Updated Date : 15.01.2022
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Istanbul
The people of Istanbul are accustomed to intense working and living conditions. Yet, these habits still push them to seek healthy living alternatives.
The daily food of this nomad community comes from livestock, meat, and dairy products. There has been a significant improvement in returning to the land for the last ten years.
Now, we have listed restaurants that will be alternative not only for vegan & vegetarian people but also for those who prefer to consume ground crops. In addition, we recommend that you specify your diet before going to the restaurant. So you can give the restaurant a chance to be prepared for you.
Healin – Nisantasi
The location of Healin is in one of the busiest corners of the Nisantasi region. It draws attention both with its location and with its service. We don't even need to mention the temptation and success of its cuisine. In the most enjoyable moment, you may not find a place in this place where Nisantasi ladies flock after work. We say wait a bit, and it will be worth the wait.
Dogaya Donus Bistro – Nisantasi
We are in Nisantasi again. But this time, we are in a very friendly place with dishes that taste like home-cooked food. You choose the fresh, delicious food behind the glass. You pay when ordering, and you can either take it to your table or ask to serve it to you. So you will enjoy not only the excellent food but also the wine and beer list.
Gozde Sarkuteri (Charcuterie) – Kadikoy
With demand for the last 5-10 years, most charcuterie shops in Istanbul have received tables and chairs. Amongst the beautiful delicatessens, we chose Gozde Delicatessen in Kadikoy for this list. To order like a local, you go to the appetizer place and tell the counter that you want service. Then, you can get your appetizers mixed on the plate and order your tea. You will love it.
Helvetia – Beyoglu
Helvetia restaurant is a corner cafe without a sign. Due to the small size of the area, you sit where you find it, which we Turks find very enjoyable. In this place, you will have a quick meal and see the departed. But don't worry, it's quite a friendly and chill place. It stands out especially with its cuisine that reminds us of our mother's meals.
Bi' Nevi - Etiler
We are in Bi Nevi, which we remember from Karakoy. This is a special restaurant that offers options for those who follow gluten-free, paleo, raw diets. This is a kind restaurant with an emphasis on plant-based nutrition. Since 2014, first in Karakoy and now in Etiler, this place does not leave those looking for vegan, vegetarian cuisine alone.
Plus Kitchen – Kanyon Mall
Welcome to Plus Kitchen, a restaurant chain located in several shopping malls, especially Kanyon Mall. It is one of the favorite places of the plaza employees who take a lunch break at noon. The variety of vegan-vegetarian dishes in the restaurant's kitchen amazes. You can either take away or sit down and eat. Don't forget to get your coffee before you leave.
Dubb Indian – Sultanahmet
Dubb is a well-established Indian cuisine restaurant preferred by Turks seeking alternative cuisine. The spice of Indian cuisine fills the streets of Istanbul and awaits you. Located in the narrow, pleasant, colorful streets of Sultanahmet, Dubb is ideal for people who want to eat vegan and vegetarian.
Bonus: Meyhane culture & mezes
Turkish Tavern is a culture that will not end with hours of telling. "Meyhane" is a meeting point after work, and you spend your hours at the table. They talk about love, politics, and the last football game while sipping their drinks. But most importantly, wherever you go in the city, you will always find food suitable for a vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian diet in every Tavern. The freshest, too. Even if you're only going to eat two bites of "meze", don't forget to get to know a "meyhane" culture. And don't forget to read our article about "Mezes."
Bonus 2: Make a room for dessert!
Maybe we haven't given a long place in the vegan, vegetarian category, but the giant vegetarian-friendly dessert is baklava. It will be one of your favorite desserts with pistachio, walnut, or hazelnut options. But, of course, our best recommendation for vegans is pumpkin and quince desserts during their seasons.
The Final Word
If we survey the 20 million people in the city, the entire vegan-vegetarian list may seem short. But if you ask anyone today, everyone's answer will be this. "There are so many more alternatives than before."
This is a cosmopolitan city ready to adapt to a world where various intolerances and diets increase. We hope that the list above will shed some light on your travel.