The number of completely vegan restaurants in the Princes' Islands is still very limited. But the good news is: many taverns, fish restaurants, diners, and bistros offer olive oil-based appetizers, salads, and vegetable dishes. If you ask the right questions, a plant-based dinner is perfectly possible on the island.
A small reminder: None of the places on this list are completely vegan or vegetarian. Menus change depending on the day and the ingredients used, so it's essential to confirm the contents before ordering.
🏝 Büyükada
- Milto Restaurant: A seafood-focused restaurant. The menu may include various appetizers and salads; however, it's a good idea to ask about the daily appetizers and their ingredients before going.
https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/milto-restaurant-buyukada
- Büyükada Konak Restaurant: A restaurant serving Turkish cuisine and home-style cooking; it's listed in the vegetarian category on VeganIstanbul.com. Vegan options are available, but it should be noted that this depends on the daily menu. https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/buyukada-konak-restaurant
- Akasya: Primarily street food and Turkish cuisine; VeganIstanbul.com lists these in the vegetarian category. Since animal products are also served, it's necessary to inquire about the ingredients when ordering vegan.
https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/akasya-bistro-buyukada
🏝 Heybeliada
- Heyamola: Operates as a restaurant and bar; listed in the vegetarian category on VeganIstanbul.com. While the menu includes cold mezes, it shouldn't be assumed that every meze is vegan; confirm daily options with the establishment. https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/heyamola
- Ada Restaurant: Focuses on Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine and seafood; listed in the vegetarian category on VeganIstanbul.com. It's advisable to inquire about the ingredients of mezes, salads, and vegetable options when ordering. https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/ada-restaurant-heybeliada
🏝 Burgazada
- Barba Yani Restaurant: Offers Greek cuisine, mezes, and seafood; listed in the vegetarian category on VeganIstanbul.com. Ingredient confirmation is necessary as mezes may contain dairy or seafood.
https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/barba-yani-restaurant
- Kalpazankaya: A restaurant serving seafood, meat, and mezes; VeganIstanbul.com lists the vegetarian options. Please inquire before ordering, as the contents of olive oil-based dishes, salads, and vegetable platters may change daily. https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/kalpazankaya
- Akasya Bistro: Offers modern Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine; listed in the vegetarian category on VeganIstanbul.com. Since meat and dairy dishes are also served, vegan options should be specified and their contents confirmed. https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/akasya-bistro-burgazada
- Cennet Bahçesi Cafe: Operates as a bistro, bar, and restaurant; also known for its concerts and events. Listed in the vegetarian category on VeganIstanbul.com. It's necessary to inquire about options before visiting.
https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/cennet-bahcesi-burgazada
🏝 Kınalıada
- Jash: Offers Turkish and Ottoman cuisine as well as seafood; listed in the vegetarian category on VeganIstanbul.com. Whether meze and vegetable dishes are vegan may vary depending on the butter, yogurt, cheese, eggs, or fish products used. https://www.veganistanbul.com/en/venue/jash-istanbul-kinaliada
What to consider when ordering?
🌱 Vegan Orders: Appetizers like fava beans, kidney beans, stuffed grape leaves, or eggplant salad are often prepared with plant-based ingredients, but this doesn't automatically mean they are vegan. Simply saying "dairy-free" may not be enough. Be sure to ask if butter, yogurt, cheese, eggs, honey, fish, or seafood are used.
🌾 Gluten-Free Orders:
Vegetables cooked in olive oil and some salads may naturally be gluten-free. However, there is still a risk of cross-contamination due to flour, breadcrumbs, bread, frying oil, and shared preparation surfaces. The establishments on this list are not certified gluten-free kitchens; celiac patients should discuss details with the kitchen before ordering.
****📞 Final Note:
Menus and opening hours may vary depending on the season. Check current options, ingredients, and reservation availability by calling the establishment before you go.