The Best Vegan Restaurants in Cape Town

Plant-based eating, it seems, has gained major traction in the Mother City, with a slew of quality vegan eateries popping up faster than you can sprout mung beans.

But, while vegetarian cuisine is relatively easy to come by, restaurants that serve strictly vegan food are not. So, we went in search of the best vegetable-focused restaurants in the Mother City, and here’s what we found. Whether you’re a whole-hearted vegan or just dipping your toe into plant-based eating, you’re sure to find something that appeals.

A note to our vegan readers We understand that many of you have chosen a vegan lifestyle for ethical reasons, and we hope we have not offended you by including restaurants that offer vegan menus but may use animal products on their premises. Our intention with this post is to support and grow the sustainable and plant-based movement.

If you’ve been to a fabulous vegan eatery that you think we should know about, please let us know in the comments below.

For your convenience, we have divided our list into:

100% vegan food
Restaurants with a vegan menu
Vegan-friendly restaurants

100% vegan eateries

Nourish’d

The simple menu speaks to owner Natasha Napoli’s mantra that health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. On offer is a selection of tasty juices, smoothies, breakfasts and gourmet sandwiches – all packed with fresh, homegrown ingredients to boost one’s overall wellbeing. Besides the draw card of some of the best smoothie bowls in the city, there’s also a large parking lot right next door – super convenient in the centre of town.
View the menu
Opening times Kloof Street:
Monday – Thursday, 7am – 5pm
Friday, 7am – 4pm
Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Sunday, 8am – 12pm
Observatory:
Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Sunday 9am – 1pm
Contact 063 648 1040 or 0663363944, info@nourishd.co.za
Where to find it Corner Kloof and Hof Street, Gardens; 186 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town

The Sunshine Food Co

Painstakingly made with love and home-grown ingredients, Elisha Madzivadondo’s vegan burgers are unfathomably scrumptious. The small, brightly coloured café has a big heart, selling delicious and healthy patties, wraps, smoothies and juices.
Vegan credentials 100% vegan. Elisha grows many of the ingredients himself at Oude Molen Eco Village.
You must try the burgers (falafel patties, topped with hummus, avo and micro herbs) or the sushi-inspired veggie-ritto, a reinvention of the popular burrito.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 8pm
Contact 081 825 0925, thesunshinefoodco@gmail.com
Where to find it Corner Glengarriff and Main Roads, Three Anchor Bay

Plant

This gourmet vegan restaurant was established in 2013 in the Bo-Kaap. The restaurant has since moved to the CBD, offering a place for vegans and those with food allergies and intolerances to enjoy great food.
Vegan credentials Vegans, vegetarians and those with food allergies/intolerances are catered for. Plant’s ongoing commitment to educating people on plant-based eating is admirable. So is its dedication to charity – the café donates a percentage of its profits to human and animal-based charities.
You must try the vegan Tagliatelle Carbonara, Mushroom Burger, or the Dirty Mac & Cheese.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 8am – 10pm
Sunday – Monday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 072 521 9252, info@plant.co.za
Where to find it 8 Buiten Street, corner Loop Street, Cape Town

Lekker Vegan

This popular vegan joint continues to be the gateway drug for fence-sitting omnivores. Place your order at the counter, grab a cold-pressed juice or Kombucha from the fridge (your liver and gut will thank you in the morning) and have a seat on the street-facing outdoor deck while you wait for your grub.
Vegan credentials 100% vegan
You must try the Lekker Messy Gatsby. True to its name, don’t expect to leave with clean clothes, despite a full belly. Comfort food indeed!
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 10am – 10pm
Friday & Saturday, 10am – 12am
Sunday, 11am – 9pm.
Contact Send a direct message on Instagram or Facebook
Where to find it Shop 11A1 Palmhof Shopping Centre, 105 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Vegan Test Kitchen

Samm Christy

Brought to you by Vegan Kitchen, this weekly pop-up at the popular Bay Harbour Market is on a mission to showcase quality, affordable plant-based products. On the menu is everything from vegan croissants, chia pudding and protein-packed smoothies to gourmet pies.
Opening times Friday, 5pm – 9pm
Saturday – Sunday, 9.30am – 4pm
Contact 027 79 399 3520, info@veganprotein.co.za
Where to find it The Bay Harbour Market or Vegan Goods Market

