Rumist - Istanbul

I was disappointed by the lack of vegan options at this restaurant. While dining with a friend who was having meat, the waiter was unable to help me identify which items on the menu were suitable for vegans. Instead, he only pointed out vegetarian options, despite my attempts to clarify. In the end, I settled for falafel, fries, and grape leaves with rice, as these were naturally vegan choices. The meal was decent, but nothing particularly remarkable.

The Rumist Cafe stands out among the many restaurants in the area for its peaceful and welcoming ambiance. They offer a vegetarian menu with some dishes that can be made vegan, along with a variety of vegan Mezza options. The staff is knowledgeable about the vegan diet and was helpful during my visits. The lentil soup was a standout dish for me, and I also enjoyed the vegetable casserole during my first visit. On my second visit, I tried the grape leaves, falafel, and hummus, all of which were delicious and generously portioned. Although I didn't have room for dessert, I saw others enjoying ice cream and sweets. My husband, who is not vegan, tried some traditional meat dishes and thought they were excellent. While I couldn't give Rumist a full 4 stars due to their meat offerings, I was impressed by the overall experience. The cafe had a quieter atmosphere compared to others on the street, with pleasant cafe music in the background. The staff was attentive and accommodating, making for a great dining experience. I would recommend Rumist to friends visiting Istanbul for its good food, friendly service, and cozy ambiance.

I really enjoyed the delicious food at this restaurant, with many vegetarian options available. However, my main issue was with the prices, which seemed like they hadn't been updated in 10 years based on the online menu. Another downside was the close proximity of a waiter who sat at a nearby table and constantly stared at us throughout our meal. Despite the lack of alcohol offered, customers can bring their own for a corkage fee equivalent to 20% of the bill.

You have few vegan option and are happy to help you choose

Nice spot, close to tourist locations and super friendly staff. They had knowledge about veganism and recommended a few dishes. Not a great selection to choose from if you’re vegan but enough to fill you up