Best Vegan Restaurants in South Africa: Ultimate Guide for 2024
Did you know South Africa has seen a stunning 600% increase in vegan restaurant openings since 2018?
From traditional African cuisine reimagined with plant-based ingredients to innovative international fusion dishes, South Africa’s vegan food scene is exploding!
You can dine from the bustling cafes in Cape Town to relaxed garden eateries in Johannesburg; plant-based dining has found a home nationwide.
As someone who’s explored these incredible eateries firsthand, I’m excited to take you on a journey through the country’s most amazing vegan restaurants.
Why Vegan Restaurants Are Thriving in South Africa
In recent years, vegan restaurants have become a mainstay across South Africa, with diners increasingly interested in ethical, sustainable dining.
The rise of veganism in South Africa aligns with global health and environmental trends. Still, it’s also rooted in local values.
Basket of fruits & veggies from Greenside Restaurant
Many South Africans are turning to plant-based eating because they recognize its positive impact on health and the environment.
South Africa’s agricultural landscape offers a bounty of fresh, local produce, perfect for creating creative vegan dishes.
With local ingredients like fresh vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes, vegan chefs have the resources to create nourishing and flavourful plant-based meals. This wealth of local produce and rich culinary diversity has made South Africa a hotspot for vegan innovation.
Enough of the bragging. What are the best vegan restaurants to visit in South Africa?
Top Vegan Restaurants in Cape Town
Cape Town is South Africa’s hub for vegan dining, with neighbourhoods like Woodstock and Sea Point brimming with vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Here’s a roundup of some must-try spots:
This restaurant offers a wide range of vegan comfort food, from burgers to pasta, all made with a health-conscious approach.
Nourishd Cafe & Juicery
Known for its vibrant smoothie bowls and plant-based treats, Nourish’d is a favourite for those seeking a fresh, colourful meal.
In Sea Point, Scheckter’s RAW focuses on organic, vegan cuisine with standout dishes like the famous vegan “mac ‘n cheese.”
Each of these spots offers a unique dining experience, and many are committed to sustainable practices, using biodegradable packaging and sourcing local ingredients. Cape Town’s vegan restaurants combine ethical eating with an unforgettable culinary experience.
Let’s move to the Golden City in Gauteng.
Exploring Vegan Cuisine in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is another vibrant hub for vegan dining, offering a range of options from upscale restaurants to casual cafes.
Uber Eats recently reported that Johannesburg is surpassing Cape Town with plant-based foods.
The city’s vegan cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences by combining flavours from different parts of the world with a local South African flair.
Here are some top spots in Johannesburg:
Known as one of the city’s original vegan restaurants, The Greenside Café offers everything from pizza to plant-based sushi.
This health-focused eatery specializes in vegan, gluten-free dishes like lasagna, curries, and desserts.
With a menu featuring plant-based bowls, burgers, and wraps, Lexi’s offers a variety of vegan options in a modern, eco-friendly setting.
The Fussy Vegan, Located in Blairgowrie, has mastered the art of vegan comfort food. Their baked goods are legendary – the cinnamon rolls often sell out within hours of opening. They’ve also created a wonderful community space where vegans and non-vegans alike gather to enjoy delicious, cruelty-free food.
These restaurants showcase the dynamic flavours and textures possible with plant-based cuisine. The diversity of options means there’s something for everyone, from seasoned vegans to those trying plant-based dishes for the first time.
Let’s move across the country and see what vegan restaurants we can find.
Vegan-Friendly Spots Across South Africa
Beyond Cape Town and Johannesburg, vegan-friendly restaurants are popping up across South Africa in places like Durban, Pretoria, and smaller towns.
These spots offer great options for travellers or locals seeking plant-based dining beyond major urban areas.
Recently, I travelled to the Winelands in the Western Cape. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are filled with restaurants catering to vegans and vegetarians.
Check these vegan-restaurants:
This cosy spot in Hillcrest is known for its community vibe and creative vegan dishes, such as vegan pizzas and Buddha bowls.
Kaylee’s is located in Brakpan and serves various vegan meals, including comfort foods and fresh, seasonal salads. Their tagline says it all: ” Be the change.”
Stellenbosch Kitchen Restaurant
It hosts a truly authentic Stellenbosch dining experience. Known for its fresh, organic offerings, Stellenbosch Kichen offers vegan-friendly options in the heart of wine country.
These restaurants offer various options to cater to different tastes, focusing on providing high-quality plant-based choices in areas with limited vegan options.
