The rise of veganism in the Mother City in recent years has brought some incredible vegan- and vegetarian-friendly eateries to our city.
In almost every area of the city now, one can find a vegan restaurant, cafe, juice bar or food truck.
For those who follow veganism, this has provided quality food to enjoy, without compromising on their ethical eating beliefs or plant-based food practices.
So, without further ado, here are the top ten vegan (and vegan-friendly) restaurants to enjoy in Cape Town:
#1 Lekker Vegan
With two branches in Cape Town already – in Harrington and Kloof Street respectively – Lekker Vegan offers guests gourmet vegan junk food at its best. It has become so increasingly popular that owner, James Knapp, is keen to open more branches of this vegan junk food franchise.
Their menus include delicious varieties of gatsbys (a staunch Cape Town food favourite, similar to a sub), burgers and chips, snacks and even soft serve.
This cruelty-free food gives a choice of everything from apple crumble pie to gatsbys… Best of all, there are even some gluten-free options available!
Note: Lekker Vegan does not allow table bookings or phone-ins but you can visit either of their branches – or order their food online using food delivery services like UberEats, Mr D Food and OrderIn.
Contact: For questions, please mail or direct message on Instagram or Facebook.
Website: lekkervegan.co.za
Address:
- Lekker Vegan Harrington, 37 Barrack Street, Corner of Harrington & Barrack Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
- Lekker Vegan Kloof, Shop 11A1, Palmhof Shopping Center, 105 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Raw and Roxy
Raw and Roxy – the brainchild of Danish-born Beatrice Holst – is an eatery that needs little introduction, having won numerous accolades, in addition to being hailed by many vegan and non-vegan foodies alike as incredible.
As one of the first vegan eateries in Cape Town, Raw and Roxy has successfully made vegan food and eating ‘sexy’.
They believe in creating “delicious raw vegan meals”, which include the likes of gourmet salads, guilt-free desserts, healthy juices and a mix of superfoods and tonics to give your body an added health boost… in a variety of different ways!
Situated in the heart of Woodstock, this cafe is one of Cape Town’s best (vegan or otherwise) and well-worth a visit!
Note: Raw and Roxy also offers online ordering.
Contact: +27 (079) 599 6277
Website: rawrawandroxy.wixsite.com
Address: Raw and Roxy, 38 Hout Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Scheckter’s RAW
A long-standing favourite in the Mother City, Scheckter’s RAW – who specialise in gourmet health food – are loved by vegans and non-vegans alike. They believe in authentic, honest, plant-based food, which is both “cruelty-free and nutrient-dense”.
What’s more, in addition to its great food, this wholesome eatery is endlessly stylish, so it offers visitors a wonderful, all-round dining experience.
When visiting, sink your teeth into the likes of cold-pressed juices, organic superfood smoothies, super bowls, vegan burgers, curry wraps, organic, gluten-free treats and more!
Contact: +27 (021) 434 1364, love@schecktersraw.com
Website: schecktersraw.com
Address: Scheckter’s RAW, 98 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Plant
From its early beginnings as a Bo-Kaap cafe to its popular rise as a firm CBD favourite, Plant is one of Cape Town’s best loved vegan eateries.
They pride themselves on top-class food and service, striving for ultimate customer satisfaction and clean, nutritious food in our fast-paced world of living and eating.
Offering everything from breakfast to tapas to hot dogs, this vegan cafe is sure to even tempt non-vegans into the plant-based way of eating.
Note: You can also order food from Plant on OrderIn.
Contact: +27 (072) 521 9252, info@plant.co.za
Website: www.plantcafe.co.za
Address: Plant, 8 Buiten Street, Corner of Loop Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 The Kind Kitchen
Specialising in seasonal vegan goodness, The Kind Kitchen has a ‘no harm done’ mantra, which is the basis for everything here.
This vegan deli and cafe’s menu varies according to seasonal- and ingredient-availability but their goods range from breakfast offerings to burgers, lunches and super suppers… Think: beetroot falafels, a fillet of fish made from banana blossoms (inventive) and scrambled tofu in lieu of eggs.
Note: The Kind Kitchen’s menu is subject to seasonal availability and may change on a weekly basis.
