Photo via Google Maps
Order the kadayıf or künefe desserts, which receive high praise for their quality.
15 essentials · 3 signature dishes
Best Vegan Restaurants in Istanbul
15 essentials
Where to eat first in Istanbul
Ranked by overall rating, signature dish strength and how much reviewers praise the food. If you only have a weekend, start here.
-
Middle Eastern Künefe, Vegan Pastry
$$
The vibe: good for dates
Turkish Pide, Fully Vegan, Traditional
$
Worth ordering: #2 Lahmacun
Vegan Bakery, Vegan Pastry, Donuts
$$$
Worth ordering: #3 Cake
French Pastries, Fully Vegan, Bakery
$$$
The vibe: good for relaxing
-
Vegan Turkish, Vegan Breakfast
$$
The vibe: good for dates
-
Çiğ Köfte, Vegan Menu, Fast Food
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Çiğ köfte
-
Mediterranean, Vegan Menu, Mezze
$$
The vibe: good for dates
-
Çig Köfte, Vegan Wraps, Cheap Eats
$
The vibe: good for work & study
-
Falafel, Vegan Menu, Mediterranean
$$
The vibe: good for groups
-
Mediterranean, Vegan Mezze
$
The vibe: good for relaxing
-
Middle Eastern Vegan, Fully Vegan
$$
The vibe: good for dates
-
Vegan Manti Dumplings, Separate Menu
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Dumpling
-
Turkish Home-style, Fully Vegan, Buffet
$
Worth ordering: #5 Baklava
-
Turkish Pasta, Vegan Menu, Gözleme
$
The vibe: good for families
3 signature dishes
What Istanbul cooks best
The dishes Istanbul's reviews name most and praise hardest, each ranked by how reviewers rate the vegan version.
signature #1
Best çiğ köfte in Istanbul
- Number 1. Marul Handmade Çiğ Köfte Listed above as essential 07
Çiğ Köfte Wraps, Vegan Options
$
Worth ordering: #2 Çiğ köfte
Lahmacun, Vegan Menu, Authentic
$$
Worth ordering: #3 Çiğ köfteWorth ordering: #3 Lahmacun
Russian Pelmeni, Vegan Menu
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Çiğ köfte
Turkish Çiğköfte, Vegan Wrap
$
Worth ordering: #5 Çiğ köfte
6 more
Çigkofte Vegan Fast Food
$
The vibe: good for relaxing
Cig Kofte, Vegan-Friendly
$
The vibe: good for relaxing
Middle Eastern Cig Kofte, Vegan Menu, Gourmet
$$
The vibe: good for groups
Çiğköfte Wraps, Vegan Menu
$$
The vibe: good for work & study
Çiğköfte, Vegetarian, Takeout
$
The vibe: good for relaxing
Çiğ Köfte Wraps, Vegetarian, Fast Food
$
signature #2
Best lahmacun in Istanbul
- Number 1. Vegan Masa (Kadıköy) Listed above as essential 01
- Number 2. Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş) Listed above as essential 03
- Number 3. Dayı Kürek Lahmacun (Altunizade) Listed above as çiğ köfte 03
Lahmacun, Vegan Menu, Authentic
$
Worth ordering: #4 Lahmacun
Pizza, Vegan Menu, Mediterranean
$$
Worth ordering: #5 Lahmacun
1 more
Turkish Lahmacun, Vegan Item
$$
The vibe: good for relaxing
signature #3
Best baklava in Istanbul
Baklava, Vegan Pastry, Traditional
$$$
Worth ordering: #1 Baklava
Baklava Shop, Vegan Pistachio, Walnut
$$
Worth ordering: #2 Baklava
Baklava, Vegan Pastry, Traditional
$$$
Worth ordering: #3 Baklava
Baklava, Vegan Pastry, Take-out
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Baklava
- Number 5. Vegan Istanbul Listed above as essential 14
Vegan & omni
2 lists Fully vegan · Omni standouts
10 places
Fully vegan in Istanbul
- Number 1. Ayrışım Kitabevi Kafe Listed above as essential 06
- Number 2. Vegan Masa (Kadıköy) Listed above as essential 01
- Number 3. Vegan Istanbul Listed above as essential 14
- Number 4. Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş) Listed above as essential 03
10 places
Omni standouts in Istanbul
- Number 1. Abu Gosh Filistin Künefesi Listed above as essential 02
- Number 2. Galata Lily Listed above as essential 08
- Number 3. Leylak Kitchen Listed above as essential 11
- Number 4. Old Balat Cafe & kitchen Listed above as essential 15
By occasion
11 lists Breakfast spots · Lunch & brunch · Dinner destinations · Worth the occasion · Coffee masters · Sweet treats · Cozy hideaways · Work-friendly cafes · Group night out · Budget eats · Family friendly
8 places
Breakfast spots in Istanbul
- Number 1. Ethique Plant-based Listed above as essential 05
Health Food, Vegan Menu, Breakfast
$$
The vibe: good for relaxing
- Number 3. Leylak Kitchen Listed above as essential 11
European, Vegan Menu, Falafel Burger
$$
The vibe: good for relaxing
8 places
Lunch & brunch in Istanbul
- Number 1. NOHUT Falafel & Humus Restorant Listed above as essential 10
