If you thought vegetarian food was all rabbit leaves and lettuce, you obviously haven’t experienced dining in these Cape Town restaurants! Read below for our list of Cape Town’s spiciest, tastiest, healthiest vegetarian restaurants.
How Vegetarian are You?
There are varying degrees of vegetarianism. The strictest of vegetarians – vegans – not only steer clear of all forms of meat, but all animal products as well, including honey (bees are often killed in the production thereof), and foods that may contain traces of animal products, such as bread baked in buttered tins and sugar to which bone charcoal has been added (to make it white).
The Planet Restaurant
For a truly celestial experience, Cape Town’s Planet Restaurant awaits. This dazzling restaurant is situated in the Mount Nelson Hotel and asks you to bring your most discerning palette to the table. The innovative, almost opulent vegan menu offers a 5-course dining experience, starting with marinated mushrooms terrine and ending with the perfect cheesecake. Read more about our journey to the stars in our Horny Grazer review of the Planet Bar & Restaurant here.
Where: 76 Orange Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 483 1000
Addis in Cape
Addis in Cape is exactly what the name suggests – a little slice of Ethiopia in the heart of Cape Town. Though not exclusively vegetarian, the veg menu includes many of the restaurant’s most delectable dishes, such as the Shimbere Asa Wot (home-made chickpea cakes simmered in a spicy berbere sauce). The experience is as authentic as the menu; guests sit around a table and share in the meal together. There’s even a classic Ethiopian coffee ceremony on offer. Melkam megeb!
Where: 41 Church Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 424 5722
Dear Me
Dear Me can best be described as eco-suave. This all-day brasserie is all clean lines and home-made goodness. Even the most finicky eater will be satisfied, with a menu designed to accommodate special dietary requirements and a flexible “you want it, we’ll make it” attitude. Diabetic, lactose-, gluten- or wheat intolerant, vegetarian or vegan? Dear Me caters for all. Take a peek into their pantry, with its home-made products – the bottled preserves, jams, chutneys, nut butters, the antique bread cabinet packed with freshly baked breads… It’s a veggie’s Nirvana.
Where: 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 422 4920
Lola’s
We’ve mentioned Lola’s before. And because it’s so fantastic and such an itegral part of the Cape Town dining experience, we have no problem mentioning it again. Chef and co-owner Craig Wobbie is a master at his craft, passionate about sustainability and organic produce. So passionate, that Craig heads down to the harbour most days to get the morning catch and return to scribble “fresh line fish” onto the ever-evolving blackboard menu. The restaurant is not solely vegetarian, but it does have utterly mouth-watering veg options, crammed full of organic wonder.
Where: 228 Long Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 423 0885
Vanilla Café
Fusion is the name of the game at the Vanilla Café, which is really more of a classy restaurant than a ‘café’, but let’s not nitpick over semantics. Located in the scenic Cape Overberg, it proves the perfect excuse to explore Cape Town’s surrounds. Spend warm summer afternoons in the garden while the cast-iron fireplace and cosy interior beckons one in on wintry evenings. The menu is eclectic and the food exciting, complete with a comprehensive veggie menu. Did we mention that breakfast (try the nutty French toast) is served ALL DAY?
Where: 18 Ds Botha Street, Greyton
Tel: +27 28 254 9453
Zucchinis
Think spinach wraps, veg burritos, aromatic curries and tasty sandwiches. Located on Cape Town’s busy, vibrant Loop Street, Zucchinis is diminutive and delightful, if a little rough around the edges. Don’t let the humble decor fool you! The menu is simple yet extensive and boasts some of Cape Town’s best vegetarian fare.
Where: 83 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 424 8571
Sophea Gallery & Tibetan Teahouse
The Sophea Gallery and Tibetan Teahouse is so much more than just a restaurant – it’s a restorative experience that includes breathtaking views over False Bay, and a front-seat for whale watching. The Teahouse “specialises in food for the body and soul.” The traditional Tibetan menu is filled with delectable dishes, enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. If, as the saying goes, you are what you eat, then a trip to the Tibetan Teahouse should make you a delicious, organic, well-balanced human being indeed!
Where: 2 Harrington Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 786 1544
Grape Scott!
You might recall the scene in the film Notting Hill where William Thacker (Hugh Grant) goes on a blind date with an off-the-wall “fruitarian”. Fruitarianism is a very real form of vegetarianism, where the diet consists of fruit, nuts, seeds and other plant material that can be gathered without killing the plant (e.g. pears can be picked without killing the plant, carrots cannot).
Sababa
What, you haven’t been to Sababa yet? This contemporary restaurant has a unique Middle-Eastern flair and can be found on Cape Town’s hip Bree Street. Sababa is owned by sisters Tal and Nitit and has an extensive vegetarian menu and and tantalising desserts, served fresh daily. This is the perfect spot to grab a morning coffee and a slice of homemade carrot cake. Come by for “Falafel Night” – 6pm – 9pm, every Thursday – and enjoy an authentic falafel experience, choose from a variety of local beer and wines.
Where: 231 Bree Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 424 7480
Bolo Bolo
The concept behind Bolo Bolo is simple – local, organic, vegan and ethical food (or L-O-V-E). The owners, Aragorn and Steffi (yes, those are their actual names) have a strong sense of community and use produce from local farmers for their restaurant. Located in the San Fransisco of Cape Town, more commonly known as Muizenberg, the vibrant little restaurant has a strictly vegan menu that offers a variety of delicious and affordable snacks, nourishing meals, sweet treats, organic coffee, teas and juices.
Where: 242 Palmer Road, Muizenberg Village, Cape Town
Tel: +27 82 5573912
The Bombay Brasserie
India is typically known for its warmth, hospitality and spiiiicy dishes. The Bombay Brasserie at the luscious Taj Hotel in Cape Town’s CBD is a perfect ambassador of these principals, and offers authentic Indian cuisine and opulent décor, befitting a Maharajah. Enjoy vegetable curries and spicy stews. Read more in our restaurant review of the Bombay Brasserie here.
Where: Wale Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 819 2000
It’s all Indian to me!
Vegetarianism has traditionally been linked to the people of ancient India. Even today, Indians make up more than 70 percent of the world’s vegetarian population.
Kwalapa Organic Cafe & Eco Store
How does a bowl of slow-stirred wild oats with cranberries and flaked almonds sound? What about seasonal fruit with sprouted buckwheat muesli, served with nutmilk or organic orange juice? Yeah, we thought so. Kwalapa, at the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, is an organic wholefoods store, deli and food design centre that’s out to make a difference by promoting healthy living. The deli also has delicious lunch and dessert options.
Where: 31 Newlands Avenue, Montebello Design Estate, Newlands, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 819 2000
Watching the Markets
In the market for a good deal? Check out Cape Town’s market scene. Hipsters and health-nuts alike flock to what has become one of Cape Town’s best community features. Take a look at our blog here to find out more.
@mishtery10 @ricardoharvey Thanks, Mish! <3