Cape Town is leading the charge in the raw and organic movement, making it easier than ever for plant-based eaters to savour delicious food throughout the city.
Whether you’re a vegan, a vegetarian, or just someone eager to explore a fresh culinary perspective, the Mother City is home to many eateries that will be a treat for your tastebuds.
While not all spots on our list are strictly vegetarian, they’re all welcoming to plant-based diners, with many offering exclusively vegan options.
Scheckter’s RAW
Scheckter’s RAW is one of Cape Town’s most famous health food restaurants. Situated on the popular Sea Point restaurant strip, Scheckter’s has everything that a healthy foodie could possibly want. Try their baked pumpkin pie doughnut and one of their smoothies.
Website: schecktersraw.com
Govinda’s Natural Food Cafe
The Hare Krishna Centre in Rondebosch has been the suburban hub for the vegetarian lifestyle for decades. Govinda’s Natural Food Cafe is open on weekends from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, serving “karma-free food for higher consciousness.” This vibrant suburban café offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan meals, snacks, and sweets.
Website: www.facebook.com/govindasnaturalcafe/
The Whole Earth Café
The Whole Earth Cafe is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant located in the beautiful seaside suburb of Scarborough. The menu features hearty and healthy breakfasts, with favourites like falafels and veggie burgers available for lunch and dinner. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food while soaking up the natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
Website: wholeearthcafe.co.za
Nourish’d Café and Juicery
From the owner’s dad’s old garage to one of Cape Town’s most Instagrammable spots, Nourish’d Café and Juicery is a plant-based, zero-waste cafe and juicery. The eatery is famous for its cold-pressed (slow masticating method) juices and chic decor. For food options, tuck into toasted sandwiches, Fill Me Ups, and Rainbow Bowls. Nourish’d is in Observatory, Green Point, and Kloof Street.
Website: nourishd.co.za/
Spirit Café
The Spirit Café is a suburban sanctuary that promotes healthy and nourishing food. Based in Constantia, you can sip on smoothies and indulge in breakfast bowls. The lunch menu showcases a broad range of flavours. If you’re feeling up to it, you can visit their sister business, Yoga Spirit, for a relaxing session. Please note that the restaurant also serves dishes containing eggs and honey, so be sure to double-check before ordering if you’re vegan.
Website: www.spiritcafe.co.za/
Honest Chocolate Café
Honest Chocolate is a Cape Town institution. Enjoy ethically sourced, handcrafted chocolate, here you can enjoy vegan chocolate, dairy-free drinks, and treats.
Website: honestchocolate.co.za
Unframed Ice Cream
Vegan ice cream created by a legitimate ice cream master: that’s all you really need to know about Unframed Ice Cream. The ice cream shop scoops up an array of vegan flavours, including spicy mango, turmeric latte, lusty coconut, beetroot chocolate ginger, and matcha tea. You can find an Unframed location in Woodstock, Stellenbosch, V&A Waterfront, Franschhoek and Gardens.
Website: unframed.co.za
Blended Health Cafe
Blended Health Cafe in Glencairn is a fantastic spot in the South Peninsula, conveniently located just across the road from Glencairn Beach and the popular Glencairn tidal pool. The eatery is 100% vegetarian and approximately 95% vegan and plant based. Popular items include freshly pressed juices, smoothies, and “snackeroos”—light snacks for those who aren’t too hungry. Gluten-free options are also available.
Website: blendedbar.co.za/
Plant Cafe
One of Cape Town’s vegan food gems is Plant Cafe. Located in the CBD and in Camps Bay, this fully vegan eatery prides itself on its delicious, plant-based meals, smoothies, juices, and desserts. Choose anything from wraps, crepes, and even burgers. While you’re there, stock up on supplies like milk alternatives and vegan baking ingredients.
Website: plantcafe.co.za
Yoffi Falafel
Situated on the Muizenberg beachfront, Yoffi Falafel is a favourite for an affordable post-surfing meal. They’re all about the falafel at Yoffi’s and they do them well. It is the perfect spot to chow down while you’re still in your wetsuit.
Website: bit.ly/47KauLs
Planet Bar
Enjoy an assortment of vegetarian and vegan options at the Planet Bar at Mount Nelson. Sit in a cosy, chic spot and indulge in menu items like a vegan mushroom burger, a grilled falafel wrap, or share a veg platter. The bar also offers an expansive ocean view-perfect for sundowners.
Website: belmond.com
Prashad Cafe
Prashad Cafe is a family-owned business that serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine that captures unique and unforgettable South African Indian flavours. Popular menu items include butter “chicken”, Palak Paneer, and mixed vegetable breyani. Locations in Cape Town include Kloof Street, Rondebosch (previously called Maharajah Vegetarian), Constantia Village Mall and the Baxter Theatre.
Website: www.prashad.co.za/
