TL;DR—Key Takeaways
Here’s your guide to fresh, creative, meat-free meals in Cape Town. Cape Town’s vegetarian scene is thriving – rich in flavor, creativity, and sustainability. It features vibrant smoothies, zero-waste cafes, and authentic Indian curries. Here is my list of 11 must-visit vegetarian and veggie-friendly restaurants and shops, complete with personal insights and practical tips.
Why Cape Town Is a Vegetarian’s Paradise
After spending a good deal of time exploring Cape Town’s food scene, I can confidently say this city is a sanctuary for those embracing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle – or just those wanting to enjoy tasteful and creative plant-based cuisine. From quick bites on the go to leisurely dining experiences steeped in ethical sourcing and zero waste, Cape Town’s eateries have something for everyone. Here are the best of the best.
1. Nourish’d — Healthy, Zero Waste, and Delicious
Location: 177 Kloof St, Gardens
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–5:00pm, Sat 8:00am–4:00pm
Price Range: Moderate (Smoothies: R50–R70, Meals: R80–R120)
Website: nourishd.co.za
Nourish’d was a game-changer for me from the moment I walked into their Upper Kloof Street outlet. Natasha Napoli’s vision to combine delicious, healthy smoothies with a strict zero-waste policy means every visit feels purposeful.
Their adventurous smoothie menu — yes, including the surprisingly tasty CBD Peppermint Crisp — keeps you coming back. Their lentil and beetroot patties are a favorite, and I appreciate the ability to order juice cleanses and meal boxes online.
Pros:
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Zero-waste commitment
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Expansive menu beyond smoothies
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Multiple locations including Observatory and Green Point
Cons:
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Can get busy during peak times
2. The Sunshine Food Co. — Quirky, Hearty, and Coastal Fresh
Location: 6 Main Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Daily 8:00am–6:00pm
Price Range: Affordable to moderate (R60–R100)
Instagram: @thesunshinefoodco
Hidden in the lively coastal neighborhood of Three Anchor Bay, this quirky hole-in-the-wall stole my heart with its wholesome, bunless veggie burgers and inventive vegetarian sushi rolls. It’s the perfect spot for a mid-walk smoothie or juice on the Sea Point promenade.
Their food has a joyful, fresh vibe that’s reflected in the service.
Pros:
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Great for quick healthy bites
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Perfect location for a stroll break
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Friendly, local vibe
Cons:
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Limited seating, so expect a bit of a wait
3. The Conscious Kitchen — Mindful Dining on Kloof Street
Location: 34 Kloof St, Gardens
Hours: Daily 7:00am–10:00pm
Price Range: Moderate (R70–R150)
Website: consciouskitchen.co.za
The Conscious Kitchen champions zero waste, organic ingredients, and a plant-based ethos that’s evident in every dish and cocktail. From colorful all-day breakfasts to energizing fresh juices, the experience here feels both uplifting and indulgent.
I’ve enjoyed evenings here where the cocktails pair perfectly with their innovative vegetarian snacks — the kind of mindful indulgence that keeps me coming back.
Pros:
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Ethical and organic ingredients
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Vibrant atmosphere for day and night
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Creative cocktail menu
Cons:
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Slightly pricier than some other options
4. Prashad Café — Authentic Indian Vegetarian Delights
Location: Palmhof Centre, Kloof St, Gardens
Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00am–9:00pm
Price Range: Affordable (R50–R90)
Website: prashadcafe.co.za
For lovers of Indian cuisine, Prashad Café is a treasure trove. The Durban-style mixed vegetable ‘bunny chow’ is a standout — hearty, flavorful, and authentically vegetarian. Their vegetable Malabhar, rich with mustard seeds and coconut, has become one of my go-to comfort foods here.
The soya chicken and prawn alternatives are surprisingly good, but for true vegetarian authenticity, stick to the vegetable dishes.
Pros:
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Authentic Indian vegetarian fare
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Multiple locations for convenience
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Affordable and filling
Cons:
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Some dishes may be too spicy for mild palates
5. Pizzasaurus — Dino-Themed Vegan Pizza Adventure
Location: 103 Harrington St, Cape Town
Hours: Tue–Sun 12:00pm–9:00pm (Closed Mon)
Price Range: Moderate (R80–R140)
Website: pizzasaurus.co.za
If you think vegan pizza is boring, Pizzasaurus will change your mind. The wood-fired pizzas, themed around dinosaurs, are as fun as they are flavorful.
Their flagship pizza ‘The Herbivores’ boasts mushrooms, olives, artichokes, and more — a true veggie lover’s dream. The T-Rex, with vegan bacon, is a must-try for those craving that smoky flavor.
Pros:
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Unique, fun theme and vibe
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High-quality wood-fired pizzas
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Entirely vegan menu
Cons:
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Small venue, best to book ahead
6. Scheckter’s Raw — Health-Focused and Honest Food
Location: 98 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00am–6:00pm
Price Range: Moderate (R70–R120)
Website: schecktersraw.com
Started by former rugby player John Scheckter, this health-focused restaurant is more than a trend — it’s a commitment to wholesome, honest food.
Their falafel wraps and burgers are legendary and remain favorites on my visits. Scheckter’s Raw’s multiple locations around town make it easy to fit in a nutritious meal wherever you are.
