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Cape Town is one of my favorite cities in the world and its cafe scene definitely helps with that ranking. Cape Town is adorned with many amazing cafes all throughout town perfect for a morning coffee or a mid day brunch.
I spent many mornings touring the city trying all of the city’s cafes and I must say that I was not disappointed. While the city can’t compare to cafe options in Bali, it comes pretty close. This list is just what I’ve discovered during my time staying in Cape Town and I’ sure I’ve missed out on some amazing spots (feel free to leave a comment in the post to tell me what I’m missing). As I discover more cafes in the future, I will be adding those to this list.
Cape Town Cafe Culture
Cape Town is a city that is crazy about its coffee. There are so many cafes in the city with new ones constantly sprouting up. It shouldn’t be a surprise as so much of the world’s best coffee originates in Africa making Cape town a logical place for the best roasts to be on full display. I still remember buying some of the best coffee of my life at a supermarket in Kigali, Rwanda.
Cape Town cafes also serve amazing brunch food. Aussie style brunch is the name of the game at most of these places so you can expect a great smashed avo or eggs benedict. Many of the cafes also come stocked with various pastries and cakes. These are usually made in house or sourced from a local baker.
Many of the cafes in Cape Town also are spacious with plenty of seating for working as a digital nomad. I loved starting my day out with a flat white at some of my favorite spots while working on my laptop.
What are the prices of coffee and brunch in Cape Town?
Cape Town is known to be a top end but affordable destination, especially when it comes to food and drinks. I’ve written about the cost of living in Cape Town before and while dining out is a significant portion of this budget, in absolute terms, it is not high. Of course each cafe will have a different price structure but you can expect to pay roughy the following:
Espresso: R20-25Cappuccino: R35-R45Flat White: R35-R45Smoothie Bowl: R80-R120Omelet: R80-R120Pancakes or waffles: R100+
South Africa Inflation: Note that the inflation rate is high in South Africa. Much of this is lead by a consistent devaluation of the Rand. As such, these prices here might be obsolete in a few years as the rand continues to depreciate and the prices in Rand continues to go up. These prices are all as of 2024 but large increases in Rand denominated prices is not the exception but the norm.
Bootleggers Camps Bay
Bootleggers is one of Cape Town’s best coffee chains. This local brand has locations all throughout the city including Camps Bay (two in fact), Sea Point, Green Point, and the CBD.
I love their location in Camps Bay as it has that homey neighborhood vibe. The outdoor patio also offers amazing views of the 12 apostles which is hard to beat for the early coffee vibes. I’ve only had their coffee and pastries (which are on point) while getting some work done so I cannot comment on their food.
The locations in Sea Point and Green Point are much bigger and more modern. Nevertheless, Bootleggers is a great option if you’re looking for good coffee and vibes. I also like that some of the locations like Camps Bay open at 6am so if you want an early start to the day, you’re covered.
Location: Various LocationsNeighborhood: Various LocationsHours of Operation:
Origins Coffee Roasting
Origin’s is one of my favorite cafes in Cape Town. They roast their coffee on the spot in their large vats and the coffee they provide is fantastic. The interior is spacious and beautiful with sleek industrial finishes. I’ve only had their coffee and pastries which as I’ve come to expect from Cape Town are always good.
Location: 28 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001Neighborhood: De WaterkantHours of Operation:
Jarryds Brunch and Bistro
Jarryds needs no introduction in the Cape Town brunch and cafe scene. It’s one of the trendiest and most happening spots in all of Cape Town. Located in Sea Point, Jarryds is a huge brunch space open serving Australian style brunch dishes. This place reminded me a lot of the cafes in Bali which are the best in the world.
Located in Sea Point, the space is massive with plenty of open space, high ceilings, and beautiful decor. There are seating areas in the front which faces the street and in the back which is more quiet and loungy. The place fills up quickly throughout the day however so you might even need to wait for a table at times. Nevertheless, after the morning rush, Jarryds is pretty calm and you’ll always be able to snag a seat in the early afternoon or early mornings.
The food and coffee are fantastic
Location: 28 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001Neighborhood: De WaterkantHours of Operation:
Plato coffee
Plato Coffee is one of the Cape Town’s newest and best coffee chains. With multiple locations throughout Cape Town and Stellenbosch, you’re never too far from Plato.
Upon entering Plato Coffee, you find yourself in a space that skillfully blends serenity with engagement. The deliberate minimalism of its design reflects careful planning, drawing inspiration from Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian functionality. Every element, from the meticulously crafted furniture to the strategic use of natural light, contributes to an enhanced experience for patrons.
The interior design establishes a symbiotic relationship with customers, paying attention to details like the texture of coffee tables and the ergonomic qualities of the chairs. Thoughtfully curated background music adds to the ambiance, striking a balance between being unobtrusive enough for personal immersion and present enough to dispel any awkward silence.
Whether you’re a digital nomad in search of a peaceful workspace, a student seeking respite from the ordinary, or an individual yearning for quality conversations over exceptional coffee, Plato’s ambiance serves as a versatile canvas catering to a diverse array of preferences.
