ChocoMyth Brings Turkish Chocolate Trend to Barrhaven with Late-Night Dessert Lounge
When Mustafa Yeniceri and Tarik Kartal surveyed Ottawa's culinary landscape, they identified a significant gap in the market. The city, they believed, lacked an inviting venue where young people could unwind late into the night while enjoying premium sweets and non-alcoholic beverages. This realization sparked the creation of ChocoMyth, a unique dessert and coffee shop that opened its doors in Barrhaven in late January 2026.
A Vision for Youthful Socializing
Yeniceri, 25, and Kartal, 22, specifically designed their establishment to cater to their peers, including Muslims and others embracing sobriety, who seek appealing hangout spots beyond traditional bars. "There's not a lot of coffee and chocolate places. That's why we decided to open in Ottawa," explains Yeniceri, who relocated from Toronto to launch the business. They chose Barrhaven due to its perceived underservice, aiming to fill a niche with their innovative concept.
Decadent Turkish-Inspired Desserts
At the heart of ChocoMyth's offerings are upscale desserts that blend Turkish influences with generous portions of Belgian chocolate. The menu features indulgent creations perfect for sharing, including:
- Pistachio Antepia ($17.99): A vividly green, multi-layered cylinder alternating fluffy pistachio cake and rich cream, finished with a pour of milk chocolate and pistachio scattering.
- San Sebastian Cheesecake ($16.99): A Basque-style dessert distinguished by a molten milk chocolate blanket, adding a signature twist.
- Keşkül ($11.99): A mildly sweet milk pudding with ground almonds, topped with strawberries and almonds for a lighter option.
Unique Beverages and Ambiance
Beyond desserts, ChocoMyth serves an array of distinctive drinks. Patrons can opt for dibek ($4.50), a spiced Turkish coffee, or sahlep ($6.99), a hot, creamy beverage made from powdered orchid roots and milk, dusted with cinnamon. The shop's ambiance is equally captivating, featuring a long, narrow space with Moroccan-inspired walls adorned with decorative ceramic items, creating an ideal backdrop for social media photos.
Inspired by Turkish Trends
Yeniceri, who serves as the chef despite no formal culinary training, draws inspiration from a growing trend in his homeland. "In Turkey, there's a trend. Lots of places like this, chocolate and coffee," he notes. His experience working in a Turkish chocolate shop during the COVID-19 pandemic informs the menu, combining Turkish desserts with Belgian chocolate—a fusion unique to Ottawa. The result is a cozy, late-night destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for dessert enthusiasts and socializers alike.
