When you’re exploring Stellenbosch, you’ll find a surprising number of veggie-friendly treasures waiting for you. From cosy cafes to modern bistros, each spot has its own flair and plenty of plant-based goodness. Let’s take a stroll through some of our favourite vegetarian restaurants in Stellenbosch!
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Juvenate Conscious Eatery
To start, let’s visit Juvenate Conscious Eatery, a bright, health-focused cafe where every dish is made with love. It proudly offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals. All made with natural, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll love the feel of this open space too, its cheerful and full of greenery, perfect for a healthy breakfast or lunch. Popular choices include fresh smoothie bowls and creamy oat porridge. Which are even made without refined sugar. So if you care about what goes into your food, you’ll surely enjoy howJuvenate’s menumakes you feel after every bite.
Juvenate Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 8 am to 4 pm, Sunday: 8 am – 2 pm, Monday: closed
Address: 46a, Sybrand Makadan blvd, 145 Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Website: www.juvenate.co.za
Contact Number: +27 64 688 9375
La Coco C
Located right in the town centre, La Coco C is a perfect stop after a morning market or before an afternoon wine tour. Its ‘nutritious, wholesome and delicious’ ethos, and use of only top-quality ingredients make it an ideal haven for those who believe in the health-body-mind trinity. The decor also complements their ethos. With its relaxed, clean and spacious interior, you’ll often find people sipping smoothies or enjoying colourful salads whilst catching up with friends or family, or just simply reading a book in solitude.The menuis full of bowls, fresh wraps and innovative dishes – think veggie burgers, breakfast toasties and an array of raw-food treats. Delicious and nutritious! (Their raw rice wraps and colourful smoothie bowls are an absolute must-try)
La Coco C Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 7am – 5pm, Saturdays & Public Holidays: 7am – 2pm, Sunday: Closed
Address: 43 Plein St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Website: www.lacococ.com
Contact Number: +27 81 880 3093
La Pineta (Forest 44)
Nestled on the scenic R44 (Forest Drive), La Pineta has a rustic, garden-restaurant aesthetic that is perfect for a relaxed meal. Voted as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Stellenbosch, they are best known for their pizza, pasta and Mediterranean flair. It caters very well to vegetarians too. The menu even has a dedicated vegan section, where you’ll see items like avocado & hummus toast topped with mushrooms, vegetable curries, falafel bowls and vegetarian pizzas. In short, you can get the full Italian and Middle Eastern experience even on a veggie diet. The setting feels leafy and tranquil (it’s near wooded gardens), so its great for a sunny brunch or an evening meal under the trees. They’re open every day, so you can drop by for breakfast through to dinner.
La Pineta Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Address: R44, Stellenbosch Winelands
Website: www.forest44.co.za/la-pineta-restaurant/
Contact Number: +27 21 880 0293
Stellenbosch Kitchen (Stellenbosch Hotel)
If you’re after a touch of old-world charm, head to Stellenbosch Kitchen, the restaurant at the boutique Stellenbosch Hotel. It’s located in an historic Cape Dutch building at the corner of Dorp and Andringa Streets. Picture comfy interiors or a terrace shaded by trees, anda menu inspiredby heritage cuisine. And while their menu includes meat, there are hearty vegetarian options too. The mushroom risotto (with truffle oil and Parmesan) is a popular veggie choice. The chefs focus on fresh, local ingredients, so you might get lucky enough to be served their freshest seasonal veggie dishes or a garden salad. It’s a welcoming, roomy spot where you can taste Stellenbosch’s flavours in the most peaceful atmospheres.
Stellenbosch Kitchen Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 7am – 10 am (Breakfast), Breakfast Sun & Public Holidays: 7 am – 11 am, Lunch & Dinner 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Address: Corner of Dorp and Andringa Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Website: www.stellenboschkitchen.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 21 883 2893
Basic Bistro
Basic Bistro (on Church Street) lives up to its name with a modern, yet humble style. But don’t let that fool you, the food is far from basic. The interior is cozy and slightly eclectic, with artful details, anda menu that is globally inspired. Think healthy bakes, stir-fries, fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas, and a vegetarian or vegan menu available on request. Some of their veggie highlights include a veggie burger and various plant-based bowls. Basic Bistro is also famous for its deliciously ‘moist’ cakes, so save room for a slice of something sweet if you can. It’s a friendly neighbourhood spot that caters for those looking for a simple drop in brunch or a casual dinner. Either way, you’ll feel right at home at Basic Bistro – one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Stellenbosch.
