At some point during your trip to Istanbul, you’re going to want fresh, healthy food.
Don’t get me wrong Turkish cuisine is divine— but it can get a little heavy and oily, especially if you’re eating street food day after day.
Luckily for us, Istanbul has tons of restaurants with healthy food scatted around the city. From homestyle Turkish food that’s less oily and made with organic ingredients to açiai bowls and boosted juices and smoothies. There’s a place for every healthy craving.
Overdose
Where: Dilhayat Sokak No:10, Etiler
When: 9am - 10pm Daily
Vegan Friendly? Yes
Overdose is a hidden gem of a cafe located in the Etlier neighborhood, which is just up the hill from Bebek. Everything they serve is made with healthy whole foods and is incredibly delicious.
They have everything from collagen-boosted shots and jucies to salmon Japanese bowls with umami-rich nigiri and edamame.
All of their sweets are free from processed sugars and are vegan. They also sell supplements and have yoga classes in the space above the cafe.
Plus Kitchen
where: Teşvikiye, Fetgari Sk N:31,
when: 9 am - 10:30 pm Daily
Vegan Friendly? Yes
In the lively Teşvikiye area of the Nişantaşı neighborhood, you’ll find a whitewashed store from with high ceilings and a big neon sign.
They serve your choice of protein with Turkish classic mezze dishes deli-style, fresh juices, and smoothie bowls. They use all-natural ingredients and believe in simplicity.
Don’t mistake simple for flavorless, the food that they make is bursting with aroma and flavor.
Shelly Arnavutköy
Where: Beyazgül Caddesi No: 28 Arnavutköy / Beşiktaş Istanbul, Turkey
When: 7 am - 7 pm
Vegan Friendly? Yes
This cute little healthy food spot is great for a nutritious breakfast or light lunch.
Their sandwiches are great but the fit pancakes are where it’s at. They’re sweet enough that you feel like they’re a treat, but hearty enough to keep you full for the whole day.
Gab Foods
Where: Kuruçeşme Mahallesi, Kuruçeşme Cd. No:2
When: Currently Closed Due to COVID
Vegan Friendly? Yes
Gab Foods is a great spot for an elevated take on healthy food made with natural, whole ingredients. The menu is diverse having everything from organic tacos to vegan Thai curry.
The food always looks just as good as it tastes and you’ll definitely want to come back time and time again for the beautiful ambiance and food that makes you feel good.
Voi Cafe
Where: Etiler, Bebek mahallesi, Bebek Dağı Sk. No:3, 34337 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
When: 9 am to midnight daily
Vegan Friendly? Yes
Voi cafe is a hidden gem that is loved by the locals. The cafe has a huge garden area that is covered to protect you from the sun. The menu has everything you need for a healthy and delicious brunch.
From tropical smoothie bowls, fruit parfaits, avocado toast, and light sandwiches. It’s a great place to bring your laptop chow down on some whole foods and get some work done.
Healin Foods
Where: Teşvikiye, Hüsrev Gerede Cd. No:110, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
When: 8:30 am to 11 pm Daily
Vegan Friendly? Yes
Healin foods boasts a menu of natural, fresh, and clean foods that will help you live well from the inside out.
The restaurant is just as beautiful as the plating. With beautiful murals, a green biophilic-inspired wall, and lots of flowers, it’s a great spot to head for a feel-good self-care meal.
Gaia Healthy Foods
Where: Teşvikiye, Poyracik Sk No:2/1 A, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
When: 8 am - 7 pm Mon-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm Saturday, Closed Sunday
Vegan Friendly? Yes
On a quiet street in Nişantaşı you’ll find a small restaurant making Turkish food with natural and whole ingredients.
Gaia healthy foods sells all sorts of staples for healthy cooking in their little shop, along with deli-style Turkish mezze. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a quick bite in a casual setting.
Galata Kitchen
Where: Müeyyedzade, Tatar Beyi Sk. 9 B, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
When: Monday-Saturday 11:30 am - 10 pm
Vegan Friendly? Yes
Galata Kitchen has a welcoming laid back vibe that makes it a great place to grab a few friends and get cozy. They make home-style Turkish cuisine all of which is made with organic ingredients.
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming decor and the location being on a backstreet it’s extremely good and authentic homemade Turkish food.
Journey
Where: Kılıçali Paşa, Akarsu Ykş. Sok. 21/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
When: 9 am to 2 pm
Vegan Friendly? Yes
Journey is a not-so-hidden gem on one of the most popular streets in Cihangir. The cafe itself is cozy and eclectic, which matches the crowd that it attracts.
The dishes are made with natural ingredients and are always unique and seasonal. The white bean hummus is divine— but you can’t go wrong with anything they serve. Along with their organic food, they have an impressive selection of organic wines.
Dükkan Galata
Where: Müeyyedzade, Tatar Beyi Sk. No:15/B, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
When: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 7 pm Saturday & Sunday
Vegan Friendly: Yes
If you’re an avocado fan this place is for you. This is the perfect spot to grab a healthy brunch before heading out on a day of sightseeing.