Pros:
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Strong brand with consistent quality
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Multiple locations
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Appeals to vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike
Cons:
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Some menu items may include dairy, so check if strictly vegan
7. Mary-Ann’s — Whole Food Legacy and Cozy Café
Location: Triangle House, 1st Floor, 1 URTEL Crescent, Somerset Mall Plaza
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00am–5:00pm
Price Range: Moderate (R60–R110)
Website: mary-anns.com
A pioneer in the South African whole food movement, Mary-Ann’s combines a health food shop with a cozy café environment. Their vegan lunches and lifestyle products give a wholesome, community feel that’s hard to beat.
After years in Johannesburg, Mary-Ann’s presence in Cape Town is a welcome addition for those seeking natural, plant-based nourishment.
Pros:
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Combines retail and dining
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Strong whole food philosophy
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Great for light, nutritious meals
Cons:
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Less of a restaurant, more of a café-shop hybrid
8. Spirit Café — Suburban Health Haven in Constantia
Location: Constantia Village Courtyard Center, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm, Sat 8:00am–3:00pm
Price Range: Moderate (R60–R110)
Website: spiritcafe.co.za
Nestled beside a yoga studio, Spirit Café offers a laid-back, health-conscious vibe that’s perfect for a post-workout meal or a leisurely brunch.
The spinach and feta quiche is a personal favorite, alongside their smoothies and vegetarian mini-Snickers bars. Gluten, sugar, and meat-free options abound, making it a hit for those with dietary restrictions.
Pros:
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Perfect for post-yoga or health-focused dining
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Variety of dietary-friendly options
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Relaxed suburban atmosphere
Cons:
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Limited late-night options
9. Seven Colours Eatery — Celebrating African Vegetarian Traditions
Location: Battery Park, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Hours: Daily 9:00am–8:00pm
Price Range: Moderate (R80–R130)
Website: sevencolourseatery.co.za
Chef Nolu Dube-Cele’s Seven Colours Eatery is a loving homage to traditional African cooking with a plant-based twist.
Here, dishes like umfino (maize pap with greens) and isaladi yamazimba (chickpea and sun-dried tomato salad) bring local flavors to life. Pair these with amagwinya or amarostile breads for an authentic Cape Town vegetarian experience.
Pros:
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Unique focus on African vegetarian dishes
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Located in popular Waterfront precinct
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Friendly, casual dining environment
Cons:
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Meat options available, so double-check if seeking exclusively vegetarian
10. The Vegan Butcherie — Plant-Based ‘Meats’ Perfected
Location: 13A Dixon St, De Waterkant
Hours: Tue–Sun 8:00am–9:00pm (Closed Mon)
Price Range: Moderate (R80–R150)
Website: veganbutcherie.com
The Vegan Butcherie embraces veganism with full gusto, offering plant-based ribs, sausages, and bacon that satisfy even carnivorous cravings.
After five years perfecting their recipes, they serve delicious, guilt-free alternatives for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The vibe here is casual yet fun — a must-visit for anyone missing the “meat” experience.
Pros:
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Innovative plant-based ‘meats’
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Diverse menu for all day dining
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Great for vegans transitioning from meat
Cons:
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Less traditional vegetarian fare
11. PLANT Café — Creative Vegan Comfort in Camps Bay
Location: 87 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Hours: Daily 8:00am–6:00pm
Price Range: Moderate (R70–R140)
Website: plantcafe.co.za
One of Cape Town’s first vegan cafes, PLANT continues to impress with dishes that are both delicious and creative.
From vegan breakfasts and wraps to Asian-inspired bao buns with shiitake mushrooms or tofu, their menu is vibrant and well-curated. The Camps Bay location makes it a perfect stop for a healthy meal after a beach day or hike.
Pros:
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Creative and varied vegan menu
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Beach-adjacent location
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Friendly and welcoming staff
Cons:
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Can be busy on weekends
What Makes These Restaurants Stand Out?
Each restaurant listed above is not just about the food — they embody a lifestyle of health, sustainability, and culinary innovation. They offer more than just vegetarian meals; they serve community, ethics, and fresh experiences. I’ve personally enjoyed the diversity from zero waste cafes to African culinary traditions, which makes Cape Town’s vegetarian scene so unique.
FAQs
Q: What are the best vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town?
A: Some of the best include Nourish’d for zero waste smoothies and meals, Prashad Café for authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine, and Pizzasaurus for vegan pizza lovers.
Q: Are there vegan-friendly restaurants in Cape Town?
A: Absolutely! The Vegan Butcherie and PLANT Café are perfect for creative, fully vegan dishes in welcoming environments.
Q: Which Cape Town restaurants offer gluten-free and sugar-free vegetarian options?
A: Spirit Café in Constantia is well known for catering to gluten, sugar, and meat-free diets, making it an excellent choice for special dietary needs.
Q: Where can I find authentic African vegetarian dishes in Cape Town?
A: Seven Colours Eatery at the V&A Waterfront offers traditional African vegetarian meals celebrating local flavors.
Final Thoughts: My Personal Picks
For me, Nourish’d and The Conscious Kitchen top the list because of their strong ethical stances and innovative menus. If you want to explore rich Indian vegetarian flavors, don’t miss Prashad Café. For a fun twist, Pizzasaurus delivers memorable vegan pizzas. And if you want to dive into local heritage, Seven Colours Eatery is a must.
Cape Town’s vegetarian dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, ethics, and flavors — whether you’re a committed vegetarian, vegan, or simply veggie-curious, you’ll find dishes that delight and inspire.