Location: 28 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001Neighborhood: De WaterkantHours of Operation:
Ground Art Caffe
Ground Art Caffe is easily one of my favorite cafes in Cape Town. Located in trendy De Waterkant district, this cafe is blessed with views of Table Mountain at the base of Signal Hill. It’s got ample indoor and outdoor seating and is definitely one of the favorite gathering spots of Cape Town locals looking for a good brew.
The coffee here is fantastic as well as its food. I’ve tried their omelette and it was gourmet quality with the fluffiest eggs I’ve had in some time. The coffee was among the best in Cape Town and my flat white was exactly how I liked it. Best of all, this cafe opens at 7am which is perfect for all the early risers like myself.
Location: 160 Strand St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South AfricaNeighborhood: De WaterkantHours of Operation:
Our Local @ 117 Kloof
No list of Cape Town cafes and brunches is complete without Our Local. This cafe is probably one of the most beautiful and uniquely decorated cafes I’ve ever seen. As soon as you enter, you notice the insane amount of floral decorations hanging from the ceilings, walls, and everywhere in between. This super inviting warehouse style cafe is home to one of the best and busiest brunches in Cape Town.
Prepare to queue up for this place as it gets busy after 10am. The line does move fast however, similar to Jarryds in Seapoint.
The food here is very good with a wide range of brunch and regular food items. I had the ossobucco which is not a brunch item but tasted incredible, especially with their homemade chilis.
Location: 117 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South AfricaNeighborhood: GardensHours of Operation:
Butter
Butter is a neighborhood favorite in the CBD area on vibey Bree Street. Butter is known for its delicious food and is always busy with locals enjoying a brunch and coffee. They serve brunch food all day. The interior is small but quaint with ample seating. The outdoor has a few tables on a small elevated patio and is perfect for the morning hours before the sun gets too strong.
The food at Butter was delicious. I got the breakfast burger with a beef patty, eggs, provolone, and spinach. I thought it was one of the best breakfast dishes I’ve had in Cape Town.
Location: 70 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, SouthNeighborhood: City CenterHours of Operation:
Paulines
Paulines is a neighborhood favorite in the Seapoint/Greenpoint area. This cute little cafe has a beautiful outdoor garden space where everyone is hanging out throughout the day. The indoor space is small but quaint, albeit with tables for no more than 2.
Paulines is known for their coffee and pastries which are on point. Make sure to try the cinnamon roll which was divine. The garden area is first come first serve with seating for maybe 15 people. It’s a great spot to people watch while enjoying your morning brew.
Location: 28 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001Neighborhood: De WaterkantHours of Operation:
Truth Coffee Roasting
Truth Coffee Roasting is one of the most popular cafes in the city. Situated in the CBD area, this cafe roasts all of its coffee on site with its huge roasters. It’s a proper operation here as you can see coffee roasting machines at work. The coffee is superb as you would expect with a variety of different blends at your disposal.
The interior space of Truth is both spacious and industrial chic. There’s a large communal beach in the entrance with bar seats attached to metal pipes. In the back are big diner style couch seating perfect for big groups.
Truth Coffee Roasting also has a variety of different baked goods that will pair perfectly for your coffee. The carrot cake is to die for and I’ve only heard amazing things about their cinnamon rolls and croissants. It’s the perfect place to have a morning coffee or grab your laptop to get some work done. There’s always space for you to sit and enjoy the view.
Location: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8000Neighborhood: City CenterHours of Operation:
Rosetta Roastery
Rosetta Roastery is an award winning specialty coffee roaster with many different type of beans from all over the world. They have multiple locations throughout Cape Town and I visited the ones on Bree street and the one by the V&A Waterfront in the same building as the Virgin Active Silo Gym.
Their coffee is rated as among the best if not the best in all of Cape Town and it’s a claim I can get down with. The coffee here was more full-bodied and aromatic which is what I love. The cafe also has a large selection of cakes and pastries, along with a kitchen that serves brunch food.
Location: 101 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001Neighborhood: City CenterHours of Operation:
The Ladder
The Ladder is another beautiful cafe on Bree Street home to all day breakfasts, light meals, and artisan coffee. The menu, while simple, is remarkably well done with every dish being refined.
The space is also beautiful decorated with plenty of space indoor and outdoor. You’ll see plenty of Cape Tonians congregating here for Saturday brunch. The ladder is also an event space they rent out for wedding receptions and more, as well as being an orthodox church on the top floor.
Location: 136 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001Neighborhood: City CenterHours of Operation:
The Electric
The Electric is located in District 6 nearby to Truth Coffee Roasting. This beautiful open space serves great coffee in an industrial style hipster space. There’s a beautiful high ceiling indoor space as well as a beautiful courtyard with wine barrel tables perfect for you to lounge the morning away. This cafe came highly recommended to me especially for the food but unfortunately it was closed during the new years period when I visited.
I will definitely be back however!
Kanela cafe
Kanela cafe is a Seapoint neighborhood cafe located next door to Jarryds. I stumbled upon this cute little cafe after a boozy brunch at Jarryds. The interior is beautifully decorated with lots of personal touches. The coffee is great and the food menu is comprehensive with plenty of brunch and vegetarian options.
There is an outdoor courtyard area that the cafe shares with the restaurant next door but I found the vibe to be better inside the cafe.
Location: 28 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001Neighborhood: De WaterkantHours of Operation:
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