Ankara may surprise you — behind its meaty traditions and rich stews, the city is quietly blooming with vegan spots dishing out bold, creative, plant-powered plates. Ready to explore?

Green bites, soulful vibes, and a budding plant-based ambiance, that's the taste of the vegan scene in Ankara. Once known for its political history, spectacular monuments, and cultural allure, Türkiye's capital is carved out to be a great choice for conscious eaters. Cozy cafes in beautifully artsy little alleyways and luxe restaurants that design new takes on traditional Turkish meals have helped Ankara evolve its image of a diverse food scene. Whether you're a fully committed vegan or a diverse food lover, this city delightfully showcases sustainable eats on a plate. From Cajun Fingers at Junk Vegan to zucchini noodles at iNput, these 9 places to eat in Ankara have something for everyone.    

Located in a fun, playful part of town is Junk Vegan, overflowing with plant-based flavors and fast-food nostalgia. The vibe? Funky and fun. The staff? Warm and welcoming. The food? A smack of yum! Try the Cajun Fingers and Crinkle Fries, a crunchy and golden creation of wonderfully chewy vegan chicken, crinkle fries, and mouthwatering sauces. Don't miss the Chicken Döner Dürüm, a light-as-air but hearty wrap full of rich and savory vegan döner!    

Ankara welcomes all with generous, hearty, flavorful mornings, and Terradan Vegan Pub & Mutfak will become your go-to breakfast experience. This plant-based place offers a warm, laid-back atmosphere with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. You can't go wrong with the fried börek starter, an unlimited basket of golden, spring-roll-shaped pastries filled with zesty vegan cream cheese with herbs. Or, of course, you can also try the börek breakfast plate, full of color and variety with everything from well-seasoned crisp chips to surprisingly yummy hummus.    

Tünel Vegan Pub sits proudly and quietly on the 2^nd floor of an apartment building where the silent and dim stairwell may have second-guessing your path, but trust us, climbing up to the top is worth the wait. Once you notice a restaurant name sign, ring the doorbell, and you’ll find yourself at the threshold. The atmosphere is casual, the staff friendly and composed, and the menu features comfort food classics with vegan twists. Must tryouts be döner wrap, with well-seasoned plant-based meat, or the vegan chicken burger with crisp seasoned fries, along with an ample plate of salad and sauce.    

Tucked away like an oasis for health-oriented foodies, iNput presents clean dining with a creative touch and, of course, zero guilt attached. Their specials are colorful entrees or salads such as their zucchini noodles with nut-free pesto, abundant raw cacao avocado mousse, and more. They host workshops on how to make your very own vegan cheeses or decadent milk-free desserts, with every opportunity to nourish yourself while learning and indulging.    

Ankara Falafelcisi is a warm and welcoming restaurant, a paradise for vegetarians, bringing a vast array of international cuisines to the table — from savory falafel wraps to crispy arancini and even delicate veggie sushi. Some of the best items on the menu are the hearty lentil balls and distinctly satisfying eggplant, cauliflower, and zucchini burgers! And if that isn’t enough, the restaurant provides free pet food with every delivery as a demonstration of compassion. 

Saturated with Mediterranean flavors, the atmosphere of Aylak Teras will satisfy the visitors with the offerings available to vegetarians, vegans, and even meat lovers! There is such a delightful spread of options, ranging from their vegan soup, which is nicely spiced and quickly becomes a favorite, to the crispy golden falafel. The salads tend to be bright and crunchy, and you won’t be disappointed with their Mediterranean-style breakfast.

Tucked away but still part of a popular chain, Serince Ciğköfte is a cozy vegetarian gem offering both sit-down and take-out options. The star of the menu is the delicious çiğ köfte—spiced bulgur balls packed with bold Turkish flavors and a modern twist. The köfte dürüm (wrap) comes generously stuffed with crisp lettuce, zesty nar ekşisi (pomegranate molasses), and fresh lemon juice, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Don’t skip the acılı ezme (spicy tomato-pepper dip) on the side—it adds the perfect kick.

Dr Falafel is a relaxed restaurant that provides both indoor and outdoor seating and can serve every culinary preference. The menu, with a Middle Eastern flair, features a colorful variety of falafel and creamy hummus. The highlights include spiced falafel wraps and delicious beetroot hummus, amid other myriads of vegan salads and smoothies.

The star of the show here is sabich sandwich, spiced and stuffed with fried eggplant, boiled egg, and amba sauce, and their garlicky hummus plate that comes with whole chickpeas and olive oil, best enjoyed with their hot and fluffy pita bread. The fries with za'atar and mint lemonade finish off the meal with a texture and zing!    

Tucked away in a quiet corner, Eathica Eatery is a refreshing escape for food lovers of all kinds. Their diverse menu spans the globe, with standout dishes for every palate. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny lunch outdoors or a cozy meal inside, the ambiance complements the food perfectly. The vegan burger is surprisingly hearty, while their trio of vegan breakfast plates keeps things interesting and filling. Add to that their vibrant salads, indulgent pasta bowls, and flavor-packed plant-based pizzas, and you’ve got a spot that truly caters to everyone.