Top Vegan Restaurants in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is one of the most unique tourist destinations one can find with a variety of landscapes packed to the brim with history and culture. When it comes to fine dining, Istanbul has some of the best restaurants that are popular throughout the world with a diverse cuisine, satisfying everyone’s taste buds.

Turkish cuisines may seem to be meaty at first gaze, bringing to your mind the kebabs available at every corner. However, that’s not quite the case. You may be surprised to find out that traditional Turkish cuisine commonly comprises vegan and vegetarian dishes. Vegan products and restaurants are sprouting throughout the magnificent city of Istanbul. Plant-based food along with mouth-watering vegan Turkish cuisine makes Istanbul a great place for vegans.

When we talk about vegan food in Istanbul, you can find vegan food almost at every corner of the city. Here are a few vegan restaurants in Istanbul you would definitely not want to miss on.

VEGAN COMMUNITY KITCHEN

If you plan to pay a visit to Istanbul and would like to explore a few vegan restaurants, community kitchen is the perfect place for fine dining. Situated on a side alley of the hustling and bustling Istiklal street, Vegan Community Kitchen offers some of the finest vegan options.

This extraordinary restaurant has extremely hospitable staff welcoming each guest, guiding you through their menu. This restaurant is popular for creating vegan versions of popular signature Turkish dishes such as kofte (meatballs made of minced meat), a variety of mouth-watering kebabs and a famous Turkish delight Baklava. This restaurant even bakes vegan brownies on a few occasions, allowing you to indulge in your favorite sweet treat without the guilt.

Along with fine cuisine, this place has an extremely amiable environment. If you are a vegan and absolutely want to experience how classic meaty Turkish cuisines tastes like, you should definitely visit this place.

VEGAN ISTANBUL

Situated right next to the lively and busy square of Cihangir, this family run restaurant offers the tastiest food at affordable prices. It offers delicious cuisine including stuffed egg plant, pastries, brownies, pies, cookies, Turkish pizza and tons of other delicacies.

If you really want to satisfy your taste buds and get a taste of non-vegan foods without actually having them, this should be your go-to place.

MESHUR CIGKOFTECI ALI USTA

Also located on the European side of Istanbul, this Turkish restaurant serves Turkish food made with fine quality ingredients – just what your mouth craves for. The specialty of this restaurant is everyone’s favorite, cig kofte.

Cig kofte (vegan version of meatballs) is the perfect dish for a light meal. Made with balls that are prepared using wheat, rice, and spices, served in a wrap with lettuce, parsley, pomegranate sauce and lemon juice, this dish is absolutely delicious. Although the dish is commonly available throughout Istanbul, this place is popular because of its extremely tasty food

Located near the extremely popular spice bazaar, this vegan restaurant is just the perfect place to grab a bite of delicious vegan Turkish food.

VEGA NARSIST

Based in the Nisantasi neighborhood, Vega Narsist is an extremely small, yet an extremely popular and astonishing restaurant. This tiny restaurant is more of a take-away restaurant. However, if you are someone really willing to dine in, you might find a compact seating area.

This restaurant aims to provide high-quality and tasty food to its customers, which it absolutely does. The specialty of this restaurant is that it transforms classic Turkish cuisine, into vegan cuisine. Just like the other restaurants, this restaurant specializes in a variety of dishes such as tofu wraps, spinach mushroom stuffed bread and an improvised vegan version of hamburger.

If you visit the Nisantasi neighborhood by any chance, be sure to give Vega Narsist a try!

MAHATMA CAFÉ

Mahatma Café is a lovely little vegan café and restaurant in Kadıköy. Here, the homemade Turkish food is delicious. Additionally, the restaurant also offers mouth-watering cakes and super tasty teas. They have a spicy soup called the Mahatma soup, that is a must try. The owner speaks good English and is very accommodating. The place is also open to cats who have their own little food and water bowls at the entrance.

This restaurant uses fine quality ingredients, ensuring that the guests have a remarkable experience. Along with delicious cuisine, this must try café has an amazing ambiance and is extremely hospitable, ensuring to make your experience worth remembering.

NO. 19 DINING

Located on the charming streets of Cihangir, this lovely restaurant does not have a fixed menu and never fails to cater the best dining experience to its customers. Customers are able to choose from a variety of appetizers, main-courses and Turkish delights.

Vegetarian Restaurant in Istanbul

With amazing cuisine, this place also has an outstanding ambiance and extremely friendly staff. If you want to have some of the best vegan dishes, this restaurant should be on your list.

Interesting in finding out what else you can do in Istanbul at different times of the year? Traveling to Istanbul with kids? Check out our Istanbul travel packages for awesome itineraries and fun-filled day tours!