Is Cape Town good for vegans?

The popularity of international travel to Cape Town continues to rise year-on-year, with Time Out awarding it the Best City To Visit in 2025, as recommended by some 18,000 voters. With its breathtaking coastline, epic mountain ranges, indigenous wildlife and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder that it has become a bucket-list destination for many. 

But...is Cape Town good for vegans? 

The answer is most definitely, YES! 

Vegan visitors are amazed to discover the variety of restaurants and cafes available to them. From fully vegan eateries to those making an effort to offer plant-based options and menus, one thing's for sure - you won’t go hungry!

We even have our own Vegan Goods Market which takes place on the on the first Sunday of the month (check here for the next one: https://www.vegangoodsmarket.com/)

With so many great places to choose from, its difficult to narrow it down, but here are 5 recommendations you won't want to miss (and make sure you read to the end for even more!)

Wild Eatery

Tucked down an alley, next to the plastic-free grocery store Nude Foods, is a standout eatery offering a fresh and nutritious menu focused on wraps, salads and health bowls. It's perfect for a casual sit-down lunch or a grab and go take-away.

The food is consistently good and the inside/outside vibe offers a gentle buzz of people coming and going, making it a great spot for some people watching! Most likely you'll end up watching me as it's not unusual to find me sitting there, stunned into silence, by how good the food is! 

Address: 59 Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925

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The Conscious Kitchen

When I'm having a "what am I in the mood for?" food dilemma, I immediately head here.

Their menu offers something to suit all appetites and preferences - from all-day breakfasts, sandwiches and burgers to smoothie bowls, pasta dishes and salads. You can be certain to find something to satisfy your appetite! 

The Bao Buns are always a winner! 

Their efforts to create a kinder world extend beyond food, from avoiding single-use plastic where possible, through to paying fair wages to their staff.

A second branch has recently opened, giving you twice the reason to check them out! 

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

Address: 47 Napier St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001

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Prashad

If you have a craving for Indian food, then this vegan/vegetarian cafe will sort you out in no time. It’s worth the visit alone to experience a local South African dish created by the Indian community in Durban called Bunny Chow - a hollowed-out 1/4 or 1/2 loaf of bread, filled with curry!

If that doesn’t appeal, then you have a number of delicious South Indian and North Indian curries to choose from, as well as Dosas and Biryanis. 

Address: Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

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Madam Taitou

Why not experience the cuisine of another African region and enjoy some of the best value Ethiopian food that money can buy! Situated on the historic Long St, Madam Taitou, with its quirky and eccentric decor, offers a one-of-a-kind foodie experience. Order the Veggie Sampler and try 5 different dishes, served with the traditional Injera bread.

This is a no-frills, unpretentious gem that has you eating with your hands and mopping the plate clean. 

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Massimo's

Further outside of the city centre, in the suburb of Hout Bay, you’ll find some of the best vegan pizza this side of Napoli! 

In fact, they have a dedicated vegan menu that extends beyond just pizza, including spuntini (snacks), pastas and salads. No matter the season, this spot is worth a visit. In the summer, you can soak up the sunshine on the outdoor deck, while in the cooler months, the pizza oven inside creates a cozy and charming atmosphere.

A small donation from some of the dishes sold helps to support a number of organisations and charities. They also have a 'Pay It Forward' initiative where you can buy a virtual slice of pizza for somebody in need.

Need more recommendations...?

The Vegan Map of Cape Town has been created with visitors in mind and offers a curated guide of over 40 eateries to consider during your stay. It's mainly focussed around the most popular areas of the city and includes everything from casual eats to fine dining. Information is updated regularly to ensure that it offers the most accurate information available!

A one-month subscription costs just R100 and can be purchased on the Vegan Tours Cape Town website by clicking on the image above.