Restaurants that have vegan menus

Mary Ann’s Emporium & Eatery

Since opening their first shop in Johannesburg in 1991, owners Mary-Ann and Mark Shearer have been dedicated to sustainable eating and living. Their most recent addition is a restaurant on Mouille Point’s golden mile that serves a host of natural, organic and vegan dishes made with care and as small a carbon footprint as possible – even their packaging is made from tree cellulose and is completely biodegradable.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9 – 5pm
Breakfast buffet, 9am onwards; Lunch, 11am – 4pm
Contact 021 433 0166, info@naturalway.co.za
Where to find it 3 Park Street, Mouille Point, Cape Town

Orchard on Long

A delightful café on Long Street that serves fresh, delicious and healthy juices, as well as wholesome breakfasts and lunches, with a strong focus on veganism.
View the vegan menu here
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5pm
Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 021 424 3781, info@orchardonlong.co.za
Where to find it 211 Long Street, Cape Town

Scheckter’s Raw

A serene, yet buzzy, eatery on Sea Point’s Regent Street that serves raw, organic and vegetarian cuisine.
Vegan credentials 100% vegan. Scheckter’s Raw serves plant-based and nutrient-loaded healing food, cold-pressed juices, organic coffees and teas, and dairy-, sugar- and gluten-free sweet treats.
You must try the Golden Mylk (activated nut mylk with turmeric, cinnamon, dates, coconut oil, black pepper) and the Organic Matcha Flapjacks.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8.30am – 8pm
Contact 021 434 1364, love@schecktersraw.com
Where to find it 98 Regent Street, Sea Point, Cape Town

Honest Chocolate Café

Byrd & Bean

A charming chocolate café in Wale Street that sells organic cacao treats, as well as selection of wholesome cakes, pastries and tarts. All chocolate slabs and truffles are 100% vegan, and many of the chocolate baked goodies are vegan, too.
Opening times Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm
Friday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm
Contact 076 765 8306, cafe@honestchocolate.co.za
Where to find it 64A Wale Street, Cape Town

Wild Sprout Eatery

No stone – or grain – has been left unturned in the quest to boost flavours and optimise the nutritional value of every dish at this gem of an eatery in Kenilworth. nuts, grains and legumes are soaked and sprouted before being used, and all cooking and baking is done on site, and recipes are free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm
Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 082 563 9451, 082 532 219, info@wild-sprout.co.za
Where to find it 278 Main Road, Kenilworth (inside the Urban Farmer), Cape Town

Ground Zero Marley Coffee

Unpretentious, tasty vegan breakfasts, lunches and treats – and freshly roasted Marley Coffee – is what Ground Zero specialises in. Stick around for the evening experience: soul sounds, movie nights or a skills-exchange session!
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 076 300 4942, groundzerocape@gmail.com
Where to find it 122b Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town

El Burro Taqueria

Southern Vines

This popular casual Mexican eatery is famous for its punch-packing small plates, adventurous drinks and buzzy vibe.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Sunday, 10am – 10pm
Book through DinePlan
Contact Taqueria@elburro.co.za, 021 422 3554
Where to find it 1 New Church Street & Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

The Twelve Apostles

This stylish cliffside boutique hotel has recognised the growing need for vegan-friendly food with its decadent three-tiered high tea accompanied by a selection of loose-leaf teas and coffees (cappuccinos can be made with almond and soya milk).
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm (10am, 12.30pm, 3pm)
Please note The Vegan High Tea must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Cost R375
Contact 021 437 9000, restaurants@12apostles.co.za
Where to find it The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Victoria Road, Camps Bay

Masala Dosa

Charlie Arsan

Located on rambunctious Long Street, this Indian-restaurant-with-a-difference is named after a popular South Indian breakfast dish (a dosa is a pancake made from rice batter and black lentils). In addition to serving salads, dosa, thali, rotis and curries, the restaurant also offers weekly vegan cooking classes and caters for vegan functions.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 424 9029, amit@masaladosa.co.za
Where to find it 167 Long Street, Cape Town

Nü Health Café

Dark Horse

Nü’s philosophy of serving good-quality, sustainable and wholesome food has paid off, with health-conscious eaters flocking here for healthy salads, wraps, smoothies and breakfasts.
Opening times See various opening times for different stores
Contact 021 439 7269, hello@nufood.co.za
Where to find it See various stores

Massimo’s

Owned by Italian-born Massimo Orione and his British wife Tracy, this Hout Bay hangout is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, vintage Mickey Mouse home movies and epic pizza. The exclusively vegan menu is impressive, featuring spuntini tapas, salads, zucchini-ribbon pastas, and more.
View the vegan menu here
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 790 5648, info@massimos.co.za
Where to find it Oakhurst Farm Park, Main Road, Hout Bay

