to do with being stuck at customs. I do appreciate them calling me a day before pick up to let me know though. Each time I bring their baklavas to gatherings, guests are hesitant to try it because they all believe it to be overly sweet which generally they are. But once I assured them they are not that sweet, they are hooked. read more

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2,000 / 5 stars, absolutely amazing and delicious and fabulous. Yes it's a dramatic review but I'm utterly in love. The best baklava I've ever had- their pistachio. (Granted, I have yet to try their walnut ones). Whatever pistachio nut they are using, they're are so fragrant and floral. It's crispy and sweet but not overly so. I had 6 in one sitting... had three more pieces the next day. Immediately shared a few with some friends and everyone was sold. Great for day to day enjoyment. Would be an amazing gift or house warming. Picnics, birthdays, for work, etc. Overall, unquestionably wonderful. read more

Baklavastory - Pistachio - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I needed to bring something to a potluck and this place showed up in my search. With no clear sign on their storefront, this place would've never popped up in my radar otherwise, but I'm so glad it did. When I walked in, I was immediately offered a sample of their baklava. It was warm, perfectly sweet, and crisp. Unfortunately I was looking forward to getting one of their pistachio baklava trays but the worker informed me they were out of pistachio since they get it imported from Turkey. My classmates loved the walnut baklava regardless! Can't wait to come back and try the pistachio. (tip: pair the baklava with a charcuterie board, especially cheese for a salty contrast) read more

Baklavastory - small walnut baklava tray ($25 at the time of purchase) - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

My friend shared his baklava from Baklavastory and let me tell you, these were hands down the best I've ever had. We've reheated them and they came out with a satisfying crunch. Their syrup was well rounded too. My friend said he decided to stop by because the line was out the door. These are defiantly worth the wait and the price. read more

As a baklava lover, and someone who has tried baklava in many countries, this is the best baklava I've ever had! I destroyed the small tray so fast that I only realized afterward I hadn't taken any pictures to post here. But hey, many more encounters with these cuties are on the way! I'll try to hold my horses before gulping them all down and will definitely make sure to add photos next time. I guess we can officially add America to the list of claimants, baklava is an American dessert now, baby! read more

Finally got to pick some up, and they were still warm. Authentic and super delicious! Love both flavors - walnut and pistachio. I called ahead and the gal was so helpful! Definitely worthwhile! read more

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Their baklava is always a hit at parties. Do call ahead to preorder especially on weekends. They have pistachio and walnut flavors but my favorite is pistachio. It's always warm when I pick them up but I prefer eating them cold. The pistachio is my favorite. The filo is so light and crispy and I love that it's not too sweet. They also give out a sample for each visit, so kind! read more

I'm so happy to have come across this gem. The quality of the baklava --especially the pistachio flavor, my favorite-- is exceptional. It's the best I've had outside of Turkey and easily one of the best I've had, including in Turkey. The employees are always incredibly friendly and kind, and they offer a sample every time you pick up an order. Pro tip: call ahead to reserve your batch on weekends! read more

came in around 445pm & they told us to come back right before closing at 6pm so we could pick up a minimum set of 12 baklava pieces for $25! note you should preorder as this place sells out in advance on the weekends typically. pickup was super easy. they also had free samples of the walnut flavor which were lovely & flakey. when picking up the pistachio flavor, it was still super hot & fresh out of the oven. definitely some of the best baklava ive had here in the bay area & the texture was wonderful, would recommend! read more

Baklavastory - Pistachio Baklava - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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omg literally just finished eating this. we got there around 4:15 and they said they were sold out, but we could preorder some and come back right at 6pm to pickup. We ordered a 12 piece and it was still warm when we got there at 6. ITS SO GOOD!! I could eat the whole pan of it read more

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First time trying baklava and this place sets the bar HIGH. Heard so many great things about the owner and did not hesitate to come to this spot to try their freshly made baklavas for myself. Ordered two trays of pistachio baklava ($25/tray) and received them straight out of the oven!! Be prepared for long waits and/or coming later on in the day until the lines die down, however you truly do not want to miss out on this gem. Can't wait to come back! read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Absolutely delicious! They only offer walnut and pistachio baklavas in trays of 12. For larger trays, I believe you have to preorder on their website or by phone. The baklavas are super crispy and the flavor is amazing. The walnut one is less sweet but the pistachio one has more of a nutty fragrance. The store is located in a convenient area with lots of street parking. The store itself is just a giant kitchen with a small counter to order and pay so don't expect to be coming here for a coffee chat or study day. read more

Baklavastory - Pistachio Baklava - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The best baklava you can find in the bay. You have to try this place! The owner is Turkish and super friendly. When you walk in, they immediately give you a sample to try! They serve pistachio and walnut flavors. Both are delicious. Note: when I tried to order pistachio on a Friday afternoon, they had run out! Be sure to call ahead to reserve. The boxes are made fresh to order. The price is around $27 per small tray (12 pieces) so it's not too cheap, but worth it. Crispy, thin layers, not too sweet, full of nuts. The workers are kind as well and greet you when you walk in. This is a grab and go type of spot. Love this place! read more

Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If you're even remotely a fan of baklava or Middle Eastern desserts, you MUST try Baklavastory! From the moment you walk in, the scent of honey, pistachios, and butter wraps around you like a warm hug. The display case is filled with gorgeous, golden pastries that are almost too pretty to eat -- almost. Each piece is clearly made with care, and you can taste the difference. The owner and staff are incredibly kind and generous with samples. You can tell they take real pride in what they do, and it shows in every bite. They're happy to explain what each pastry is if you're not familiar -- and trust me, you'll want to try everything. read more

