Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Istanbul
Turkish cuisine is one of the best in the world as it represents a fusion of other great cuisines like the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Balkan, Georgian and Armenian. While meat is a common part of a Turkish dish, the cuisine of Istanbul also includes various vegetarian dishes like the popular turlu (vegetable stews), eggplant dishes, stuffed dolmas with rice and mushrooms and tons of other vegetarian dishes to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
And with the amount of doner and kebab eateries, you'd be surprised at how many vegan and vegetarian restaurants you can find in Istanbul. Some restaurants like the Community Kitchen Restaurant even offer vegan workshops encouraging people to become vegan.
Shops and restaurants in Istanbul focused on plant-based food are growing by the day. The fusion of traditional Turkish dishes, where meat is replaced with vegan and gluten-free substitutes, is a new way to enjoy delicious dishes in all vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul.
Are you hungry after a day of shopping or an afternoon at a music festival? It's time to take a break! Before you start your search for the best vegetarian restaurants in the city, make sure to find Bounce luggage storage in Istanbul where you can leave your bags. This way you can savor great vegetarian food, knowing you can go back to your luggage anytime you want.
Vegan Istanbul
What it's like:
Not just a cafe, Vegan Istanbul is a full market located in the Beyoglu area at Firuzaga, Turkgucu road. If you are hungry this is definitely the right place to come, with no preset menu but a selection of choices, one to four dishes, that won’t cost much at all. The servings are generous and very tasty.
Our recommendation:
Breakfasts, pizzas, soup of the day, or a salad are good options but the mushroom & hummus black bean burrito is a must. This vegan restaurant is very popular with locals. Both vegans and non-vegans enjoy the friendly service and delicious food. Once you finish your meal you can do a little shopping for vegan cheese, herbal milk, and more. The place opens at 11 am every day except for Sundays and closes doors at 9 pm.
Location:
Firuzağa, Türkgücü Cd. No:51, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Vegan Community Kitchen
What it's like:
One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul is the Community Kitchen which can be found in the beautiful neighborhood of Fatih, near the famous Istiklal Avenue and just 0.2 miles from Galata Tower. Serving Middle Eastern and traditional Turkish dishes, this family-friendly spot is where vegan and vegetarian travelers often make a stop. Vegan Community Kitchen is open from 11 am until 9 pm every day except for Wednesdays.
Everything in the Community Kitchen is made from scratch by chef Oya, who changes the menu very often. This is the best place to taste one of the best vegan doners in the city, even better than the meat ones.
Our recommendation:
From manti (Turkish dumplings), seitan (wheat meat) and lahmacun (flatbread or Turkish pizza without the tomato sauce) to vegan desserts like homemade vegan baklava with hazelnut cream filling and chocolate lava cake, the Community Kitchen is the best place to stop by for scrumptious vegan and vegetarian meals. All of these delicious meals are served in big portions, so make sure to bring friends and family along.
Location:
Ayvansaray, Lavanta Sk. No:14, 34087 Fatih/İstanbu
Rulo Ezberbozan Lezzetler
What it's like:
Located in the Kadikoy area of Istanbul, 1.6 miles from Fenerbahce, the Rulo Ezberbozan Lezzetler is one of the best vegetarian friendly restaurants in Istanbul serving Turkish, Lebanese, and Mediterranean dishes. The place offers both hot and cold buffet options.
Our recommendation:
Part of the delicious dishes on the menu are a variety of Middle East flavors such as their famous falafels, lentil dishes, fresh salads, sauces, condiments and spice options. Our recommendation is a durum (Turkish wrap) full of vegan ingredients like lentil, bean, bulgur, corn, eggplant, potato, and various salads that costs no more than a $1!
There are only a few tables inside the restaurant, so when the place is full, they may ask you to sit at the Blue Pub across the way. Portions are generous and staff is super friendly. The Rulo Ezberbozan Lezzetler vegan restaurant opens every day from 11 am until 9 pm.
Location:
Caferağa, Nail Bey Sk. No:15, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Dukkan Galata
What it's like:
In just a 2-minute walk from Galata Tower (a good site to visit on a rainy day in Istanbul), you will find Dukkan Galata, a breakfast and brunch vegetarian restaurant serving European, International and Turkish food with vegetarian friendly, vegan and gluten free options. Avocado is the main ingredient served and cooked in different ways.
Our recommendation:
You can start your day with a hearty breakfast made of granola, toast and avocado omelet. Top it off with a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice. The combination of ginger, apple, lemon and cucumber is quite popular. If you are craving sugars, the pumpkin cheesecake and vegan brownie with blueberries will surely satisfy your appetite.
Though the restaurant gets busy, the service is fast enough. There is no need to book in advance. This great vegetarian restaurant is open every day from 8.30 am until 6.30 pm on weekdays and from 9 am until 7 pm on the weekends.
Location:
Tatar Beyi Sk. No:15/B, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Falafel Zone
What it's like:
A fantastic hidden gem, the Falafel Zone is a quaint restaurant run by the owner and his wife. Located at Istiklal Cad Ogut Sok 4, just off of Taksim Square, the Falafel Zone serves a full vegan menu that is so full of flavor that even the meat-eaters like it. The owner is very knowledgeable and keeps his place very clean to prevent any cross-contamination.
Our recommendation:
Enjoy a full vegan burger (including the bun), vegan cream and cocoa muffins, and fresh salads at a very reasonable price. But if you are going to a falafel place you need to get the falafel wrap. A crispy exterior with delicious homemade tahini and hummus makes the wrap the star of the menu. Grab a Turkish tea or coffee while you wait, or if you want an alcoholic beverage just head to the bar next door and the owner will bring the food to you. Opening times are every day from 10 am till 12 am.
