East London, one of the Eastern Cape‘s most lovely cities, offers plenty for all to see, eat and explore.
Among these, one even finds a few vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants… East London’s offerings are perhaps not as clear-cut as a city like Cape Town but there are still a few options for all types of eaters to enjoy.
Note: Many of these restaurants listed here are not purely vegan or vegetarian as places such as these are few and far between in East London – but in most cases, they do still draw vegans and especially vegetarians to their doors. Please check the breakdowns next to each restaurant listed to see whether it is vegan or vegetarian friendly – or suited to both.
Here are some of the best vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options in East London:
#1 Earth Forest
With a 100% plant-based menu, permaculture ethics, commitment to sustainable, healthy foods and a simple, holistic approach, Earth Forest is undoubtedly one of the most vegan- and vegetarian – friendly places in all of East London.
This living kitchen and juice bar is well-loved for its cold-pressed juices, smoothies, superfoods and plant-based meals.
Meal options like organic beetroot shots or fresh, juicy lentil burgers are sure to keep you coming back for more. Menus change regularly to ensure fresh, organic produce is always incorporated.
Contact: +27 (063) 631 5336, stirling@earthforest.co.za
berea@earthforest.co.za
Website: www.earthforest.co.za
Address: Earth Forest, Stirling Road, Stirling
Chamberlain Road, Berea, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#2 Mad Batter
This specialised bakery caters to all tastes and diets – including vegan, gluten-free, low carb and paleo – so it is a wonderful idea for vegans and vegetarians seeking delicious, health conscious sweet treats and baked goods. No matter whether you wish to spoil yourself – or shop for a special occasion.
The food also looks as good as it tastes, meaning your baked goods are as beautiful as they are mouthwatering.
So, while it is not your traditional eatery, it is definitely still worth a mention and keeping in mind!
Contact: +27 (064) 752 5528, madbattereastlondon@outlook.com
Website: N/A
Address: Mad Batter, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#3 Sisters East London
While not a restaurant or eatery, 2 Sisters are instead the proud stockists of leading vegan brands from all around South Africa. And, with their own online orders and offerings, they reach an audience far wider than just East London itself.
They offer everything from vegan meats to ice-cream to homemade meals. And, while they specialise in orders rather than a physical shop, you can still find their goods locally at places such as Meraki Market and Sugar Dot Com Bakery etc.
Drop them a message or visit their Facebook page for more information on what, how and when you can order your vegan-friendly goods – or keep an eye out for their vegan stall at Meraki Market.
Contact: +27 (066) 162 0238, 2sisterseastlondon@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: 2 Sisters, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#4 Irana Indian Cuisine
While Irana Indian Cuisine does primarily meat-based options – we are happy to report that they also have a good selection of tasty, vegetarian dishes, ensuring that vegetarians are catered for too.
Options like Mix Bean Curry, Potato Curry and Butter Bean with Brinjal are all sure to hit the spot…
Best of all, visitors (vegans and vegetarians among them) agree this is one of the best places to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine in all of SA.
What’s more, the restaurant atmosphere is homely and welcoming, ensuring a good meal is had by all.
Note: While they aren’t necessarily vegan – they do cater to vegetarians, and possibly vegans too.
Contact: +27 (083) 893 9398
Website: N/A
Address: Irana Indian Cuisine, 5 Glaston Street, Berea, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#5 Country Bumpkin
Country Bumpkin, situated at Floradale Nursery, Beacon Bay, lies within a tastefully restored old farm house, surrounded by lush greenery and foliage.
They are known for their fresh, country fare, in particular their gourmet pizzas and a la carte menu.
Although they are not out-and-out vegetarian by any stretch of the food imagination – they do have a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, everything from salads to falafel burgers to vegetarian pizzas.
For this reason and so many others, the delightful Country Bumpkin is worth a visit.
Note: While they aren’t necessarily vegan – they do cater to vegetarians, and possibly vegans, with plenty of vegetarian options spread across their menus.