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Best best baklava! Finally, a baklava maker who showcases the taste and delicate crisp of the filo dough and the flavors of the nuts (pistachio or walnut)...and not drown this amazing dessert is a ton of sugar syrup. The moment you walk in, you're engulfed by the buttery smell and a lively welcome. Samples were given and we walked out with 3 trays - walnuts and pistachios. Hands down this will be the place I will go back to as well as get for gifts. read more

Baklavastory - Perfection found at Baklavastory - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Baklava Story is hands down the best baklava I've had in the U.S. I came around 12pm on a Monday and I was able to pick up one pistachio and one walnut baklava. The freshness is unmatched -- every bite of the pistachio and walnut baklava was rich, flaky, and perfectly sweet. You can really taste and smell the quality of the imported ingredients. It honestly reminded me of the baklava I grew up with back home... maybe even better. Major kudos to the chef and the entire team for running such a top-notch operation. They are kind and patient and makes you feel welcomed. A true hidden gem in San Francisco! Bonus: It is Balkan/ Albanian mom approved. read more

Baklavastory - Pistachio baklava, walnut baklava - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The best baklava I've had and I've been to many places in Istanbul. Taste wise this was the best baklava

LIVED UP TO THE HYPE! I am from Dubai and can confirm Baklava story has the freshest pistachio, crispiest filo layer, and lightly sweet syrup. You can tell their ingredients are top quality and baked to perfection. Definitely recommend placing an order ahead on Instagram and showing up on time to collect your request as they get very very busy. It's also pricey at $27 for 12 pieces but worth it for a special occasion. I just wish they sold by the piece as well and expanded their menu with kunafa or shaabiyat/warbaat! read more

BEST BAKLAVA EVER?? The baklavas at Baklavastory redefined how a baklava should taste like for me. When you walk in, you immediately get a warm free sample, and you can't help but buy a whole tray after tasting. Only thing is that the smallest tray is 12 pieces, which is personally a lot to commit to... Would visit more often if there are smaller servings read more

Baklavastory - baklava - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

We arrived around noon on a Tuesday. So glad there wasn't a line. But I heard on weekends, they sell out! This is a pick up and go type of shop. Brightly lit so you can see trays of the baklava being made! The young lady at the counter was really nice offering samples of the walnut baklava. She also gave me a sample of the pistachio as well to compare. NO hype here. AMAZING, high quality baklava! Oh so flakey and nutty with a touch of sweetness! You can taste the love they put into this pastry. It's exquisite! As all the yelpers have said, this is a must try! And any baklava after this will pale in comparison. Minimum purchase is a box of 12. So I got 6 of the pistachio and 6 of the walnut. Total including tax was a little over $27. But totally worth it!!! I literally had to stop myself from eating the whole box! It's THAT GOOD!!! Great to share or as gifts! And if you're unable to finish them quickly, they're freezable! read more

Baklavastory - Walnut and pistachio - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Omg! This place is incredible! We got fresh baklava, right outta the oven! We bought a small tray because they were so delicious! read more

Baklavastory - Yummyville! - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The baklava here were very good. I tried the pistachio variety, and, like some of the other reviewers, I had a chance to chat with the owner about how he harvests them himself in Turkey. Very impressive. A tray of one dozen will set you back ~$27 after tax (in summer 2024), and this feels a bit steep to me. I think I would prefer the option to purchase them individually, or at least by the half dozen. I get why the owner sells them like this (as he'll passionately explain, they are all baked fresh, and splitting them out breaks the rhythm of the kitchen). While I appreciate the spirit and intent to preserve the "mom & pop" feel, you really have to be a committed to a full tray for either sharing or a special occasion at this price point. Also, while I appreciated the backstory of how the pistachios were harvested fresh and "young," practically I didn't taste much of a difference from your average pistachios you might find at the local nut shop or organic grocery store. Perhaps it's my palate, but I do feel like you'd need to be quite refined to taste the difference. That's not a knock, it's just my experience. The baklava themselves were very earthy and "nut forward" (not overly sweet), which i liked. And the ratio of crispy filo to tender filling was spot on. I am not running back since it takes me a bit to finish an entire tray, but I'll definitely return for a special occasion, or if they start selling smaller quantities. Also, be sure to try the walnut variety! I was able to sample that and it was equally delicious! read more

Baklavastory - Tray of one dozen pistachio baklava (only one size). $27 after tax. Earthy, and "nut forward." Very well executed. - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

A literal hidden gem that'll steal your heart (and taste buds). Tucked unassumingly inside a plain commercial building, Baklava Story is the definition of don't judge a book by its cover. Step inside, and you're instantly met with warm smiles by the staff--and better yet--a complimentary sample of their baklava that will absolutely blow your mind. I tried both the pistachio and walnut varieties, and let me tell you: one bite and I was floating. We're talking golden, flaky layers that melt in your mouth, kissed with a whisper of syrup that's just the right amount of sweet. It's buttery. It's warm. It's pure, unfiltered bliss. The kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every second. They offer trays of 12 or 35--and honestly, once you taste it, you'll wish you bought double. Every piece is handcrafted with love, using insanely fresh, high-quality ingredients that you can taste in every bite. This spot is a treasure. Easy to miss if you're not looking, but unforgettable once you've found it. Do yourself a favor: go, indulge, and thank me later. read more

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