- Number 2. Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş) Listed above as essential 03
- Number 3. Vegan Masa (Kadıköy) Listed above as essential 01
Pide, Vegan Menu, Turkish
$
The vibe: good for groups
8 places
Dinner destinations in Istanbul
- Number 1. Galata Lily Listed above as essential 08
Anatolian Vegan, Full Menu, Garden
$$
The vibe: good for dates
- Number 3. Community Kitchen Listed above as essential 12
- Number 4. Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş) Listed above as essential 03
6 places
Worth the occasion in Istanbul
International Fusion, Fully Vegan, Fine Dining
$$$$
The vibe: good for dates
- Number 2. Kumin Mutfak Listed above as dinner destinations 02
Turkish Vegan Meze, Clear Labeling
$$
The vibe: good for dates
- Number 4. Ballad Restaurant Listed above as breakfast spots 04
5 places
Coffee masters in Istanbul
- Number 1. Ethique Plant-based Listed above as essential 05
- Number 2. Sisters&Harvest Listed above as essential 04
- Number 3. Abu Gosh Filistin Künefesi Listed above as essential 02
Cafe, Vegan Snacks, Hookah
$$
The vibe: good for dates
10 places
Sweet treats in Istanbul
- Number 1. Ethique Plant-based Listed above as essential 05
- Number 2. Gaziantepli SAYTAD Yeşilköy Baklava Listed above as baklava 03
- Number 3. Sisters&Harvest Listed above as essential 04
- Number 4. Karaköy Güllüoğlu Yönetim Binası Listed above as baklava 01
8 places
Cozy hideaways in Istanbul
- Number 1. Kumin Mutfak Listed above as dinner destinations 02
Bakery Cafe, Vegan Pastry, Sandwiches
$$
The vibe: good for relaxing
- Number 3. Arch Bistro Listed above as worth the occasion 03
Turkish Cafe, Vegan Salads
$$
The vibe: good for dates
8 places
Work-friendly cafes in Istanbul
- Number 1. Ayrışım Kitabevi Kafe Listed above as essential 06
- Number 2. Vacilando Listed above as cozy hideaways 02
Breakfast Cafe, Vegan Menu, Smoothie Bowls
$$
The vibe: good for work & study
Tea House, Plant Milk, Cake
$$
The vibe: good for work & study
9 places
Group night out in Istanbul
- Number 1. Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş) Listed above as essential 03
Vegan Bar, Burgers, Cocktails
$
The vibe: good for dates
Falafel Wraps, Vegan Menu, Mediterranean
$
Worth ordering: #3 Falafel
Nepali Thali, Vegan Menu
$$$
Worth ordering: #5 Dumpling
10 places
Budget eats in Istanbul
- Number 1. Ayrışım Kitabevi Kafe Listed above as essential 06
- Number 2. Leylak Kitchen Listed above as essential 11
- Number 3. Serince Cig Koftecisi Listed above as essential 09
- Number 4. Çiğköfteci Sırrı Usta Listed above as çiğ köfte 05
8 places
Family friendly in Istanbul
- Number 1. Vegan Masa (Kadıköy) Listed above as essential 01
- Number 2. Çiğköfteci Sırrı Usta Listed above as çiğ köfte 05
Mantı Cafe, Vegan Menu, Outdoor Seating
$$
The vibe: good for families
Japanese Ramen, Vegan Menu, Gyoza
$$
The vibe: good for dates
By dish
8 lists Best falafel · Best ice cream · Best pizza · Best burger · Best dumpling · Best cake · Best breakfast · Best sorbet
12 places
Best falafel in Istanbul
Falafel, Vegan Menu, Traditional
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Falafel
Falafel Plates, Vegan Options
$
Worth ordering: #2 Falafel
- Number 3. YALLA FALAFEL Listed above as group night out 03
Falafel Wrap, Vegan Options, Lebanese
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Falafel
11 places
Best ice cream in Istanbul
Sorbetto, Vegan Gelato
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Ice cream
Ice Cream Shop, Vegan Sorbet
$$
Worth ordering: #2 Ice creamWorth ordering: #2 Sorbet
Sorbet Ice Cream, Vegan
$
Worth ordering: #3 Ice creamWorth ordering: #4 Sorbet
Italian Ice Cream, Vegan Sorbets
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Ice cream
11 places
Best pizza in Istanbul
Pizza, Vegan Tomato Pie
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Pizza
Tokyo Style Pizza, Vegan Pizzas
$$
Worth ordering: #2 Pizza
Pizza, Vegan Slice, Outdoor Seating
$$
Worth ordering: #3 Pizza
Pizza, Vegan Menu, Diverse Pizzas
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Pizza
9 places
Best burger in Istanbul
Vegan Burger, Toast, Fast Food
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Burger
Burger Joint, Vegan Menu, Buns Housemade
$
Worth ordering: #2 Burger
Vegan Burgers, Vegan Menu, Turkish
$$
Worth ordering: #3 Burger
Vegan Burgers, Vegan Menu, Coffee
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Burger
6 places
