Galata Ice Cream & Desserts brings the vibrant flavors and rich tradition of Turkish ice cream to both Long Beach and San Diego! With a grand vision to share this unique, playful treat across the West Coast, we’re proud to offer an unforgettable experience at both of our locations — and we’re just getting started.
Our first shop in Belmont Shore, Long Beach, is where it all began, and we’ve recently expanded to our flagship location in the lively Gaslamp District of sunny San Diego. No matter where you’re enjoying a special scoop, every visit to Galata is a journey into the delightful world of dondurma — Turkish ice cream like you’ve never experienced before.
At Galata Turkish Ice Cream, we don’t just serve ice cream; we offer a sensory experience. Our signature dondurma, made with salep flour from orchid roots, has a distinct, chewy texture and is remarkably resistant to melting, making it perfect for the playful tricks our servers are known for. Watch as our ice cream masters twist, flip, and toss your cone in the air, all while keeping you on your toes for a bit of fun and laughter.
With our 24 flavors to choose from — including classics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as unique options like mastic gum and fruit-inspired varieties — there’s something for everyone. We also offer dairy-free choices like black mulberry and blackberry, and traditional Turkish desserts like syrupy baklava and fragrant Turkish delight for the ultimate indulgence.
Designed with a unique blend of Turkish and European influences, our cafés feature pistachio-colored walls, colorful handmade decor, and a lively atmosphere that’s part Parisian patisserie, part Istanbul café. It’s a space where every detail invites you to relax, enjoy, and savor the moment.
Galata Ice Cream & Desserts is part of a vibrant Turkish business community, with our Long Beach location situated alongside our sister establishments, Galata Halal Restaurant & Grill and Istanbul Home. This family of businesses reflects our deep connections to Turkish culture and our commitment to sharing it with our guests.
Our team of ice cream servers brings years of experience from across the globe, having worked in countries like Qatar, Japan, and Kazakhstan. We’re passionate about offering not just a treat but an experience, and we invite you to join us at Galata to see why our ice cream is so special.
Incredible desserts. We are used to over-sugared American sweets and the natural ingredients they use (like plants) to sweeten their treats is remarkable. Plenty of people came through while we sat and ate - it’s a new and popular place. They cut however much of the Delight you’d like (you don’t need to buy a whole “loaf”), and the coffee is incredible in flavor and presentation. I’ll be going back! We enjoyed the hospitality of the gentleman behind the counter, and the decor of the place was inviting and unique.
Incredible desserts. We are used to over-sugared American sweets and the natural ingredients they use (like plants) to sweeten their treats is remarkable. Plenty of people came through while we sat and ate - it’s a new and popular place. They cut however much of the Delight you’d like (you don’t need to buy a whole “loaf”), and the coffee is incredible in flavor and presentation. I’ll be going back! We enjoyed the hospitality of the gentleman behind the counter, and the decor of the place was inviting and unique.
Incredible desserts. We are used to over-sugared American sweets and the natural ingredients they use (like plants) to sweeten their treats is remarkable. Plenty of people came through while we sat and ate - it’s a new and popular place. They cut however much of the Delight you’d like (you don’t need to buy a whole “loaf”), and the coffee is incredible in flavor and presentation. I’ll be going back! We enjoyed the hospitality of the gentleman behind the counter, and the decor of the place was inviting and unique.
Galata Ice Cream and Desserts, located at 5201 2nd St. in Belmont Shore, Long Beach, is a family-owned Turkish café celebrated for its authentic Dondurma—Turkish ice cream known for its stretchy and chewy texture.
