Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes in Stellenbosch

Finding meat alternative meals at restaurants outside Cape Town

This is an old feature, but we have a quirky-cool place for you to try, also with gorgeous views.

ALSO READ: New, one-of-kind student development in Stellenbosch.

It’s always slightly challenging to find a good vegan/vegetarian- friendly place that serves meals other than a lettuce leaf with a side of two tomatoes. The places that provide hearty delicious dishes tend to be kept a secret by the locals. We have done some snooping around Stellenbosch and discovered delicious dishes that you can order at restaurants that might not be exclusively vegan/vegetarian friendly places. These little gem-like dishes are perfect to order when you are going to pizza places or burger joints and don’t feel like ordering a salad. You shouldn’t have to miss out on phenomenal meals just because you are powered by plants.

Nomad Restaurant
This modern, sophisticated restaurant is one of the newer additions to Stellenbosch which took no time to become a local favourite. It’s a veggie lover’s dream menu that is wildly innovative and caters for vegetarians, vegans as well as for meat eaters. Most dishes offer a choice between vegetarian, vegan and meat options, so you’ll be able to go with a group that may have mixed preferences. Go and enjoy the culinary gifts of Marile van Nieker, whose magic lies in viticulture and vegetables. There is a range of different meals to choose from, but we recommend the Herbed tofu-potato dumplings served with baba ganoush, roasted red pepper cream, basil oil and pea shoots.
Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday: 11am- 9pm; Sunday: 11am – 4pm

Radish Restaurant & Wedding Venue | Ons Genot | Bottelary Rd | Koelenhof | +27(0)218652456

Meraki
Derived from Greek origins, Meraki means to do something with love and that you add a part of your energy into whatever you are busy creating, so that your soul will be forever connected to it. It is therefore no surprise that the food you enjoy here under the Stellenbosch oak trees is completely connected to your heart and soul. The menu, not being completely focused on vegan and vegetarian food, offers an incredible veggie burger that has punters raving. This crispy burger is served with a patty made from chickpeas and quinoa and served on a soft bun with marinated brinjal and rocket topped with aioli. If you are looking to make this a vegan meal, ask them to remove the aioli.
Opening Times:  Monday – Friday: 7am – 5.30pm; Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 2pm

42 Ryneveld Street | 021 887 7703 | hallo@meraki-living.com

Hudsons Burger Joint Stellenbosch
Burger joints are a great place to sit and relax with a few friends, yummy food and a vibey atmosphere. But for veggies it can become  tedious to go to these famous burger joints and not be able to order a salad that  isn't ridiculously boring. Hudson’s helps all us ‘’veggies’’ out here by giving us a soft flour falafel taco with jalapeno, coriander, salsa, guacamole and fresh sriracha with yogurt dressing. For vegans, ask to have the yoghurt removed and you officially having a delicious vegan meal at a burger joint. Epic! Also, if you aren’t particularly in the mood for such a hearty meal, order the tableside guacamole from the appetizers section which comes with gluten-free and GMO-free tortilla chips.
Opening Times: Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 11pm

77 Dorp Street | Stellenbosch | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 887 2052

Slaley Bistro
There are many reasons why we love Slaley Bistro. Firstly it is situated on a wine farm in Stellenbosch! Secondly, the veggie food we can eat here is deliciously divine. They serve some of the finest salads with the freshest ingredients. If you are not interested in leafy greens for this meal, choose the vegetarian pasta which is served with basil pesto and pine nuts. If you are still not entirely convinced, why not order the vegetarian pizza which has mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, peppadews and chilli or jalapeno.
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday: 9am – 4pm

Kromme Rhee Rd |  Koelenhof | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 865 2123

Greengate Eatery
Located in a quaint quartyard this lovely little spot in the hub of Stellenbosch is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch or late afternoon glass of wine. The brilliant part of this exquisitely beautiful restaurant is the buffet, which caters for all veggies, especially if you are looking for great food on the go. For veggies the buffet offers a fabulous selection, with two hot vegetarian options, a combo of vegetables and a salad selection which includes, couscous, tomato, and more. It’s nothing short of  a feast. Your food is charged based on the weight of your plate, so be careful not to overspend.
Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm; Saturday: 8am - 3pm

De Wet Square | Corner of Church and Bird Streets | Stellenbosch |  +27 (0)21 886 6111

Floreal Brasserie
If you’ve had a long week there is no better way to treat yourself than at the beautiful Floreal Brasserie. Situated just outside Stellenbosch CBD, it is the perfect getaway for a lunch or dinner. With a constantly changing menu, the chefs at this establishment work tirelessly on perfecting the dishes before they make it onto the menu boards.  The menu provides a selection of delicious meals which means, any group of devoted eaters can visit here. Why not try the homemade gnocchi, pan fried with wild mushrooms, smoked aubergines and creamy gorgonzola, finished with toasted pine nuts and balsamic syrup - or try the homemade butternut and pea risotto (our favourite) with pickled green beans. This is the perfect excuse to have a hearty meal with a great view and a cool glass of wine.
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 12pm - 9pm; Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Marianne Wine Estate | Valley Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 3001318 | +27 61 780 4119

Piza e Vino
Vegans and vegetarians just cannot go wrong with a pizza at Piza e Vino! The magnificent thing about this eatery is the variety of veg-friendly dishes available. If you eat cheese then we recommend that you try the Pizza Parmigiana which boasts a combination of roasted brinjal, fior di latte, mozzarella, parmesan, basil and a balsamic reduction. You can even ask for a side of avocado to add as an additional toppings! Vegans - they’ve got you covered! The Rosso is a cheeseless pizza with a hearty combination of olives, pomodoro, avo, herbs and mushrooms. What more could you want from a pizza place? Wine you say? Well, ask no more! This quaint restaurant is licenced and has a wine list that will certainly enhance your Italian culinary experience.
Opening Times: Sunday -Monday: 11.30am – 9.30; Tuesday to Saturday 11:30am – 10pm

Shop 53 | Stellenbosch Square | Cnr of R44 and Webersvalley Rd | +27 (0)21 880 0051

By Tarina Meiring 

---

New: Fast and healthy plant-powered food at Bamboo Plant Power in Loop Street.

Go green, feel great at the Healthy Happenings How to live a plant-based lifestyle talk.

Save your bacon with creative and delicious plant-based cooking at the Playful Vegan Cooking Course.

Get fresh, healthy soups as online favourite opens up their very first eatery, JarBar. 

Take a look at our incredible overview of veggie restaurants in Cape Town.

There's something for everyone one at our list of healthy eateries in Cape Town.

For yummy vegetarian burgers and meals, check Hudson's The Burger Joint in Stellenbosch.  

A second branch of Lekker Vegan in Kloof Street.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn and check out our Pinterest boards for updates.