The raw food revolution has been quietly taking place in Cape Town, but has seemed mostly to be confined to markets and tucked away spots that only those in the know are aware of. In steps Scheckter’s Raw Gourmet on Regent Road in Sea Point; with its big red happy heart outside and the promise of healthy, delicious food inside, it lured us right in.

If the words raw, vegan or organic make you want to run like your hair is on fire, seriously you need to think again. Scheckter’s Raw serves up gourmet health food in the most bright and tasty way possible. The vibe inside is friendly and accommodating and not in the least bit intimidating if you’re new to the raw scene.

The menu offers breakfast and lunch, with an array of juices and nut milks. Breakfast is a choice of two jars – the Raw Organic Cacao & Activated Mesquite Granola Jar contains buckwheat granola, raw cacao, banana, almond milk, almond butter, raw organic honey, fresh fruit, chia seeds, coconut flakes and salted caramel. If that doesn’t get you up and at ’em in the morning, literally nothing will.

The lunch menu includes some interesting sounding dishes such as raw pizza and raw Spanish fly soup, but don’t be discouraged from trying just because it sounds unusual – the food is incredible. We tried the Quinoa, Kale, Hemp Seed and Macadamia Cheese Salad, which is just packed full of flavour and fresh veggie such as carrots, avo and beetroot. It’s crunchy, tasty and simply delicious. We also had the Raw Zucchini Pasta with a sunflower seed, lemon and avo pesto. The zucchini was also full of crunch and texture and the creamy avo pesto was the perfect dressing.

Of course, we couldn’t resist trying desserts, and a serious debate ensued as we tossed up between the raw snickers bar, and the raw cheesecake. We opted for the cheesecake with berry drizzle and were not disappointed. Creamy, smooth and full of lemony zing, just the way a cheesecake should be. Of course it’s made with cashews and not cheese and I would challenge anyone to try tell the difference… it’s that good.

For both my dining partner and I this was our ‘virgin’ raw, vegan meal, so we were the perfect candidates to try it with a fresh perspective. Our verdict? We were totally blown away by the freshness, flavour and bright punchy colours of all the food. It felt great to tuck into something healthy and completely vegan and both of us said we’d return again and again. For a first vegan raw impression, I’d say this was a coup.

As a last thought, pick up a Chok a Blok Nut Mylk on your way out – it’s a raw organic almond milk with coconut oil dates and vanilla, it’s the chocolate milk that dreams are made of.

Even if you're not vegan, or interested in a raw lifestyle, the food and at Scheckter's Raw will convince you otherwise.