IZ Café: Your next favourite spot in Gulshan 2

For Ishrat Zisan, cafés were always more than just places to grab a cup of coffee.

Growing up, she found herself drawn to the aroma of freshly brewed beans, and the quiet corners of coffee shops that became her go-to escapes. Especially as a university student, cafés offered her a retreat; a space to breathe, study, and think.

But over time, Zisan began to notice a gap. While the number of cafés in Dhaka was steadily growing, very few of them were designed with comfort in mind. "Most coffee shops back then did not have seating where you could relax or work for long hours," she said. 

This observation lingered with her for years, and it slowly evolved into something bigger, a dream to create a space that prioritised both good coffee and a good experience.

Combining her love for coffee with a passion for interior design, Zisan brought IZ Café to life. The café first opened its doors in Mirpur on 17 March 2023. Designed in a cosy lounge-style layout, IZ was built to feel like a second home for anyone walking in.

"Now, lounge-style setups are more common in cafés. But back before 2022, this kind of layout was mostly seen in restaurants, not coffee shops," she recalled.

Instead of trying to fill the place with as many tables as possible, she chose to keep fewer seating arrangements, making each spot spacious and thoughtfully planned. Her goal was to make sure her guests could truly unwind after a long day at work or during a quick break between errands.

In a city already crowded with coffee shops, opening another café may have seemed like a bold move. But for Zisan, it was more about offering something that combined both quality and comfort under one roof.

Interior played a major role in shaping IZ's identity. She knew that in today's world, cafés are often the backdrop of hangouts, celebrations and also photos. So she wanted the interiors to feel inviting.

"People love taking pictures during their café visits now, and I wanted to give them a space where the memories would be worth capturing," she said with a smile.

Back in Mirpur, one of the café's earliest highlights was its range of croissants; a rare offering in the area at the time. IZ introduced different types of croissants that were not commonly found in neighbourhood cafés, quickly becoming a hit among regulars.

Over time, the menu expanded. With constant feedback from guests, Zisan added a variety of new desserts, along with proper meal options. From hearty pastas and fish and chips to soups and seafood dishes, the idea was to cater to people on the go; those looking for both a good coffee and a fulfilling meal without having to jump from café to restaurant.

On 18 October, 2024, IZ Patisserie and Café opened a second outlet in Gulshan 2, bringing the same blend of warmth, aesthetics, and quality to a new neighbourhood.

Of course, with quality comes cost. When asked about the café's higher price point, Zisan explained that many of the ingredients used are imported. "For example, the matcha powder we use comes directly from Japan," she said. "So instead of justifying the price, I leave it to our guests. They are the best judges of whether the experience and the quality match what they are paying for."

Brazilian Lemonade

A refreshing drink made with fresh lime juice and a bit of condensed milk, giving it a creamy twist. The tangy lime balances perfectly with the light sweetness, so it does not feel too sharp or too sugary.

Its smooth, milky texture makes each sip feel cool and comforting; perfect for beating the heat.

Price: Tk452

Iced strawberry matcha latte

A smooth, refreshing drink with the perfect balance of sweet strawberry and earthy matcha. Quite mellow and calming in my opinion. The milk makes it creamy without feeling heavy, and does not overpower the matcha. It is a great pick if you find pure matcha too intense or just want something fruity with an earthy note.

Price: Tk652

Mac and cheese with salad top

A creamy, cheesy delight made with a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, all blended into a rich béchamel sauce.

The three cheeses give it a rich, satisfying flavour that feels comforting, making it perfect for cheese lovers. It is served with a fresh house salad of arugula and cherry tomatoes, adding a nice, light crunch to it. Though the portion looks small at first, the ingredients make it filling enough for one person.

Price: Tk1028

Seafood aglio olio

The dish includes fresh shrimp and calamari, adding a delicate seafood touch, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a subtle sweetness. The spaghetti is cooked al dente and gently tossed with garlic and extra virgin olive oil, creating a light base. A finishing sprinkle of parmesan cheese enhances the overall taste without overpowering the flavours, making it a well-rounded option for seafood lovers.

Price: Tk1028

Coconut cold brew

Price: Tk404

Petit gateuax cold cheese cake

The term petit gâteau is French for "small cake." This chilled version features a smooth, creamy cheese layer over a soft biscuit base, offering a light yet rich taste. The cold serving makes it especially refreshing, perfect for warmer days.

It is mildly sweet with a subtle tang, making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy. A good choice for anyone who enjoys cheesecake but prefers a smaller portion.

Price: Tk738

Cashewnut caramel tart

A unique addition to the dessert menu and not something you often find in cafés around Dhaka. It features a crisp, buttery tart base filled with smooth caramel and topped with roasted cashews for a satisfying crunch.

The sweetness is rich but balanced, making each bite feel indulgent without being too much. After the cold cheesecake, this easily stood out as the next best dessert on the menu. A perfect pick for those who enjoy nutty, caramel-based treats with a bit of texture.

Price: Tk395