Cape Town Guide: Coffee Shops and Restaurants

After 10 days in Cape Town, I thought I'd share with you already a few amazing coffee shops and restaurants we’ve tried and loved so far. Not all of them are vegan but all cater vegan options. If there is a spot you know and think I should try, let me know in the comments! For those of you who are discovering Cape Town now, I hope this little guide helps you find your way!

Nourishd

A lovely eating spot for breakfast or lunch. Many juice, smoothie and smoothie bowl options. Most of the menu is vegan with loads of gluten-free dishes. There are also bowls, soups and amazing toasted sandwiches and bagels. I had the chai latte, the carrot lox and cashew cream cheese bagel and the Thai pumpkin soup there. Ross had the moonshine bowl with the falafels. Everything was so delicious, hearty and nourishing. Such a great address wether you want something super fresh and light or something more filling. They also have vegan croissants and delicious deserts! Must try: the Millionaire Shortbread.

Pauline’s

Brand new coffee shop right next to Sans Community in Sea Point. Organic ingredients are sourced ethically and sustainably from local bio dynamic farms. Such a lovely place with few but amazing options of coffee, chai latte (my fav) and teas. Also sells gorgeous cinnamon buns and lovely salads, bowls and toasts for breakfast of lunch. I love our simple, bright and minimalist the space is. The Millionaire Shortbread can be bought here too ;)

Tagine

A new moroccan restaurant in De Waterkant with traditional tagine options, served with couscous and pita bread. A very convivial space to share a meal with friends around amazing mezzes or for a romantic date night. The small plates are not very small so I’d recommend only sharing 2-3 max for 2 people if you also share a tagine and 5-6 plates if you only order small plates. We tried the babaganoush and the spiced cauliflower. Many vegan and vegetarian options available.

The Ladder

An art gallery which is also a coffee shop with a bright and cozy design. A usually pretty quiet place to work with lots of outlets and many tables with comfortable seatings. The staff is very sweet, the drinks are big and so delicious, the food is diving. I tried the Tempeh Stack and it was AMAZING! Would go back there anytime just for this and a chai latte with macadamia milk (yum!). They also offer amazing sweet and savoury breakfast dishes and fresh drinks such as smoothies and juices. I loved this place so much and went back multiple times!

Loading Bay

A nice coffee shop and lunch place in De Waterkant. Usually not crowded and the music is low and peaceful (a rare find in the area), which makes it a great spot to get work done without being distracted. I didn’t have food there yet but they have many avocado toast options and some bowls. If you want to be in a place that’s quiet and mellow, I recommend this one.

Origin

Went there on our first day in Cape Town for breakfast. A great spot for coffee lovers as it as SO many options. They also sell fresh tea and coffee beans which they can ground for you. The avocado toast on sourdough was delicious! They also have many other drink options for anyone who’d like to go caffeine free. The space is spacious and beautifully design, however, it is pretty dark inside and sometimes pretty loud. Not my preferred place to work but if you like the more stimulating atmosphere, def check it out! Also has some outdoor sittings if you’d like to catch some sun rays.

Scheckter’s Raw

This place was recommended to me by friends who are not even vegan themselves. Ross and I went there for lunch on a cold day. We tried the lentil dahl with sourdough toast, the umami broth and the sweet potato gnocchi with pesto. The gnocchis were beyond, and the pesto so so fresh. We loved that dish. The soups were really nice too. I can’t wait to go back to try some of the breakfast options such as the pumpkin flap jacks. For dessert, we had the raw snickers bar, the chocolate chip cookie and a baked pumpkin donut which was amazing although I typically don’t love donuts… this says a lot!