The Best Vegan Restaurants in Istanbul

If you’re a vegan and planning a trip to Istanbul, you’re in luck! Istanbul is a city that has a lot to offer in terms of vegan cuisine. With its bustling street markets, vibrant neighborhoods, and innovative chefs, Istanbul is a vegan’s paradise. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best vegan restaurants in Istanbul that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Why Istanbul Is a Great Destination for Vegans

From traditional Turkish meze to street food, there is a lot of variety in Istanbul’s vegan cuisine. With the rise of plant-based eating, more and more restaurants in Istanbul are catering to vegans. Istanbul has a rich culture and a long history of plant-based eating, as many traditional Turkish dishes are vegetarian or vegan.

1. Zencefil

🌱 Zencefil is a popular vegan restaurant located in the trendy neighborhood of Beyoglu. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes vegan kebabs, meze, and salads. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

2. Lokma

🌱 Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, Lokma is a vegan restaurant that specializes in Turkish street food. The menu includes vegan versions of traditional Turkish dishes like borek, pide, and manti. The restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere, and the staff is knowledgeable about veganism.

3. Yemekhane

🌱 Yemekhane is a vegan restaurant located in the historic neighborhood of Kadikoy. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The menu includes vegan meze, soups, and stews. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

4. Vegan Dükkan

🌱 Vegan Dükkan is a vegan grocery store and restaurant located in the neighborhood of Kadikoy. The restaurant serves vegan versions of traditional Turkish dishes like lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves, and pide. The grocery store sells a variety of vegan products, including vegan cheese, meat substitutes, and snacks.

5. Kafe Naftalin

🌱 Kafe Naftalin is a vegan restaurant located in the neighborhood of Cihangir. The restaurant serves a variety of vegan dishes that are inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes vegan meze, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

6. Mahatma Cafe

🌱 Mahatma Cafe is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Besiktas. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The menu includes vegan curries, meze, and salads. The restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

7. Fiko Cafe

🌱 Fiko Cafe is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Kadikoy. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes vegan meze, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

8. Aşşk Cafe

🌱 Aşşk Cafe is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Cihangir. The restaurant serves a variety of vegan dishes that are inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes vegan meze, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

9. Gönül Kahvesi

🌱 Gönül Kahvesi is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Kadikoy. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes vegan meze, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

10. Lezizeli

🌱 Lezizeli is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Beyoglu. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes vegan meze, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

11. Dükkan Burger

🌱 Dükkan Burger is a vegan burger restaurant located in the neighborhood of Kadikoy. The restaurant serves a variety of vegan burgers, including a vegan kebab burger and a vegan cheeseburger. The restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere, and the staff is knowledgeable about veganism.

12. Cig Vegan Kitchen

🌱 Cig Vegan Kitchen is a vegan restaurant located in the neighborhood of Kadikoy. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The menu includes vegan meze, soups, and stews. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

13. Nardis Jazz Club

🌱 Nardis Jazz Club is a jazz club located in the neighborhood of Beyoglu. The club has a vegan menu that includes vegan meze, salads, and sandwiches. The club has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

FAQs About the Best Vegan Restaurants in Istanbul

1. What vegan dishes should I try in Istanbul?

There are a lot of delicious vegan dishes to try in Istanbul, including meze, pide, lentil soup, and stuffed grape leaves.

2. Are there any vegan street food options in Istanbul?

Yes, there are many vegan street food options in Istanbul, including simit, roasted chestnuts, and Turkish baked potatoes.

3. Can I find vegan options at traditional Turkish restaurants in Istanbul?

Yes, many traditional Turkish restaurants in Istanbul offer vegan options, such as meze, salads, and stews.

4. Are there any vegan dessert options in Istanbul?

Yes, Istanbul has a variety of vegan dessert options, including baklava, Turkish delight, and halva.

5. What are some vegan-friendly neighborhoods in Istanbul?

Kadikoy, Beyoglu, and Cihangir are known for their vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes.

6. What should I look for when choosing a vegan restaurant in Istanbul?

Look for restaurants that offer a variety of vegan options, use fresh ingredients, and have knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions about veganism.

7. Are vegan restaurants in Istanbul expensive?

Prices vary depending on the restaurant, but many vegan restaurants in Istanbul are affordable and offer good value for money.

8. What is the best time to visit vegan restaurants in Istanbul?

Most vegan restaurants in Istanbul are open for lunch and dinner. Lunchtime is usually less busy than dinnertime, so it can be a good time to visit and avoid crowds.

9. Can I find vegan options at non-vegan restaurants in Istanbul?

Yes, many non-vegan restaurants in Istanbul offer vegan options, such as meze, salads, and vegetable dishes.

10. Are there any vegan grocery stores in Istanbul?

Yes, Istanbul has a few vegan grocery stores, including Vegan Dükkan and Vegimimito.

11. What vegan-friendly activities are there to do in Istanbul?

Some vegan-friendly activities in Istanbul include visiting the city’s street markets, taking a cooking class, and exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods.

12. Can I find vegan options at fast food restaurants in Istanbul?

Yes, some fast food restaurants in Istanbul offer vegan options, including McDonald’s and Burger King.

13. Is it easy to be vegan in Istanbul?

Yes, with the rise of plant-based eating, it is becoming easier to be vegan in Istanbul. There are many vegan restaurants and options available, and the city’s cuisine is rich in plant-based ingredients.

Conclusion

If you’re a vegan, Istanbul is a great destination to explore. With its rich culture and diverse cuisine, the city has a lot to offer in terms of vegan food. From traditional Turkish dishes to innovative street food, there is something for everyone. So next time you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, be sure to check out some of the best vegan restaurants the city has to offer.

Remember to always check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to ensure that their menu is fully vegan and meets your dietary requirements.

Thank you for reading and happy vegan dining!