Life Unframed

Located on buzzy Kloof Street, Unframed was conceptualised after owner Yann Rey and ice-cream master Stéphane Augé began engineering new flavours and recipes. Expect anything from Jasmine Rice Lemongrass and Matcha Tea to the simply delicious chocolate vegan ice cream.
Opening times Kloof Street: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
Woodstock: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm
V&A Waterfront: Monday – Friday, 10am – 8pm; Saturday – Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Contact 063 601 0287, icecream@unframed.co.za
Where to find it 45C Kloof Street, Cape Town; V&A Food Market, 34a Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town

Vegan-friendly restaurants

Whole Earth Café

With humble beginnings as the Whole Earth Centre in 1978, this holistic café was opened by the original owner’s daughter in December 2015. Enjoy a range of vegan breakfasts, lunches and a dedicated vegan wine list, while soaking up the seaside charm of Scarborough. Locals opt for the inventive Tofish – a vegan twist on traditional fish and chips, with a decadent vegan French toast to finish!
Opening times Monday, 8.30am – 5pm
Wednesday – Sunday, 8.30am – 5pm
Contact 021 780 1138, info@wholeearthcafe.co.za
Where to find it 257 Main Road, Scarborough, Cape Town

O’Ways Teacafe

Sparrow Speaks03

Situated in a busy lane in the heart of Claremont’s CBD, this quaint restaurant is a haven of calm where Asian-inspired vegetarian fare, the finest leaf tea and artisanal coffee are the order of the day. With a passion for all things tea, each dish has a recommended tea pairing to complement the fresh flavours and ingredients.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 5pm
Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 021 671 2850, bookings@oways.co.za
Where to find it 20 Dreyer Street, Claremont, Cape Town

Spirit Café

You don’t have to be vegan, vegetarian or even health-conscious to enjoy the utterly delicious, made-from-scratch dishes at SpiritCafé in Constantia. They are known far and wide for their creative, seasonally driven dishes, made with farm-fresh ingredients and oodles of love.
View the vegan items here
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30 – 4.30pm, Saturday, 8.30 – 2pm, Sunday, 8am – 1pm
Contact 021 795 0167, cafe@yogaspirit.co.za
Where to find it Shop 10A on the Square, Constantia Village Courtyard, Constantia, Cape Town

Govinda’s Natural Food Café

This natural-food café offers visitors a pleasant space in which to enjoy quality food that’s reasonably priced. Touted by some as Rondebosch’s best-kept secret, Govinda’s serves wholesome, unfussy food and some of the best rotis around.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 6pm
Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 685 8384, info@iskconcape.org.za
Where to find it Hare Krishna Temple, 17 St Andrews Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town

Green Vine Eatery

Top Vegan Places

This rustic restaurant boasts an array of seasonal vegan and vegetarian dishes, utilising ingredients sourced from the estate’s own organic vegetable garden (wherever possible), as well as an impressive selection of Constantia Valley wines (including Silvermist’s own fine vintage). Enjoy your meal in the cosy interior, warmed by fireplaces during winter; or outside on the terrace in summer, so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 5pm*
*Friday, 8am – 9.30pm
Book through DinePlan
Contact 021 794 7601, silvermisteatery@gmail.com
Where to find it Silvermist Constantia Nek, Constantia Road, Cape Town

Thali

This Indian-style tapas restaurant takes you on a visual journey where intricate postcard art, kaleidoscopic patterns and Indian intrigue abound. The interiors (five different sections) and garden area make for an exotic and unique eating experience indeed!
Please note If you’d like the vegan menu, please request it when booking to ensure you get your hit of flavour-packed curries, potato and chickpea papadum chaat and rasam dhal.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 9.30pm, Friday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 286 2110, info@thalitapas.co.za
Where to find it 3 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town

Skinny Legs Luxury Café

Situated on busy Loop Street, Skinny Legs Luxury Café is the perfect breakfast or lunch spot for on-the-go customers. Attention to detail doesn’t go amiss here, with locally sourced almonds taking centre stage in the homemade almond milk, which gets transformed into delicious Matcha lattes and speciality coffees. Expect beautiful plates of wholesome fare (and perfectly spiced porridge just in time for winter).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm
Saturday, 8.30am – 2pm
Contact 021 461 2717, info@skinnylegs.co.za
Where to find it 70 Loop St, Cape Town