Basic Bistro Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7am – 10pm, Saturday: 9am – 10pm, Sunday and Public Holidays: 9am – 10pm
Address: 31 Church Street, Stellenbosch
Website: www.basicbistro.co.za/about/
Contact Number: +27 21 883 3629
De Eetkamer
De Eetkamer (Afrikaans for “The Dining Room”) is a unique, communal eatery in a converted stable on Drostdy Road, a little tucked away but still a short walk away from town. The atmosphere is warm and intimate. Imagine long wooden tables and candlelight, ideal for sharing plates with friends. Their concept is onsmall plates, and global flavours, allowing you to mix and match dishes. There’s a Korean-spiced fried cauliflower, an onion risotto, soft ricotta gnocchi, and even fusion items like tuna tataki (ask for the veggies-only options). Their Korean cauliflower and the creamy onion risotto are a popular choice! Because the plates are meant for sharing, it’s a fun way to try a bit of everything. It’s perfect when you’re in the mood for a relaxed evening with gourmet-style, veggie-friendly food.
De Eetkamer Opening Hours: Monday: Closed, Tuesday – Saturday lunch: 12 pm – 3 pm, Tuesday – Saturday dinner: 5.30 pm – 9 pm, Sunday: Closed
Address: 3 Drostdy Rd, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Website: www.de-eetkamer.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 21 001 8308
Hudsons, The Burger Joint
Hudsons, a popular franchise in Cape Town, offers an American diner vibe to Stellenbosch’s main street (Dorp Street). The space is lively and modern, and the menu is of course centered on burgers and fries. But vegetarians aren’t left out. Hudsons proudly offers plant-based burger patties and other meat-free options, which is nothing short of amazing. In fact, they even have a “meat-free Monday” deal (half-price veggie burgers! So on Mondays you can load up on a stacked veggie burger with toppings and a side of sweet potato fries, or try one of their comforting milkshakes.
It’s a fun, casual spot that appeals to people of all ages. Their friendly staff are always willing to help and make you feel welcomed. So feel free to make your wishes known. Another great aspect of the establishment is their live music and event offerings. From karaoke Thursdays in Muizenberg, to live music Sundays at their Stellenbosch branch, you are not only guaranteed great food but a lekker vibe too!
Hudsons Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 pm- 11.30 pm
Address: 77 Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Website: www.theburgerjoint.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 21 887 2052
Hygge Hygge
Hygge Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah hoo-gah”) is all about Danish comfort food and vibes. It’s a welcoming café on Church Street, full of natural light, hanging plants and soft colours. Here you can enjoy their artisan coffee or detoxifying juices. Their food menu is also heavy on fresh, nutritious dishes. Think Insta-worthy smoothie bowls with berries, roasted-vegetable harvest bowls, and avocado toast creatively arranged on beet-hummus. Another nice touch is that most of their lunch items are vegan by default, making meat an optional side.
They are also not short on hearty salads, stacked burgers with vegan patties, and plenty of Middle-Eastern gems (falafel, hummus, olives). In the evening Hygge Hygge turns into a cosy wine bar with shareable plates, including loaded nachos to cheese boards. But whatever time you go, you’ll feel right at home, and completely immersed in a Danish food culture extravaganza. Definitely deserving of one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Stellenbosch!
Hygge Hygge Opening Hours: Sunday 7.30 pm – 3 pm, Monday and Tuesday 7.30 am – 5 pm, Wednesday to Saturday: 7.30 am – 9 pm
Address: 11 Church Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Website: www.hyggestellenbosch.com/
Contact Number: +27 66 426 9023
Each of these places bring something special to the table, be it plant-powered health bowls, meat-free burgers, or simply a wholesome atmosphere to enjoy a vegetarian feast. Next time you’re in Stellenbosch, follow your tastebuds, turn down the ordinary and step inside a unique gastronomical experience, among one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Stellenbosch. An unforgettable vegetarian meal inthe most treasured Cape Winelands, is just around the corner!
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