Come with me and explore the hidden gems of vegan eateries.
Hidden Gems: Unique Vegan Experiences
South Africa offers a range of unique vegan dining experiences beyond traditional restaurant settings.
Below are some hidden treasures that are worth discovering:
Farm-to-Table Vegan Experience
Rural areas in South Africa, especially in the Western Cape, offer farm-to-table experiences where you can enjoy organic vegan dishes straight from the farm.
Vegan Pop-Ups and Markets
In Cape Town, the Vegan Goods Market hosts a variety of vegan stalls, offering everything from artisan vegan cheeses to handmade desserts.
Innovative Menus and Fusion cuisine
Some of SA’s top vegan chefs blend traditional South African flavours with vegan ingredients, creating dishes that reflect innovation and cultural heritage.
These hidden gems allow diners to experience veganism in creative and immersive ways, often with a strong focus on sustainability and community involvement.
What to Expect When Dining Vegan in South Africa
Dining vegan in South Africa offers a unique opportunity to experience local flavours in a plant-based way.
South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage is reflected in its vegan offerings, with dishes inspired by traditional African, Indian, and Cape Malay cuisines.
Expect ingredients like maize, wild greens, and legumes to take centre stage in these vegan adaptations.
Popular traditional dishes have been reimagined to cater to vegan tastes:
Bunny Chow
This Durban classic, traditionally made with curry inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread, is now available in vegan versions with chickpeas and seasonal vegetables.
Bobotie
A spiced dish typically made with minced meat, bobotie is being reinterpreted by vegan chefs using lentils or soy-based alternatives.
South African restaurants also increasingly accommodate dietary needs, so asking for vegan-friendly options is often welcomed. You may notice clear vegan labelling on menus, making it easy to identify plant-based dishes.
Tips for Finding Vegan Food on the Go
For those on the go, plenty of vegan options, from fast food to convenient takeout, are available across South Africa.
Here are some ways to enjoy plant-based meals when time is limited:
Mainstream Restaurants
Many traditional restaurants now offer vegan-friendly options. Don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions or explore sides that can be combined into a vegan meal.
Fast-Food Chains
Several South African chains, including Spur and Nando’s, now offer vegan-friendly burgers and wraps.
Grocery Stores and Markets
Major supermarkets like Woolworths and Checkers offer a range of vegan snacks, plant-based milk, and quick meals that are perfect for road trips or busy days.
Several apps, like HappyCow and Zomato, make it easy to locate vegan options nearby. In contrast, food delivery apps in cities offer a wide selection of vegan-friendly restaurants for takeout.
Have you tasted our vegan-friendly traditional dishes?
Vegan-Friendly African Traditional Dishes
South African chefs are doing fantastic work reimagining traditional dishes for the plant-based palate.
Popular veganized meals include butternut boboties made with lentils instead of meat, seitan potjiekos that capture the traditional stew’s flavours, and malva pudding made with aquafaba instead of eggs.
Indigenous ingredients like morogo (African spinach), amadumbe (African yam), and chakalaka are taking centre stage in these modern interpretations.
Chefs also incorporate local mushrooms and legumes to create protein-rich dishes that honour traditional cooking methods while embracing plant-based principles.
Sustainable Practices in SA Vegan Restaurants
South African vegan restaurants are leading the way in sustainable dining practices.
Many establishments have developed strong partnerships with local organic farms, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting local agriculture.
Zero-waste initiatives are becoming increasingly common.
Restaurants like Plant Cafe and Free Food use compostable packaging for takeaway orders and have implemented comprehensive recycling programs. Some even convert kitchen waste into compost for local community gardens.
Local ingredient sourcing isn’t just about sustainability—creating unique flavours that can’t be found elsewhere. From foraged mushrooms to indigenous herbs, these restaurants celebrate South Africa’s botanical diversity while reducing their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
South Africa’s vegan restaurant scene is thriving, with creative chefs and passionate restaurateurs driving a vibrant culinary landscape across the country. Whether you’re exploring trendy spots in major cities or seeking vegan-friendly gems in small towns, there’s always a delicious plant-based option waiting.
Ready to experience the rich flavours of vegan cuisine in South Africa?
Start with the restaurants mentioned here, but don’t be afraid to venture out and discover new spots. The vegan scene in South Africa constantly evolves, with new restaurants opening regularly.
Your next favourite meal might be just around the corner!
Are there any of your favourite vegan restaurants you want to share?
Leave your comment below.