Marika’s Restaurant

This mom-and-pop affair, owned and run by Marika and husband Frank, serves unpretentious, home-style Mediterranean cuisine prepared from recipes handed down from generation to generation. With loads of vegan mezze and giros (falafel or vegetable with plenty of hummus), and Greek music in the background, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on the set of Mamma Mia!
View the vegan items here
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 6pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 465 2727, marikasrestaurant@mweb.co.za
Where to find it Upper Buitenkant Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town

Dolce Bakery

Tucked away on Lower Main in Observatory, this homely bakery brings a splash of creative ingenuity to Cape Town’s vegan scene. Expect a range of vegan bagels, tasty wraps and sweet treats, such as peanut-butter pie, chocolate mousse cupcakes, apple crumble and so much more.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 5pm
Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 027 21 447 2532, sweets@dolcebakery.co.za
Where to find it 239C Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town

Hang Ten Café

Claire Gunn

This seaside creperie and coffee bar is the perfect pitstop after a dip in the ocean. Expect dairy-free power smoothies, vegan smoothie bowls and crepes such as The Sweet Vegan (filled with salted date caramel, banana, and toasted coconut flakes) – divine.
View the vegan items here
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7.30am – 5pm
Contact 021 788 2001, hangtencafe@gmail.com
Where to find it 62 Beach Road, Surfer’s Corner, Muizenberg

The Courtyard Café

Entrance to this charming café is located next to Artvark Gallery where a creative menu of delicious vegan options awaits. Choose from baked goods, taster boards, salads, burgers, sandwiches to accompany your unhindered ocean view.
View the vegan items here
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7.30am – 5pm
Contact 021 788 1691, jolene@thecourtyardcafe.co.za
Where to find it 48 Main Road, Kalk Bay

Tamboers Winkel

In an effort to suit all palettes new owner Dale Bedford brought in expert vegan chef Nathalie Larsen to put a plant-based spin on some old favourites. Try the Scandanavian open sandwich: homemade cashew cheese on rye, topped with cured and smoked carrot and dill gravadlax.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 10pm
Saturday, 7am – 4pm
Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 021 424 0521, hello@tamboerswinkel.com
Where to find it 3 De Lorentz Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Yoffi Falafel

Chris Laidler

Perched at one end of Surfer’s Corner, this sea-facing café serves mouth-watering vegetarian shwarmas that will leave your belly satisfied and your mouth salivating! If carbs are not your thing, go for the falafel plate with all the decadent ingredients neatly plated, minus the pita.
Good to know There is also a Noordhoek branch.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 8.30pm
Saturday & Sunday, 7am – 5pm
Contact 084 364 8466, greg@evolutionart.co.za
Where to find it 52 Beach Road, Surfer’s Corner, Muizenberg

Prashad Café

Tucked away near the Fountain Centre in Rondebosch, this vegetarian branch of the popular Indian franchise is known for its moreish curries, paneers, biryani and kormas. Most dishes are vegan-friendly, and those that aren’t can be made as such – a must-try is the vegan butter-bean curry and palak paneer.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 10 – 9pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 685 7891
Where to find it 6 Fountain Place, Rondebosch, Cape Town

Woodlands Eatery

Bernard Myburgh

This charming restaurant brings Italian heritage to Cape Town via recipes learnt and passed down from the owners’ nonnas. Offering vegan antipasti such as tempura green beans, zucchini fritters and tomato-and-basil focaccia; vegan pizzas (with the option of a gluten free cauliflower base), BBQ cauliflower-and-chickpea tacos and butternut-and-chickpea burgers for mains, this neighbourhood gem is hard to beat.
View the vegan items here
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Book through DinePlan
Contact 063 710 4742, info@thewoodlandseatery.com
Where to find it 2 Deer Park Drive, Vredehoek, Cape Town

Lily’s

Lily’s harnesses its endless sea views, and combines lavish furnishings and fine interior textures with a menu displaying careful thought and consideration. Enjoy various vegan light bites, sandwiches, salads, or order from the special Don’t Eat Meat menu, which includes spicy tofu lettuce cups and a super-green stir-fry served with homemade chilli jam.
View the vegan items here
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 10pm
Book through DinePlan
Contact 021 204 8545, info@lilysrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Corner Beach Road and Surrey Place, Mouille Point, Cape Town

Researched by Francesca Gransden, Annabel Short, Nikki Benatar, and Michelle de Bruin

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