The best vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town

Cape Town’s food scene is bursting with flavour, and it’s not just braai that takes centre stage. The Mother City has embraced plant-based dining with creativity and flair, offering everything from hearty vegan curries to vibrant raw desserts. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, dabbling in flexitarian eating, or simply curious to try something new, these five highly-rated restaurants prove that meat-free dining in Cape Town is anything but boring. 

Mary-Ann’s Emporium & Factory Shop, nestled in Somerset West just outside Cape Town’s hustle and bustle, brings a whole-food haven to the suburbs. Founded by Mary-Ann and Mark Shearer - who’ve been championing whole-food plant-based living since opening their first store in Johannesburg in 1991 - this well-established spot radiates warmth and wellness. 

Here, the lunch buffet groans with nourishing homemade bakes, hearty soups, fresh salads, and artisan breads, awaiting your creative plate-making, complete with a dazzling array of vegan condiments and toppings. Excellent coffee and freshly pressed juices keep things perky, while the cosy café invites you to linger. When you’re ready to go, browse through their emporium of lifestyle goods. 

Rating: 4.6 ⭐

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Address: 1 Urtel Crescent, Somerset Mall Plaza, Cape Town, 7130

Prashad Café is a vibrant plant-based gem serving up South African-Indian fusion across Cape Town, with venues in Gardens, Rondebosch, Constantia Village, Baxter Theatre, and even an express pot on the UCT campus. It’s a haven for lovers of imaginative vegan and vegetarian Indian cuisine - expect hearty, flavourful curries and creative meat-free stand-ins like soya chicken or prawn alternatives, plus delicious dishes like paneer butter masala reimagined with tofu.

For a truly local twist, don’t miss their Durban-style bunny chow - serving curry inside naan, a clever plant-based spin on this iconic street food. Portions are generous, and the menu delivers exceptional value, making it a favourite for both casual visits and serious curry cravings. Add to that friendly café vibes, great coffee, welcoming staff, and a straightforward, relaxed setting. 

Rating: 4.7 ⭐

Opening times: Varies 

Address: Multiple venues 

Spirit Café, located in Constantia’s Village Courtyard, is a bright and welcoming eatery that has been championing wholesome food since 2015. With the motto, “Eat what you love and what makes you feel good,” this café and online deli has carved out a reputation as a guilt-free zone where nourishing food is also packed with flavour.

The menu is built around seasonal, farm-to-table produce. It offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, many of which are also gluten-free, sugar-free and meat-free. Creative breakfasts, hearty power bowls, and crustless quiches sit alongside vibrant smoothies, fresh juices, and tempting bakes, making it a spot that caters equally well to sit-down meals and quick, wholesome bites to go. 

Rating: 4.4 ⭐

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 4.30 pm, Saturday to Sunday, 8.30 am to 2.00 pm 

Address: Shop 10A, Constantia Village Courtyard, Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806

The Conscious Kitchen, nestled on Kloof Street in Gardens, brings a slice of Bali-style, zero-waste charm to Cape Town - an earthy, plant-based oasis where mindful dining takes centre stage. This café and juice bar embodies ethical consumption through its commitment to sourcing local, organic ingredients, eschewing processed foods and sugars, minimising plastic, using biodegradable packaging, and paying fair wages. 

Their menu is 100% plant-based (with the option to add organic, free-range eggs or swap almond/oat milk to cater to varying dietary paths) and spans breakfast, brunch and lunch, offering nourishing bowls, hearty all-day plates, colourful salads, and inventive favourites. When evening rolls in, it transforms into a delightful spot for vegan cocktails, small bites, and their famous raw, house-made desserts. 

Rating: 4.9 ⭐

Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Thursday to Saturday, 8.00 am to 10.30 pm 

Address: 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001 

The Sunshine Food Sprouting Co., tucked away in Three Anchor Bay, is a vibrant little café that has built a loyal following with its colourful, 100% organic plant-based menu. Despite its tiny, hole-in-the-wall setting, the atmosphere is full of warmth, thanks to the owner’s vegan journey that inspires every dish.

Expect wholesome and creative options such as bunless veggie burgers, wraps filled with fresh sprouts and greens, and even vegan sushi rolls - each prepared with love and home-grown ingredients. To pair with your meal, the café also offers an excellent selection of revitalising smoothies and freshly pressed juices, perfect for a post-walk refresher. 

Rating: 4.8 ⭐

Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 9.00 am to 8.00 pm 

Address: 2 M61, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town, 8005 

^{Ratings correct as of publication date.}