Istanbul - Food

This cozy, fully vegan spot served up some of the best meals we had in Istanbul. We recommend the traditional smoked eggplant with vegan meatballs, roasted peppers, and an herby tomato sauce. The spinach börek with vegan cheese and fermented cashew yogurt is another standout.

This punky vegan joint in the heart of Kadıköy serves up flavorful wraps and bowls with a street food edge. We loved the Narcissist Wrap—packed with lentils, chickpeas, grilled veg, pickles, and cashew sauce, it’s a standout blend of smoky, tangy, and savory.

A great stop for vegan dumpling lovers in Istanbul. The spinach mantı—stuffed with lentils and topped with in-house vegan yogurt—is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Don’t miss the pumpkin-stuffed momos, lightly spiced and packed with autumnal warmth.

This fully vegetarian Syrian spot dishes up flavor-packed classics made entirely in-house. We loved the creamy hummus and the vegan falafel wrap—crispy, spiced, and wrapped fresh to order. Don’t miss the stacked pyramids of chickpeas in the back, a nod to the care that goes into every plate.

One of our go-to spots for an affordable, local meal in Istanbul. Balkan Lokantası serves up classic Turkish staples, with plenty of vegan options like mercimek çorbası (lentil soup), white beans in tomato sauce, and a tender eggplant stew. Ideal for a quick, no-frills lunch.

Sefa Restaurant is a reliable lokanta-style spot offering a daily rotation of freshly cooked dishes. Vegan-friendly options include zeytinyağlı fasulye (green beans in olive oil), stewed eggplant, artichoke hearts, and other seasonal vegetables—all served hot and ready.

Tucked near Galata Tower, Postane is a calm, community-focused café with a rotating seasonal menu and peaceful ambiance. We enjoyed the sunchoke soup—light, refreshing, and studded with chickpeas—perfect for a nourishing midday pause.

Çiğköfteci Ali Usta serves up a classic Turkish street food that’s naturally vegan—spiced bulgur hand-mixed with herbs, tomato paste, and olive oil. Order it as a wrap with pomegranate molasses and fresh greens for a flavorful, satisfying bite on the go.