Istanbul’s vegan scene bridges two continents and the food is just incredible 🇹🇷🌱 From plant-based Turkish classics to French patisseries, the city delivers on every craving. Istanbul has one of the most exciting and rapidly growing vegan scenes in the world right now — the combination of the city’s extraordinary culinary heritage and a young, progressive generation of chefs and restaurateurs is producing results that are genuinely world-class.
The vegan scene is spread across both sides of the Bosphorus — Kadıköy and Moda on the Asian side are particularly rich, while Cihangir, Galata, and Etiler on the European side have their own excellent spots. Here’s my guide to the best.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Istanbul
1. The Vegan Regime — 100% Vegan Turkish Classics
The Vegan Regime is one of Istanbul’s most beloved fully vegan restaurants — a cafe that takes Turkish culinary classics seriously and reimagines them entirely without animal products. From vegan mantı (Turkish dumplings) and köfte to seasonal vegetables done in the Turkish style, the menu is a genuine celebration of Anatolian food culture in plant-based form. A must for anyone wanting to understand how good Turkish cuisine can be without meat or dairy.
📍 No 9-11A, Istanbul | ☎️ +90 538 652 9201 | 📸 @thevegan.regime
2. Vegan Masa — Turkey’s First 100% Vegan Stone-Oven Restaurant
Vegan Masa holds a remarkable distinction: it is Turkey’s first 100% vegan stone-oven restaurant, specialising in plant-based lahmacun and pide — two of Turkish cuisine’s most iconic dishes — made entirely without animal products. The lahmacun is outstanding: thin, crispy, and layered with intensely flavoured plant-based toppings. With locations in both Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, Vegan Masa is accessible from both sides of the city.
📍 Beşiktaş: Mısırlıbahçe Sok. No:8/A | Kadıköy: Vahap Bey Sok. No:18/A | 📸 @veganmasa
3. Ethique Patisserie — World-Class Vegan French Patisserie
Ethique is regularly cited as one of the best vegan bakeries on the planet — a 100% plant-based French patisserie, boulangerie, chocolatier, and café that produces genuinely extraordinary pastries, cakes, breads, and chocolates. The croissants are impeccable, the chocolate work is breathtaking, and the whole operation reflects a level of craft and ambition that would be impressive anywhere in the world. Open from 8am daily, it’s the perfect place to start your Istanbul morning.
💡 Tip: Ethique sells out quickly on weekends — arrive early for the best selection of pastries and croissants.
📍 Volkan Sk No 1, Fikirtepe, Kadıköy, Istanbul | ☎️ +90 535 445 9566 | 📸 @ethique.pb
4. Vegan Dükkan Lokanta — Cozy Mantı & Turkish Comfort in Cihangir
Vegan Dükkan Lokanta is a wonderfully cozy plant-based lokanta (traditional Turkish eatery) tucked away on Soğancı Street in the hip Cihangir neighbourhood of Beyoğlu. The menu centres on vegan mantı — Turkey’s beloved filled dumplings — alongside other Turkish comfort food classics, all prepared with genuine care and deep respect for the culinary tradition. The setting is intimate and warm, and the neighbourhood is one of the most charming in Istanbul.
📍 Soğancı Sok No 8/D, Cihangir, Beyoğlu, Istanbul 34433 | 📸 @vegandukkanlokanta
5. Kumin Vegan — Seasonal Vegan Cooking in a Garden in Kadıköy
Kumin Vegan on İzzettin Street in Rasimpaşa (Kadıköy) is a hidden gem of Istanbul’s Asian side — a plant-based restaurant with a beautiful garden setting that serves seasonal vegan dishes made with love and care. The menu changes with what’s growing and what’s in season, and the dishes are always fresh, light, and deeply satisfying. The garden in summer is a genuine oasis of calm in an otherwise bustling city.
📍 İzzettin Sk. 55/1, Rasimpaşa, Kadıköy, Istanbul 34716 | 📸 @kuminveganlezzetler
6. Bi Nevi Deli — Creative Plant-Based Kitchen in Etiler
Bi Nevi Deli in the upscale Etiler neighbourhood is one of Istanbul’s most acclaimed plant-based restaurants — a creative, organic, and seasonal kitchen that has been serving some of the city’s most thoughtful vegan food for years. The menu is international and imaginative, with strong gluten-free options and a catering and cakes arm that has made them a favourite for events and celebrations. The space is beautiful and the service is genuinely warm.
📍 Dilhayat Sk. No.10/1, Etiler, Istanbul 34342 | 🌐 binevideli.com | 📸 @binevideli
7. Community Kitchen — Vegan Iskender, Kebabs & Mantı in Galata
Community Kitchen on Serdar-i Ekrem Caddesi in Galata is a beloved spot for plant-based versions of Turkish street food classics — vegan iskender kebab, seitan kebabs, mantı, and other Turkish favourites done without any animal products. The location in the charming Galata neighbourhood makes it easy to combine with a visit to the Galata Tower, and the food is consistently good and satisfying. One of the most reliable and accessible vegan options on the European side.
📍 Serdar-i Ekrem Cad. No 38/A, Galata, Beyoğlu, Istanbul | ☎️ +90 538 503 2736 | 📸 @community_kitchen
8. Salve Kadıköy — Pet-Friendly Vegan Café & Restaurant
Salve on Piri Çavuş Street in Kadıköy is one of the neighbourhood’s most charming vegan spots — a pet-friendly café and restaurant that serves pizzas, pasta, cakes, and an extensive vegan menu in a warm and welcoming environment. The Kadıköy location means it’s perfectly placed for exploring the Asian side’s vibrant market and food culture, and the food is consistently good. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am.
📍 Piri Çavuş Sok. 4, Kadıköy, Istanbul 34714 | 📸 @salvekadikoy
9. Kem Küm — Plant-Based Egyptian Street Food in Kadıköy
Kem Küm on Pavlonya Sokak in Kadıköy brings something genuinely unique to Istanbul’s plant-based scene: 100% plant-based and gluten-free Egyptian street food, including koshari (Egypt’s beloved national dish of rice, lentils, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce) and a vegan cheesecake that has become something of a local legend. It’s an unexpected combination in Istanbul, but the flavours are bold, authentic, and genuinely exciting. Open daily from noon until 10pm.
📍 Pavlonya Sokak No 9, Kadıköy, Istanbul 34714 | 📸 @kemkum.egyptian.eatery
Tips for Vegan Travellers in Istanbul
Istanbul is a vast city and the vegan scene spans both continents, so it helps to plan by neighbourhood. Kadıköy on the Asian side is the most vegan-dense area — Vegan Masa, Salve, Kem Küm, and Kumin are all here. On the European side, Cihangir (Vegan Dükkan), Galata (Community Kitchen), and Etiler (Bi Nevi Deli) are the key spots. Ethique is a non-negotiable stop regardless of which side you’re on. Most restaurants open around noon, with dinner service until 10pm.
Have you eaten vegan in Istanbul? Let me know your favourite spots in the comments!