Best dumpling in Istanbul
- Number 1. Mira Mantı Listed above as essential 13
Turkish Manti, Vegan Options
$$
Worth ordering: #2 Dumpling
Turkish Mantı, Vegan Manti
$$
Worth ordering: #3 Dumpling
Turkish Dumplings, Vegan Menu
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Dumpling
7 places
Best cake in Istanbul
Cafe, Vegan Lemon Cake, Almond Milk
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Cake
Cafe, Vegan Cake, Plant Milk
$$$
Worth ordering: #2 Cake
- Number 3. Sisters&Harvest Listed above as essential 04
Cafe Bakery, Fully Vegan, Gluten-Free
$$$
Worth ordering: #4 Cake
6 places
Best breakfast in Istanbul
Turkish Breakfast, Vegan Plate
$$
Worth ordering: #1 Breakfast
Turkish Breakfast, Vegan Menu
$$
Worth ordering: #2 Breakfast
Turkish Vegan Breakfast, Vegan Menu
$$$
Worth ordering: #3 Breakfast
Turkish Vegan Breakfast, Vegan Menu
$$
Worth ordering: #4 Breakfast
6 places
Best sorbet in Istanbul
Fruit Sorbet, Vegan, Outdoor Seating
$
Worth ordering: #1 SorbetWorth ordering: #5 Ice cream
- Number 2. Cremeria Milano Taksim Listed above as ice cream 02
Ice Cream, Vegan Sorbet, Outdoor
$$
Worth ordering: #3 Sorbet
- Number 4. Dondurmaci Yasar Usta Listed above as ice cream 03
By cuisine
3 lists Turkish · Mediterranean · Middle Eastern
10 places
Turkish in Istanbul
- Number 1. Ayrışım Kitabevi Kafe Listed above as essential 06
- Number 2. Sisters&Harvest Listed above as essential 04
- Number 3. Galata Lily Listed above as essential 08
- Number 4. Leylak Kitchen Listed above as essential 11
10 places
Mediterranean in Istanbul
- Number 1. Galata Lily Listed above as essential 08
- Number 2. Leylak Kitchen Listed above as essential 11
Turkish Vegan Kebabs, Fully Vegan
$$
The vibe: good for dates
- Number 4. Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş) Listed above as essential 03
10 places
Middle Eastern in Istanbul
- Number 1. Leylak Kitchen Listed above as essential 11
- Number 2. Abu Gosh Filistin Künefesi Listed above as essential 02
- Number 3. Community Kitchen Listed above as essential 12
- Number 4. Kumin Mutfak Listed above as dinner destinations 02
vegan food guide
istanbul · 506 places on the map
Take Istanbul with you.
The map, the dish worth ordering at every place, and the spots you save.
- free
- no signup needed
Open spinach.guide in your browser to get the app.
other cities
More cities that run on vegan çiğ köfte
Cities where çiğ köfte is a signature dish too.
Questions about eating vegan in Istanbul
Are there vegan restaurants in Istanbul?
Yes — Istanbul has 506 vegan-ready venues. The top-ranked are Vegan Masa (Kadıköy), Abu Gosh Filistin Künefesi, Vegan Masa (Beşiktaş). Spinach ranks them on overall rating, signature dish strength, and reviewer praise for the food.
Is Istanbul good for vegans?
Istanbul scores 41.4/100 on the Spinach vegan city index. The city has 51 vegan-friendly venues and 86 high-quality restaurants out of 506 analyzed.
How many vegan restaurants are in Istanbul?
Istanbul has 23 fully vegan restaurants and 33 vegetarian restaurants. 51 venues score B or higher on the Vegan Friendliness grade.
What dishes is Istanbul known for?
Istanbul's top signature dishes for vegans are çiğ köfte, lahmacun, baklava, and the city also does falafel and cake well. Signature dishes are ranked by how the city's venues score against the other 157 cities we track.
What are the best cuisines for vegans in Istanbul?
The vegan scene in Istanbul leans Turkish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern. Turkish is particularly strong, with 10 venues serving quality plant-based options.
What's the best vegan restaurant in Istanbul?
Vegan Masa (Kadıköy) is ranked #1 in Istanbul by the Spinach Essentials algorithm, which weights rating, signature dish performance, and reviewer praise. See all 15 Essentials for the full ranking.
How does Spinach rank these venues?
Spinach ranks vegan venues by formula: a composite of Google Maps rating, the Spinach Rating (Wilson-confidence scored), dish-quality Wilson scores from extracted review signals, and city-specific signature dish strength. Essentials add a tier weighting; category lists add their own mood/occasion weights. No pay-to-play.
How fresh is this data?
The last refresh is stamped at the foot of this page. Rankings come from public reviews on Google Maps and HappyCow, read by Spinach's own analysis. We never republish the reviews themselves.