When winter arrives, gone are the days of cocktails along the beachfront and in come the coffee shops with their quirky interiors and tempting cake displays. With their menu of warming allurements, from teas and coffees, to hot chocolates and baked items, there is no better way to spend a cold, rainy day in the Mother City. Here are the best spots to get your caffeine fix in Cape Town:
1. Cafeen, Harfield Village
Cafeen is a quirky coffee shop come living showroom with an unpretentious atmosphere – perfectly described by their slogan “blend in, chill out”. Situated opposite a park within the suburb of Harfield Village, it offers stunning views of the greens and spectacular mountain views. As it offers an inside section and an undercover outdoor porch, it can be enjoyed come storm or shine! There is free Wi-Fi, and The Hangover Breakfast comes highly recommended after a big night out. Keep an eye out for the two resident cats who may steal your seat if you’re not looking.
Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 16h30, Saturday and public holidays: 08h00 – 15h00, Sundays: 09h00 – 14h00 / 41, 3rd Avenue, Harfield Village, Kenilworth / +27 (0)21 674 6209. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @CafeenHarfield
2. Department of Coffee, Khayelitsha
Department of Coffee is South Africa’s first township based artisan coffee shop, located opposite the ever-busy Khayelitsha train station where you can pick up just about anything, from the latest hairstyle to braaied chicken feet! Department of Coffee brings coffee to the people, and even delivers at the local hospital, magistrate’s court, and Khayelitsha Mall. Order your coffee at the first hatch, collect at the second hatch, and find a spot at one of the outside tables. Their 5 blends are a must try, namely Umlungu, Runaway, Mzansi, Africa, and Station. Whatever you pick, you’re promised one of your most memorable coffees yet!
Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 18h00, Saturday: 08h00 – 15h00 / 158 Ntlanze Street, Khayelitsha. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @dpmofcoffee
3. Truth.Coffee, CBD
Truth has been declared “the best coffee shop in the world” by travel writer, Tom Midlane, and with coffee options like Vengeance, Resurrection, Donde’s Chaos, and Antithesis, you’ll soon see why. This industrial coffee shop “dares to be different” with exposed metal pipes, and vintage steampunk inspired décor, from old typewriters and sewing machines, to long wooden tables, and candlestick telephones! This is definitely the place to escape the everyday and focus on your life one sip at a time. The Wi-Fi is free for an hour so bring your laptop.
Monday to Thursday: 07h00 – 18h00, Friday: 07h00 – late, Saturday: 08h00 – 18h00, and Sunday: 08h00 – 14h00 / 36 Buitenkant Street, CBD / +27 (0)21 200 0440. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @TRUTHcoffee
4. Café d Arts, Diep River
Hidden down a side road in Diep River, Café d Arts operates above a working art gallery and is a mystery to many except those “in the know”. Pick a table on the deck nestled amongst quirky décor and plants, and enjoy the coffee, Wi-Fi, and magnificent mountain views. It’s absolute bliss in winter with a crackling fire, warming soups, and throws for your legs. Offering pancakes with Nutella, and Lemon Meringue Tart, this is where “no carb” diets go to die! However, should you be following a particular diet, simply phone ahead and Lynn, having studied Food Science and Dietetics, will be sure to accommodate your preference, from gluten-free, to diabetic – or you can simply browse their no carb menu. If you have time, pop down for a craft class, such as “Scrap and Chat”, Embroidery, or Flower Arranging.
Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 16h00. Saturday: 08h00 – 14h00 / 2 Hanover Road, Diep River / +27 (0)21 712 0936
5. Bean There Coffee Company, CBD
Bean There is a cleverly named coffee shop that selects Africa’s best single origin coffee and allows you to get to know a country through its coffee. Having a bad day? Bean There will instantly cheer you up, with its bright décor, multi coloured hanging lamps, and jars of coffee that allow the fragrance of roasted coffee to waft through the air. With a focus on serving people today and conserving the earth for tomorrow, it’s the perfect place to sit back and people-watch. You’ll be ready to take on your day, armed with a cup of coffee and a pretty pattern etched into the foam to match!
