I first put this list together back in 2019, and Istanbul’s vegan scene has grown a lot since then. Some old favorites have closed, new fine-dining vegan spots have opened, and prices have obviously changed. Here’s the fully updated 2026 vegan restaurants in Istanbul version, split by side of the city.
Quick note before you go: Istanbul restaurants open and close fast, so always double-check current hours on Google Maps before heading out. ‘ve marked anything I know has closed below.
VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL – ASIAN SIDE
Muhtelif Mekan, Kadıköy— Closed. Still miss this place, but it shut down a while back. I still remember the taste of their lentil Lahmacun…- Hoş Atölye, Kadıköy (Yeldeğirmeni) — small, cozy vegan café; reviewers mostly call out the relaxed, veggie-friendly menu and chill atmosphere.
- Rulo Lezzetler, Kadıköy — build-your-own vegan wraps, very cheap. Reviewers consistently praise the falafel and mücver (zucchini fritter), and the warm, friendly service on the chickpea wraps. You can find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
- Ben Chia, Kadıköy — vegan, gluten-free, no refined sugar; reviews are limited but consistently rate it 5/5 for its clean, homemade approach.
- Jeni Falafel & Rolls, Suadiye — falafel and tofu rolls near Bağdat Avenue. Regularly called one of the best falafel spots in the city. Reviewers (and I) specifically praise the freshly made falafel and the village soup.
- Po Juicery, Kadıköy — juices plus vegan/vegetarian food. The ginger-lemon juice gets singled out as “a real healer,” and the peanut-cacao Peru Bowl is a reviewer favorite.
- Veganarsist, Kadıköy (Osmanağa) — single location since 2026. The vegan lahmacun is the most-praised dish by far, alongside tantuni, wet burger, and the cashew-based homemade ayran. I personally love their Lahmacun and midye dolma. Honestly, the desserts have never quite hit the mark for me (baked rice pudding, wet cake, semolina halva) though the cakes were great so don’t let my taste put you off trying them yourself.
- Kumin Vegan Lezzetler, Kadıköy — garden patio, seasonal menu. Reviewers love the peaceful back garden, the tahini cauliflower salad, and the pumpkin soup and several describe it as “like eating at a friend’s house.”
- Sisters & Harvest, Kadıköy — a sweet little vegan bakery-café run by sisters. Reviewers rave about the Boston cream donuts, the strawberry magnolia pudding, and the cinnamon rolls (“some of the best ever”); the vegan sandwiches and daily soups are mmmmm too. It’s a small operation and doesn’t open every day, so check their Instagram before heading over.
VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL — EUROPEAN SIDE
- Bi Nevi Deli, Etiler — still going, still pricier than average, still good. Reviewers often call it their favorite food spot in Istanbul; the pumpkin-coconut soup, beetroot burger, and the vegan “Snickers” cake come up again and again as standouts. My own favorites: the beet burger, the classic roll, and the dark chocolate cake. Portions run a little small, but the flavor is never in question.
- Community Kitchen, Beyoğlu (Tomtom Mah.) — seitan “döner” is the move and “döner” is consistently singled out as the best seitan reviewers have ever had, even winning over non-vegans. A bit hidden (basement), worth the search. My advice hasn’t changed in years: don’t leave without trying the İskender and the baklava.
Zencefil, Beyoğlu — widely reported as permanently closed; listings are inconsistent so confirm before planning a visit.- Vegan İstanbul, Cihangir — still open, olive-oil dishes, small market section with homemade jams and pickles. Manti, lahmacun, and the stuffed vine leaves are the most recommended dishes; reviewers highlight the home-style warmth and generous portions for the price. My personal favorites: leek mücver, seitan kebab, and the quinoa salads.
- Vegan Masa, Beşiktaş — vegan lahmacun from a traditional stone oven. This dish is the must. Lahmacun gets near-universal praise (“the best vegan pide I’ve had”), though a few note it’s on the small side for the price.
- Healin, multiple locations — organic, vegan-friendly, good for breakfast and quick healthy lunches. Reviews are mixed on specific desserts, so check what’s fresh that day.
NEW FOR 2026 — WORTH THE SPLURGE
- Telezzüz, Üsküdar (Kuzguncuk) — Turkey’s first vegan fine-dining restaurant, Mediterranean/Aegean-inspired tasting menu, zero-waste philosophy. Note: It is inside a private compound (ID check at entrance). Michelin Guide-recognized; reviewers highlight the mushroom ceviche and the deep-fried artichoke with mushroom ketchup as the dishes that surprise people most.
- Mu:lk, Şişli — fully vegan fine dining, seasonal tasting plates, closed Mon–Tue, reservation recommended. Reviewers consistently praise the precision of the plating and how the seasonal tasting menu “proves plant-based can be fine dining.”
FAQ
Is Istanbul vegan-friendly?
More than most Turkish cities — but outside fully vegan places, always double-check for hidden butter or meat stock in “vegetarian” dishes.
What should I try?
Vegan lahmacun, mercimek köftesi (lentil balls), and a full Turkish breakfast spread (kahvaltı) are the most satisfying vegan-adapted local dishes. Also make sure to try vegan kebab and doner.
Any apps to find more?
HappyCow is the most reliable for real-time open/closed status in Istanbul.