Contact: +27 (043) 748 4840, info@countrybumpkin.co.za
Website: www.countrybumpkin.co.za
Address: Country Bumpkin, Shop 6, Floradale Nursery, Old Gonubie Road, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#6 Jules on Jarvis
Focusing on fresh, local and above all, honest food – Jules on Jarvis provide guests with incredible meals… because ‘life is too short to eat average food’.
Among their Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner Menus, one finds a few, good vegetarian (and possibly vegan) options.
In addition to their great food, they also offer a cosy, warm restaurant space where you can chat and enjoy your meal in contented bliss.
Note: While they aren’t vegan – they do cater to vegetarians (and possibly vegans too) thanks to a few, selected menu options.
Contact: +27 (043) 726 8774, julesonjarvis@gmail.com
Website: julesonjarvis.co.za
Address: Jules on Jarvis, 34 Jarvis Road, Berea, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#7 Sanook Eatery
Sanook Eatery, a highly popular spot locally in East London, is a classy, yet down-to-earth eatery that has it all.
At Sanook Eatery, great service, delicious food and a lovely ambiance help to really set the perfect mood, no matter the occasion.
Although they are certainly not out-and-out vegetarian, they cater to vegetarian eaters thanks to their vast, varied menu, which offers a selection of vegetarian-marked meals.
So be sure to join them for a tasty meal with those you love.
Note: While they aren’t vegan – they do cater nicely to vegetarians, with plenty of options spread across their vast, varied menu.
Contact: +27 (043) 748 2494, eat@sanook.co.za
Website: www.sanook.co.za
Address: Sanook Eatery, 13A Beacon Bay Crossing, Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#8 The Aroma
The Aroma – a stylish Indian restaurant with a fun Western twist – is another worthy East London eatery. Here, guests can enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting, with good, friendly service to enhance your experience.
Their menu offers limited vegetarian options, including the likes of the Aroma Stir Veggie Fry Burger and Vegetable Korma.
Note: While they aren’t vegan, they do cater to vegetarians (and possibly vegans) in a small capacity.
Contact: +27 (043) 735 1378, reception@thearoma.co.za
Website: thearoma.co.za
Address: The Aroma, 14c Epsom Road, Stirling, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#9 Grazia Fine Food and Wine
Grazia Fine Food and Wine is another eating establishment that, while not out-and-out vegetarian, still makes an effort to cater to its vegetarian visitors and their food preferences.
Given this, guests can browse their Salad, Primi Piatti and Vegetarian Pizzas for some vegetarian fare that is sure to win over your taste buds. Highlights include the Vegetarian Curry Pizza, Greek Salad and Insalata Caprese options.
Plus, they offer a beautiful restaurant setting, complete with attentive service and a wine list of note.
Note: While they aren’t vegan – they do cater nicely to vegetarians, especially in their Primi Piatti, Vegetarian Pizzas and Salad options.
Contact: +27 (043) 722 2009, (087) 350 4066, grazia@graziafinefood.co.za
Website: www.graziafinefood.co.za
Address: Grazia Fine Food and Wine, Upper Esplanade/Beach Front Road, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#10 Cantina & Craft
Cantina & Craft offers a simple, yet well-varied menu, which includes some nice vegetarian-type options.
Every meal is created in-house, providing the ultimate freshness. Specialising primarily in Mexican-style cuisine and craft beer, Cantina & Craft offers delicious meals for all.
The atmosphere is welcoming and fun, cementing a good time while you feast.
Note: While they aren’t vegan – they do loosely cater to vegetarians, with a few vegetarian options on offer.
Contact: +27 (043) 748 2636
Website: www.cantinaandcraft.co.za
Address: Shop i&j Beacon Bay Crossings, Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
These are just some of the most vegan and vegetarian friendly places you will find in East London… They are few and far between in East London – but depending on your food preferences and comfort levels, you might still find a local gem – that respects your food beliefs – or meal among their ranks.