For fresh, wholesome meal options, these are a few of our favourite places to go in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Johannesburg

Leafy Greens Café (Muldersdrift)
This plant-based eatery is situated on an organic permaculture farm in The Cradle of Humankind. The menu offers fresh, organic, raw, vegan, dairy-free and cholesterol-free items. It is designed around the garden to ensure food is in season, local and organic. Try a gourmet sandwich on sourdough or gluten-free bread, with avo, lettuce, sunflower-and-celery paté, rocket, sprouts, tomato and cucumber, or a baked pizza on spelt or gluten-free bread with toppings of your choice.

A pizza from the Leafy Greens Café. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Voodoo Lily Café (Birdhaven)
This café offers Fairtrade products and mainly locally sourced organic food, and it uses recyclable and sustainable materials wherever possible. There is a wide variety of salads on the menu as well as items like the raw breakfast, with fresh mango or pawpaw served with double-thick Greek yoghurt, raw honey, raspberries and raw cocoa nibs; a bunless burger with avocado-and-tomato salsa, fresh greens and sweet potato wedges; and a paleo chicken breast with crisp green veggies or salad.

Outside tables at Voodoo Lily Café. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Pretoria

Ginger and Fig  (Brooklyn)
Where possible, this artisanal eatery serves preservative-free, freshly baked, free-range and organically grown foods. One of the gorgeous salads is a tasty combination of smoked trout, seared watermelon, radishes, herbed yoghurt and a cucumber vinaigrette. For a heartier dish, the restaurant serves a brilliant veggie burger with a beetroot patty, mushroom ketchup, goat’s cheese, fresh pawpaw and Antiboise sauce.

The interior at Ginger and Fig. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Pure Café (Colbyn)
This health breakfast and lunch café is all about the best and freshest ingredients and produce. For breakfast, opt for the Omega Kick-Start, with a slice of rye toast and two fluffy scrambled eggs stacked with smoked salmon trout, lemon zest cream cheese and capers. Lunchtime diners can tuck in to light meals such as a zesty zucchini wrap with baby marrow, feta, mint and a dash of yoghurt.

Durban

Earthmother Organic (Glenwood)
An abundance of vegetarian, organic and gluten-free options are available at this Glenwood eatery. All meals are prepared from scratch, and the staff will make changes to the various dishes to accommodate any dietary requirements. Try a fresh fruit salad with nuts, honey and yoghurt or a gluten-free pasta with vegan pesto or hummus, olives and spring onions. Check out the deli for take-home goodness.

The outside seating at Earthmother Organic. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Green with Envy (Berea)
This leafy nursery and gift shop boasts a cute little café that serves wholesome, scrumptious food to Durban diners. Tuck in to a healthy and flavoursome steamed prawn, smoked salmon and orange salad for a taste of the sea. Speciality dishes include grilled chicken breast with butternut and sweet potato; and open sandwiches on health bread and rye.

Cape Town

Plant (City Bowl & Observatory)
This city eatery offers health-conscious diners plant-based food choices. It’s a space where vegans and people with food allergies can grab some delicious grub without skimping on the flavour. The large, 100% vegan menu has selections such as gluten-free wraps with hummus, marinated tofu and fresh veg or raw pastas made with spiralled veggies in a choice of dressings. For a sweet ending, raw choc bars are a winner, as is the creamy vegan milk tart.

A burrito from the Plant Cafe in Cape Town. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Kitchen (Woodstock)
Karen Dudley’s buzzing deli serves a range of fabulous salads and hearty sandwiches. A lunch plate can include up to five salad selections, all bursting with colourful vegetables. The love sandwiches are filled with soulful, fresh ingredients such as avo, grilled chicken, falafels and the signature pesto and salad.

Valprè is giving away a whisky tasting experience for two (worth R800) at the Whisky Live Festival in Sandton, plus transport. Enter now

For more fresh, inspiring ideas, visit the Valprè page. 

The counter at The Kitchen in Woodstock. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.