Monday to Saturday: 07h30 – 16h00 / 58 Wale Street, CBD / +27 (0)21 943 2228. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @BeanThereCoffee
6. Deluxe Coffeeworks, CBD
Deluxe Coffeeworks is a superb coffee roastery with a rock ‘n roll atmosphere – no frills, no fuss. They’re absolute rule breakers when it comes to their coffee, and it’s no surprise they have a cult following. Alternative people flock to this coffee shop where it seems the pre-requisite for landing a job is to have colourful Mohawks, tattoos, and piercings. The interior is always busy and noisy, with plenty of machinery, bikes on the walls, and futuristic art. They roast all of their coffee themselves (5 tons a month!) and they’re environmentally conscious – donating their hessian bags to be upcycled into clothing and cushions, and their coffee grounds to the city for fertilisation. Look forward to good food, great music, and fascinating people. Check out this vlog on Deluxe Coffeeworks.
Monday to Friday: 07h00 – 17h00, Saturday: 09h30 – 14h00 / 23 Church Street, CBD / +27 (0)72 903 0319. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @deluxecw
7. Empire Cafe, Muizenberg
Hidden down a side street in Muizenberg, you will find Empire Cafe. While the coffee shop may not look like much from the outside, it is one of Cape Town’s most precious hidden gems for good reason. With beautiful seashell chandeliers, surfboards adorning the walls, a diverse menu that’s always changing, and a spiral staircase leading to an indoor balcony nook with lovely sea views, you’ll certainly feel at home here. The little window-facing coffee bar invites you to take a break from your studies and work – or bring it with you to enjoy the free Wi-Fi. The food is great, but the service leaves much to be desired.
Monday to Saturday: 07h00 – 16h00, Sundays and public holidays: 08h00 – 16h00. Evenings by appointment only. / 11 York Road, Muizenberg. / +27 (0)21 788 1250. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @Muizenberg
8. Escape Caffe, CBD
As the name implies, Escape Caffe offers you an escape from your everyday life – a trade in for the perfect world, where everything comes covered in sugar and a caffeine boost. If you’re feeling a little sleep deprived or simply need a little help to take on the day, we recommend you try the Sleep Suicide (a French press with a shot of espresso). This is even better paired with their cheesecake or chocolate brownies.
Monday to Friday: 07h00 – 16h00. Saturday: 09h30 – 12h30 (September to May) / 130 Bree Street, CBD / +27 (0)21 422 1325. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @escapecaffe
9. Origin Coffee Roasting, De Waterkant
Origin Coffee Roasting’s red brick venue brings New York to De Waterkant. It may not look like much from the outside, but once you step into their industrial styled space with both upstairs, downstairs, and a built-in tea house, you’ll soon see why they call themselves the artisan roasters of Africa. Origin prides itself on its mastery of all the aspects of the coffee craft, from the selection of green beans, to the art of roasting, blending, grinding, and pouring of your coffee. They offer calm café music, a prized inner city location, and the best carrot cake and banana bread in all of De Waterkant! Don’t miss their tea and coffee appreciation courses on Mondays.
Monday to Friday: 07h00 – 17h00, Saturday: 09h00 – 14h00 / 28 Hudson Street, De Waterkant / +27 (0)21 421 1000.
10. Slow Life Café, Muizenberg
Slow Life Café is a very laidback pescetarian eatery in Muizenberg. The café is both child and dog friendly, offering an interior filled with funky eye-catchers like repurposed pallet furniture, an astro turf wall, and shelves filled with locally made eco-friendly items for sale such as compostable flower pots, wire sculptures, Raku pottery, upcycled laptop bags, Consol solar jars, etc. When asked about his café, Paul says “Our name says it all – ‘Slow Life’ – slow down and you will discover that you are creative by nature.” Don’t miss their Sunday morning jazz vinyl sessions, live music, Thursday movie nights, and tri-weekly meditation sessions. What I love most about Slow Life is their Suspended Coffee programme that allows you to pay toward a beverage for a less privileged person.
Tuesday, Wednesday: 08h30 – 17h00, Thursday: 08h30 – 23h00, Friday: 08h30 – 17h00, Saturday: 08h30 – 23h00, Sunday: 08h30 – 17h00 / 152 Main Road, Muizenberg / +27 (0)21 788 5849.
11. Jason Bakery, CBD
Jason Bakery is often filled with hungry hipsters who are more than likely charmed by the slogan “Beer, bread, bubbles.” But this isn’t all they offer. What used to be Jardine Bakery has changed names, but the bacon croissants that made Jardine so famous are still around. This cosy corner café offers a surprising blend between takeaway and sit down chic, with a takeaway hatch and wooden interior with warm lighting, wooden beam flooring, and wooden walls where you can sit down and read the newspaper with your early morning coffee. The chalkboard is always scribbled with lunch options, and there are plenty of freshly baked items. While it is rather pricey, it is justifiably so. You can even buy tokens to be exchanged for coffee at a later date.