Contact: +27 (061) 526 1358
Website: thekindkitchen.co.za
Address: The Kind Kitchen, 252 Albert Road, Woodstock Brewery, Shop 1, Woodstock, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Jessy’s Waffles
Jessy’s Waffles, based in Gardens, offers visitors a selection of vegan and gluten-free waffles.
As Cape Town’s new, go-to plant-based and gluten-free dessert cafe, Jessy’s Waffles is, understandably, very popular.
Not only do the waffles taste and look great – but they have a focus on amazing ingredients, which result in sinfully good, cruelty-free treats… A win on all fronts!
Contact: +27 (087) 470 0139, info@jessyswaffles.co.za
Website: jessyswaffles.co.za
Address: Jessy’s Waffles, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Pure Elixir Cafe
This organic superfood smoothie and juice cafe needs no introduction. It is famed for its organic, vegan and preservative-free eats.
Offering everything from superfood smoothies to vegan rotis and gluten-free baked treats, Pure Elixir Cafe is a wonderfully health-conscious, cosy cafe to enjoy with friends and loved ones.
It is naturally an excellent option for vegans (and vegetarians) – but, thanks to its excellent, healthy food and drinks, it is a gem for non-vegans too.
Contact: +27 (076) 768 0733, pureelixircafe@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Pure Elixir Cafe, 120 Bree Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 The Sunshine Food Co
What started as a vegan burger stall at markets dotted across the Mother City, has blossomed into a cheery yellow cafe situated in Main Road, Sea Point.
The Sunshine Food Co – the genius of Elisha Madzivadondo – still offers its iconic vegan burgers (which are generously sized and incredibly tasty!) – but now you can also enjoy a selection of health wraps, smoothies, juices and more! Best of all, their food is one hundred percent organic!
Contact: +27 (081) 825 0925, thesunshinefoodco@gmail.com
Website: sunshinefoodct.co.za
Address: The Sunshine Food Co, Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Spirit Cafe
Although not strictly vegan, Spirit Cafe offers plenty of vegan-friendly options. They firmly believe in good, healthy food.
At Spirit Cafe, the menu follows a ‘seasonal availability’ approach and is friendly to all, whether non-vegan or vegan.
Vegan food and drink options include the likes of the chia pot, powerhouse porridge, buddha bowl and a wide range of lip smackin’ smoothies, which (barring one or two exceptions) are almost entirely vegan.
Aside from their sit-down offerings, you can also enjoy their food on the go, thanks to their takeaway options – or hire their catering services for special occasions and events… Either way, Spirit Cafe is sure to charm you with their delicious, healthy eats!
Spirit Cafe now has two branches, the original, primary branch based in Constantia Village, as well as the newer, second branch in Dunkley Square, Gardens.
Note: If you aren’t comfortable dining in an eatery that offers both vegan and non-vegan options, rather head to a purely vegan restaurant. Still, Spirit Cafe is recommended by other vegans and vegetarians so it’s definitely worth including on this post.
Contact: +21 (021) 795 0167, info@spiritcafe.co.za
Website: www.spiritcafe.co.za
Address:
- Spirit Cafe Constantia, Shop 10A, Constantia Village, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
- Spirit Cafe Dunkley Square, 6 Dunkley Square, Gardens, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 O’Ways Teacafe
Although not strictly vegan or vegetarian, O’Ways Teacafe offers a great selection of teas and vegan and gluten-free eats. They are popular among the masses and offer a nice selection of food for every palate and eating preference.
Some of the notably vegan options include scrambled tofu, vegan chickpea flour pancake, tofu curry, fruit salad, rice burger, creamy gnocchi and coconut vegetable curry.
Note: If you aren’t comfortable dining in an eatery that offers both vegan and non-vegan options, rather head to a purely vegan restaurant. Still, O’Ways is recommended by other vegans and vegetarians so it’s definitely worth including on this post.
Contact: +27 (021) 671 2850, bookings@oways.co.za
Website: www.oways.co.za
Address: O’ways Teacafé, Shop 2, Heritage House, 20 Dreyer Street, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just some of the mouth-watering and ‘ethical eating’ vegan and vegan-friendly eateries you can enjoy in the Mother City… Which are you most excited to try?