Marika’s – one of my favourite restaurants of all time – just added vegan options to their menu!
Address: 176 Upper Buitenkant St, Gardens
Hours: Closed Mon, 6pm-10pm Tue-Fri, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm Sat-Sun
Marika’s Greek Restaurant in Gardens became one of my top three favourite restaurants EVER when I moved to Cape Town in 2011. Every time mates of mine came to visit from Port Elizabeth I’d show off this gem of an eatery, much to the delight of my visitors. When I became vegan two years ago, the only thing I battled with was securing a booking at this hotspot because DAMN SON – they are busy!
Did they cater to my vegan wants? Hell yes, because they are exceptional people – down-to-earth, no airs and graces – and just friendly as all hell.
Fast forward to a couple of days ago and Bae and I managed to secure a booking for a pre-movie-at-the-Labia dinner. When I opened the menu I squealed like an annoying four-year-old fighting with her brother for her My Little Pony: THEY HAD ADDED VEGAN-SPECIFIC ITEMS TO THEIR MENU!
Without further adieu:
Fava – yellow split pea puree with onion and sun-dried tomato R46
Hummus – chickpea dip R48
Kolokithakia – crisp fried baby marrow R43
Melitzanes Tiganites – crisp fried brinjals (eggplant) R46
Piperies Xithata – fried peppers with vinegar R50
Falafel Giro – pita wrap filled with falafel, hummus, salad & chips R98
Vegetable Giro – pita wrap filled with vegetables, hummus, salad & chips R98
Diced Onion, Tomato and Cucumber R28
Kritharaki – pasta rice R30
Small Bowl Olives R35
Their main courses (Giros) each come WITH a side.
So, for R200 Bae and I had a (GIGANTIC) Falafel & Hummus Giro each and shared the Dakos Salad (without the feta) and Kritharaki, which Bae calls “Dothraki,” the most delicious pasta rice with a tomato sauce topping.
I always overeat at Marika’s as they are SUPER generous with their portions.
While I don’t often eat at Greek restaurants, I would be so bold as to say that this one would be really tough to beat. They have a full bar, outdoor seating for summer, and serve some fine craft beer too.
Make sure to pay Marika’s Greek Restaurant a visit and tell Frank and Marika that the Cape Town Vegan says hi!
Marika’s offers takeaways and are also part of the Cape Town Entertainer 2-for-1 voucher system (dine-in only).