Monday to Friday: 07h00 – 15h30, Saturday: 08h00 – 14h00 / 185 Bree Street, CBD / +27 (0)21 424 5644. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @jasonbakery
12. Haas, Bo-Kaap
Haas is a quirky coffee shop in the CBD. It is situated next to the Haas Design Collective, a boutique of handmade accessories and artwork you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, so your chances of leaving empty handed are pretty slim. This corner café serves some trendy single origins, such as the Jamaican Blue Mountain, but we recommend being daring and trying the Death Wish (the strongest coffee on earth) or Kopi Luwak (the most expensive coffee money can buy!)
Monday to Friday: 07h00 – 17h00, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 08h00 – 15h00 / 19 buitenkant Street, CBD / +27 (0)21 422 4413. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @haascoffee
13. Utoo Café, Claremont
Utoo Café is a coffee shop that views their patrons as family. They offer strictly Halaal food and a unique blend of 5 superior beans from around the world, roasted by expert baristas. Their focus on being environmentally friendly is shown through their effort to source eco-friendly products and use bio-degradable takeaway boxes. They offer free Wi-Fi, as well as free delivery within the Claremont area. Don’t forget to try the Chocolate Mint Cookies & Cream, White Chocolate Symphony, or the old fashioned lemonade!
Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 16h30 (closed between 12h30 – 13h30 on Fridays), Saturday: 08h00 – 14h30. / Shop 5, Grove Building, Grove Avenue, Claremont / +27 (0)21 671 9333. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @utoocafe
14. Rosetta Roastery, Woodstock
Rosetta Roastery is an espresso bar in the Woodstock industrial area founded by Rob Cowles, Jono le Feuvre, and Jeffrey van Aswegen. They focus purely on single origin coffee beans from South and Central America, Africa, and Asia – you won’t find any blends here. When asked about their coffee, Jono explains that they like to personify their coffee. He says “Each has its own personality.” For example, he believes the Yigracheffe is like “an aging celebrity woman”. Don’t believe him? Go and try it for yourself!
Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 16h00, Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00 / Albert Road, Woodstock / +27 (0)21 447 4099. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @rosettaroastery
15. Commonground Café, Rondebosch
The Common Ground Café, situated above the Common Ground Church, offers excellent views across Rondebosch Common towards Devil’s Peak. The café is open for breakfast, lunch and tea. When you hear their pancakes are filled with apple crumble or Nutella and roasted almond, you’re sure to reconsider that healthy diet. Those without a sweet tooth can go for savoury options like croissants served with salmon, cheese, and watercress, or bacon, rocket, and pepperdew cream cheese. Hot beverages include chaiccino, espresso, babyccino, flat white, chai latte, gourmet tea, Horlicks, and milo with excellent latte art to match! What’s more, you can enjoy your tasty treats guilt-free, as all profits go to Common Good, an NPO which caters to the needy.
Monday to Friday: 07h00 – 16h00, Saturday: 08h00 – 14h00, Sundays: 08h30 – 14h00, 16h30 – 20h00 / 23 Milner Road, Rondebosch / +27 (0)21 686 0154. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @Cmmngrndchrch
16. Red Sofa Café, Vredehoek
The Red Sofa Café is a popular hangout in vibey Vredehoek. The big red couch in the corner lures passers-by to put their feet up and watch the world go by. If the Wi-Fi access and red cappuccino doesn’t tempt you, perhaps the idea of a plate of bacon (yes, that’s a meal of just bacon) will. Pick a bar stool facing the window, or enjoy the views of Table Mountain from the balcony. Your coffee is freshly roasted, with beans ground directly into your cup and there is always a fresh selection of cupcakes or cheesecake to go with it.
Tuesday to Friday: 07h00 – 17h00, Saturday and Sunday: 08h00 – 17h00 / Corner of Exner and Derry Street, Vredehoek / +27 (0)21 461 7274. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @RedSofaCafe
17. Queen of Tarts, Observatory
Queen of Tarts is an old world coffee shop in Observatory. The grey-and-white interior is lined with vintage items like an old blender, antique scale and bread slicer, Royal Baking Powder tins, and a collection of well-used cookbooks. Enjoy cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, chocochinos, paired with breakfast options like fry ups, flapjacks, omelettes, and muesli with vanilla poached apricots and yoghurt. The menu is displayed on a small black board that changes regularly, however favourites like custard tarts and fairy cakes are always available. There are several savoury items on the menu and during the winter months, they serve hearty soups.