Location:
Şehit Muhtar, Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi Öğüt Sokak, İstiklal Cd. No:4, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Healin Foods
What it's like:
Looking for some healthy food in Istanbul? Located near St. Regis hotel in Tesvikiye/Nisantasi the trendiest location in Istanbul, Healin Foods is a modern cafe/restaurant attracting vegetarian clientele from all around the world. They serve organic, raw, vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, and Turkish cuisine.
Our recommendation:
From green juices and ginger kombucha, hummus, and Thai Green Curry, to vegan burgers, vegan carrot cake and raw berry cheesecakes, this is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul so make sure to stop by. It is open every day from 8 am till 11.30 pm.
Location:
Teşvikiye, Hüsrev Gerede Cd. No:110, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Bi Nevi Deli
What it's like:
A modern vegan restaurant at Dilhayat Sokak in the Besiktas area of Istanbul, Bi Nevi Deli gives you Turkish cuisine with international twists. It is easy to see Mexican and Asian-influenced dishes like quesadillas, guacamole, and ramen bowls. It's a little pricier than other restaurants but the quality and flavors of the food are outstanding.
Our recommendation:
The owners Ozge and Chef Belkis believe in “plant power” and use seasonal vegetables and fresh fruits to create an innovative and delicious menu that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. Combine the relaxed and inviting atmosphere of the Bi Nevi Deli restaurant with the great food and you have one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul. Whatever you order, make sure to leave room for their highly recommended Toffee Tart.
Location:
Etiler, Dilhayat Sk. No:10/1, 34337 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Dubb Indian Restaurant
What it's like:
Indian restaurants in Istanbul are very common. One of the best restaurants in the city serving pure vegetarian Indian Cuisine is the Dubb Indian restaurant. Its location in Sultanahmet, a 4-minutes walk from Hagia Sophia makes it a regular spot for tourists looking for vegan and vegetarian dishes the Indian way.
Our recommendation:
There are tons of dishes on the menu for both meat-eaters and vegetarians prepared by a chef from New Delhi, India. Our recommendation is the Shabanam Curry, an Indian dish made of peas and mushroom flavored with Indian herbs, and Malai Kosta a combination of vegetarian kofta cooked in gravy.
The prices here are reasonable for the amount of food you get and the stunning views from the top floor. Expect to pay around $17 for a Vegetarian set menu made consisting of Tandoori vegetarian, vegetarian dish, lentil curry, plain yogurt, basmati rice, nan, and of course a vegetarian dessert. The Dubb Indian restaurant is open every day from noon until 10. 30 pm.
Location:
Alemdar, İncili Çavuş Sk. No:10, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
Yuzu Moda
What it's like:
Some think that if you are vegan you can’t enjoy sushi, but YUZU Moda proves you can. Owner Ayca Konuralp has brought the taste of Japan to Istanbul with a tasty selection of roasted pepper, cucumber, and tofu Maki to name a few. One of the best choices on the menu though is the trio of vegan meatball spinach bun, hot tempera roll, and vegan gyoza.
Our recommendation:
If you are not a lover of Japanese food, other great Asian dishes like pad Thai, glazed tofu and Thai coconut curry are other great options. Warm and inviting, this 100% vegan restaurant has made a splash in Istanbul with its creative take on what vegan food can be.
Location:
Caferağa, Şair Latifi Sk. No:41, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Vegan Masa
What it's like:
Out of the many vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul, the Vegan Masa is the most unique. The restaurant offers comfortable indoor seating with a good atmosphere and an outdoor seating area with a heater. You can find Vegan Masa on Turkali, Misirli Bahce Sk. 2.4 miles from Bebek Park in Besiktas. The prices are reasonable. The place opens every day from 10 am and stays open until 10.30 pm.
Our recommendation:
It is a 100% vegan restaurant offering traditional Turkish dishes like pide with vegan meat, or cheese and baked potatoes, fresh salads, lentil soup and lentil patties, mushroom pita, lahmacun, and the famous Turkish dessert, kadayıf which you should definitely go for.
Location:
Türkali, Mısırlı Bahçe Sk. No: 8/A, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
KEM KUM Egyptian Vegan Restaurant
What it's like:
Proving you don’t have to visit Egypt to get authentic Egyptian vegan food, Kem Kum is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. A wonderful restaurant right near the Mother Mary Catholic Church, it’s the perfect place to fill up after sightseeing.
Our recommendation:
We advise a nice mix of Egyptian and Mediterranean vegan dishes like Koshari (the Egyptian national dish), homemade soups, mousaka, and of course, falafels. As tasty as the main dishes are, it is their basbousa and coffee that diners rave about. Try this delicious semolina cake soaked in a sweet syrup that melts in your mouth, accompanied by a hearty Turkish coffee.
For those who don’t drink coffee, they have a nice selection of fresh fruit smoothies and teas. It is a tiny restaurant and mainly caters to take-out, but they also have a small outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the sun and food.
Location:
Caferağa Mahallesi Kılaptancı Sokak No1B, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Tasty vegan and vegetarian dishes in Istanbul
In the past few years, vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul have multiplied. It is not only doner kebabs and various meat dishes that you see in Istanbul restaurants today. While most restaurants have a small vegan and vegetarian selection on their menu, there are restaurants that have a completely vegan menu, packed with gluten-free vegan and vegetarian food from different regional cuisines.
If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, you will find a few restaurants that serve vegan friendly Indian recipes. You can even find vegan sushi in some Asian vegan restaurants. Whichever restaurant you choose from this list, rest assured you'll find tons of vegan and vegetarian options be it breakfast, lunch or dinner.
