Istanbul's 10 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants – Updated 2025 Guide

Ömer Faruk Kino
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Istanbul is a city that stands out not only for the richness of its traditional cuisine but also for its vegetarian and vegan delicacies. With the growing trend of healthy and plant-based eating in recent years, numerous restaurants offering creative menus have opened on both the Asian and European sides of the city. This list, spanning from Cihangir's bohemian cafes to Kadıköy's street food, and from Nişantaşı's elegant venues to Balat's cosy restaurants, serves as a current and reliable guide to help you discover Istanbul's best vegetarian restaurants. 

So, where are the best vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul? Let's explore together!

1. Vegan Dükkan / Vegan Dükkan Restaurant – Cihangir, European Side

Vegan Shop, which began its journey as Turkey's first vegan market, has expanded with the opening of Vegan Shop Restaurant in Cihangir. The restaurant offers creative and satisfying dishes prepared entirely with plant-based ingredients. The menu features special dishes such as vegan mantı, ravioli made with gluten-free pasta, and lasagna with cashew cheese and béchamel sauce.

The ingredients used are seasonal and sourced from local producers, ensuring that the flavours are fresh and natural. The interior has a minimal, warm and cosy decor, in keeping with Cihangir's bohemian vibe. It is an ideal spot for those who want to try vegan adaptations of Turkish classics such as mantı and hünkar beğendi.

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Source: vegandukkanlokanta

2. Kumin Vegan Lezzetler – Yeldeğirmeni, Kadıköy

Located in the narrow streets of Yeldeğirmeni, Kumin is a completely vegan restaurant operating in a historic house. It attracts attention with its interior as well as its hidden garden. The menu features falafel, hummus, vegan pasta dishes, and vegan cakes for dessert. Open from Monday to Saturday from 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM, closed on Sundays. With its peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and creative vegan dishes, it is one of the most reliable and enjoyable vegan spots in the area.

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Source: Happy Cow

3. Ethique Plant-Based – Fikirtepe, Kadıköy

Located in Fikirtepe on the Asian side of Kadıköy, Ethique Plant-Based is a stylish vegan café offering entirely plant-based French desserts and daily meal options. Its menu includes desserts such as macarons, vegan croissants, and sourdough bread, as well as hearty meal options like soup, salad, and quiche. With its elegant decor and flavour-focused menu, it appeals to both dessert lovers and those seeking a healthy lunch. A reliable vegan spot on the Asian side of Istanbul, it can serve as an alternative to Limonita Club.

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Source: Ethique Plant Based

4. Sisters & Harvest – Moda, Kadıköy

Located on the quiet and charming streets of Moda, Sisters & Harvest stands out as a completely vegan and vegetarian-friendly café. Open all day, the café offers a wide menu ranging from breakfast to desserts, sandwiches to baked goods. In particular, the vegan sausage and vegan mozzarella cheese sandwiches, tiramisu magnolia, and Boston cream doughnuts are very popular among regulars.

With its stylish and airy decor, the café is an ideal spot for those seeking delicious and healthy vegan alternatives in a peaceful environment. While strolling through Moda’s charming streets, Sisters & Harvest is a must-visit destination for lunch or dinner, and it deserves a spot on Istanbul’s list of the best vegetarian restaurants.

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Source: Oggusto

5. Rulo Ezber Bozan Lezzetler – Kadıköy

Adding a vegan touch to Kadıköy's street food culture, Rulo Ezber Bozan Lezzetler offers a concept where you can create your own wrap with your choice of ingredients. Customisable roll options featuring chickpea patties, falafel, bulgur, arugula, fresh vegetables, and various sauces provide a satisfying and quick meal alternative.

It’s especially bustling with students and office workers during lunchtime. The place is small but cosy; it stands out for its fast service and affordable prices. Even non-vegans can become regulars thanks to the flavours on the menu.

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Source: Happy Cow

6. Bitter Balat Cafe – Balat, Istanbul

Located in the historic and colourful streets of Balat, Bitter Balat Cafe is a cosy café that stands out for its vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu and is one of Istanbul's culinary hotspots. The café is particularly notable for its vegan ravioli, vegan pide and various vegan desserts. Lacto-ovo vegetarian options are also available, catering to visitors with different dietary preferences.

With its outdoor seating area and warm atmosphere, Bitter Balat Cafe offers a pleasant dining experience within the historic fabric of Balat. Especially for coffee lovers, the café’s quality coffee varieties and homemade desserts are among its standout features. This café, which you can visit while walking around Balat, is an ideal stop for those seeking both delicious and healthy options.

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Source: Tripadvisor

7. Bi Nevi Deli – Etiler

Bi Nevi Deli is one of Istanbul's best-known vegan restaurants. The menu consists of nutritious and creative dishes: courgette spaghetti, beetroot burgers, chia pudding, colourful smoothie bowls... The chefs regularly update the menu according to seasonal ingredients.

The decor is modern and minimalist; it’s particularly popular among white-collar workers who prioritise healthy eating during lunchtime. The dessert menu features sugar-free, gluten-free, and raw desserts. It’s also popular for its takeaway option.

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Source: Tripadvisor

8. Healin Foods – Nişantaşı

Healin is a colourful and energetic place that focuses on healthy living. The menu has light but filling options like plant-based tortilla quesadillas, avocado toast, veggie soup, and raw desserts.

The interior boasts an Instagram-friendly design, with neon signage, green plants, and spacious seating areas, making it an attractive spot for those looking to create social media content. It is particularly popular during breakfast hours and for afternoon coffee and dessert gatherings.

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Source: Healin Foods

9. Vegan Food Cartel – Taksim, Istanbul

Located in the heart of Taksim, Vegan Food Cartel stands out among Istanbul's vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants with its entirely vegan menu. The venue attracts attention with its vegan meat and cheese varieties prepared in its own kitchens. In particular, vegan döner, vegan burgers and vegan sucuk options are favourites among regulars for their taste and satisfying nature.

With its modern and stylish atmosphere, Vegan Food Cartel is just a 10-minute walk from Taksim Square. This spot is an ideal stop for lunch or dinner, offering delicious and healthy vegan alternatives that are not to be missed.

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Source: Happy Cow

10. Galata Kitchen – Galata

Galata Kitchen stands out with its home-cooked concept, especially its traditional vegetable-based recipes. The menu features vegetarian-friendly classics of Turkish cuisine such as lentil soup, Swiss chard rolls and fresh beans.

A small but cosy spot, it’s popular with tourists due to its proximity to Galata Tower. Additionally, meals are prepared fresh daily and can sell out early in the afternoon, so it’s advisable to arrive early.

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Source: Happy Cow

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