Times: Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 16h00, Saturday: 08h00 – 14h00 / 213 Lower Main Road, Observatory / +27 (0)21 448 2420. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @queenoftartssa
18. Sostanza Bakery, Lakeside
Sostanza Bakery is a lovely bakery that takes life one cup at a time. Situated in the Old Bakery Centre, Sostanza Bakery was founded with “togetherness” in mind. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, fun-loving family, or cake-crazed individual, you’re promised the perfect setting to celebrate, nourish, and laugh…together. With 100% unique blends of coffee from around the world, including Colombia, Brazil, India and Africa, you’re sure to find just the right fit for you. Caffeine free drinks are aplenty – make sure you try the White Hot Chocolate and the Red Capuccino!
Monday to Friday: 07h00 – 17h00, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 07h30 – 16h00 / Old Bakery Centre, Main Road, Lakeside / +27 (0)21 788 2415.
19. Knead Bakery, Muizenberg
Knead Muizenberg lives by one of their favourite quotes from Orson Welles “Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch”. Their laidback coffee shop is usually jam-packed with surfers, beach goers, and families looking for a place to escape the South Easter and enjoy a good meal. And with long picture windows running the length of the shop, it’s the perfect spot to sit down for a cup of steaming coffee, and admire the view of the ocean.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08h00 – 20h00, Monday, Sunday and public holidays: 08h00 – 18h00 / Surfer’s Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg / +27 (0)21 788 2909. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @KneadBakery
20. The Foodbarn, Noordhoek
The Foodbarn is a casual eatery offering the best coffee in the Noordhoek Valley. During the day, you’re invited to enjoy freshly baked items and daily newspapers at the deli. It’s a great place to curl up with a steaming cup of coffee and a good read as the walls are lined with books that you can read and exchange.
Times: Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 16h30 / Noordhoek Farm Village, Corner Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek / +27 (0)21 789 1966. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @foodbarn
VOTED IN BY POPULAR DEMAND:
The Backyard Café, Bergvliet
The Backyard Café is “happiness tasted and time well spent”. This unique child-friendly coffee shop is tucked away in the garden of a quirky furniture shop where you can enjoy coffee in the sunshine amongst blooming rose bushes, plants, fountains, and veggie patches. Freshly baked muffins and cakes are available, as are breakfasts, lunch, and Origin coffee.
Tuesday to Thursday: 09h00 – 17h00, Friday: 09h00 – 16h00, Saturday: 09h00 – 14h00 / 4 Sol Cohen Rd, Bergvliet / +27 (0)84 392 9104.
Four & Twenty, Wynberg
Four & Twenty is both a café and a pantry in the heart of Chelsea Village, Wynberg. The handwritten blackboard offers lunch menus that change weekly, while the pantry offers homemade deli items, fresh pastries, and other sweet treats. Please note that Four & Twenty will be closed from 1 – 14 July 2014.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08h00 – 17h00, Sunday: 09h00 – 16h00. 23 Wolfe Street, Chelsea Village, Wynberg / +27 (0)21 762 0975.
Twigs with Beans, Harfield Village
If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a difference, head down to Twigs with Beans. This nursery-come-coffee-shop is dog friendly, and offers tea, coffee, homemade cookies, and cake of the day. The gift shop has a blend of new and old with upcycled furniture and plenty of plants. Pick a couch in the sun and enjoy a few hours with your favourite book!
Monday to Friday: 08h00 – 17h00; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 09h00 – 15h00 / Second Avenue, Harfield Village, Kenilworth / +27 (0)21 674 1193. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @twigsnursery
R Caffe
R Caffe is a trendy coffee shop with funky decor, free Wi-Fi, and a Tim Noakes banting menu. They specialise in artisan coffee and homemade baked goods, and their romantic bohemian atmosphere encourages you to sit down and linger a little longer.
Monday to Friday: 06h00 – 17h00, Saturday and holidays: 08h30 – 15h30 | 138 Long Street, Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 1124. Been here? Tweet your thoughts to @Rcaffe1
Which coffee shop takes your fancy? Let us know any you’d recommend in the comments below.
Main image by Mickey Hoyle and Haldane Martin
