Botanika

 This vegetarian/vegan restaurant is full of art from the Academy across the road. A welcome change to meaty Russian cuisine, come here for falafel and Asian dishes. ‘Asia’, the tofu stir-fry with peanut sauce and rice noodles is delicious (R320). Get it with a “Lakshmi”, made with Sudanese rose, sugar and syrup (R80). The Arrabbiata pasta is also spicy, yummy and very meatless!

From Engineer’s castle, cross the bridge towards M Chernyshevskaya and walk up the road – Botanika is on the right opposite the Art Academy.