There are few things better than enjoying a hot cup of coffee in a lovely spot in the Mother City. Whether it’s a cafe known for their award-winning exotic blends, a place with a curated aesthetic and fresh food, or just a cosy gem that’s perfect for meeting up with friends – here’s our list of the best Cape Town coffee shops to check out this winter season.
Kaya HQ
A quintessentially Cape Town cafe, Kaya HQ mixes good coffee, locally made clothes, and some of the city’s best emerging musicians and performers into one welcoming spot. They have a real finger on the pulse, whether it’s Matcha trends or breakout stars in the live music scene, and a true dedication to crafting an inviting space for all.
For a cold co-working day that needs a warm drink or a late-night event from a favourite Cape Town talent, there are few better places in the CBD to hang out than at Kaya.
Where: 35 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre
When: Monday – Friday | 7am – 4pm | Events often start after usual closing hours
Sonder
With a homely vibe that’s filled with plants, paintings, and second-hand books, Sonder is a go-to for escaping the winter weather in Observatory. Known for New York-style bagels and sourdough sandwiches, they offer 100% Arabica, fair-trade Ethiopian and Burundi blend coffee, oat and almond milk, and assorted teas for those who prefer less caffeine.
Their breakfast options are extensive, from açaí bowls to a build-your-own-breakfast special, as is their list of fresh-pressed juices and nutritious smoothies. They have recently opened a location in the Bo-Kaap on Hudson Street.
When: Monday – Saturday | 7.30am – 4pm (Mon – Fri) | 8am – 3pm (Sat)
Where: 79 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
The Electric
A community hub in the heart of District Six, The Electric is another example of a cosy cafe/deli by day and a vibrant events space at night. As an all-inclusive institution, dogs, bikes, remote workers, and friends are all welcome in its sunflower-yellow walls.
They offer plenty of nutritious options, including health shots, juices, flavour-filled nut milks, and wellness add-ons. For breakfast, they serve a variety of affordable classics (bagels, eggs Benedict, and full breakfasts), and for lunch, they feature sharing platters, burgers, salads, and flatbreads. Hot drink lovers of all types are sure to be satisfied with their diverse array of choices, whether it’s sticky naartjie tea or bulletproof coffee.
Bookings can be made on the website.
When: Monday – Saturday | 8am – 7pm | 9am – 5pm (Sat)
Where: 48 Canterbury Street, District Six, Cape Town
Kanela Cafe
Those who prefer tea to coffee should try out Kanela, where their speciality teas include jasmine, buchu, ginseng oolong, lemongrass, lavender, chamomile, and more. For coffee lovers, their Freddo Cappuccinos and Espressos bring an authentic Greek style to the table that’s equal parts refreshing and strong.
Their all-vegetarian menu is filled with light, nutritional meals, from smoothie bowls and open-faced omelettes to caprese toasties and fried oyster mushroom wraps. With the ability to make most meals vegan, Kanela is particularly appealing to mindful diners seeking a plant-based, environmentally conscious cafe with dishes and drinks made with them in mind.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8am – 5pm
Where: 78 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
Laced Coffee House
With open-air areas warmed by various fireplaces, Laced is a great option for a hot drink when it’s chilly. The cafe keeps a cosy vibe with lots of plants and its resident bulldog, Boston. Their menu ranges from classic breakfast options, like bagels and French toast, to more filling lunch staples, including brioche bun burgers and grilled wraps.
Their set of hot drinks is just the classics, with a special pour-over coffee deal for true caffeine enthusiasts, and flavoured syrups for those of us who like a pinch of sweetness. In terms of cold drinks, they have “ceremonial grade” matcha, frappes, smoothies, and fruit juices.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 8am – 4pm
Where: 12 Rhodes Ave, Mowbray, Cape Town
Truth Coffee
Twice named the “Best Coffee Shop In The World” by the UK’s Daily Telegraph, there aren’t many cafes in Cape Town with better endorsements. With a unique steampunk aesthetic (complete with London newspaper-esque menus) and a convenient location in the CBD, Truth Coffee is unlike any other cafe in the city.
Despite the rave reviews, Truth’s menu remains quite affordable. The coffee options cater to all levels of bean enthusiasts, with cold brew “potions”, pour-over brews, and a detailed explainer so guests can get their ideal blend (they also do expert latte art). Their patisserie includes everything from lemon meringue to eclairs, and they are known for filling sandwiches on freshly-baked bread, whether it’s vegetarian or a meat-lover’s special.
Bookings can be made via Seatly.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7am – 10pm (Tue – Thu) | 8am – 6pm (Sun) | 8am – 10pm (Mon)
Where: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre
Jarryds
Jarryds, the Parisian-inspired bistro in Sea Point, has quickly become a staple in the Cape Town brunch scene, allowing guests to take in a slow morning with world-city-inspired breakfasts and a detailed coffee list.
Mornings at Jarryds can start with the Istanbul (Turkish-inspired chilli butter eggs and labneh), the Paris (boiled eggs, ham, and a butter croissant), or the Cape Town (chilli broccoli, quinoa, and za’atar), with plenty of other famous cities and their favourite breakfasts on offer. Lunches feature everything from sandwiches to schnitzel, while their drinks menu is incredibly extensive: a detailed house coffee blend, Matcha, loose-leaf teas, Parisian hot chocolate, and even a “dirty soda” (double espresso, milk, and Coca-Cola).
Jarryds is strictly first come, first served.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7am – 4pm
Where: 90 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Lazari
Sat perfectly below Table Mountain and with what seems like countless teacups hanging from the ceiling, there’s always something to look at when visiting Lazari. With coffee from South Africa’s three-time Roastery of the Year in Rosetta, the coffee is truly award-winning and pairs well with the café’s reputation for friendly service and delicious food.
They have a short list of family-sized meals (to be ordered 24 hours in advance), a sweet array of cakes, and a detailed design-your-own all-day breakfast for those wanting more customisation outside of shakshuka, eggs benedict, oats, and muesli.
When: Monday – Saturday | 8am – 4pm | 9am – 2pm (Sat)
Where: cnr Upper Maynard & Vredehoek Ave, Vredehoek, Cape Town
Jonkershuis
Jonkershuis Constantia is nestled in the historic core of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, surrounded by ancient oak trees in a truly picturesque setting. Well-known for its restful ambience in summer, the venue ensures winter dining is just as comfortable.
The hot drinks menu comes with everything most would expect, including plunger coffee for those who want that little bit extra. There are freshly baked pastries, French toast, and filled croissants for breakfast, while their lunch is known for its Cape Malay meals, pasta, and grilled meats.
Reservations can be made on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sa) | 8am – 5pm (Sun)
Where: Jonkershuis Restaurant, Groot Constantia Road, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia
Our Local
More popular than ever after Dua Lipa was spotted at the Kloof Street cafe, Our Local is a trendy spot known for their biophilic interior design, with lots of plants and thrifty vintage furniture.
They have one of the most extensive food menus among the city’s popular cafes, with dedicated breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. Their 2-for-R200 burger special on Wednesday evenings is a local favourite, with regular beef, pregos, and a falafel veggie burger, all suited for dates and catch-ups. Their hot drink selection is on the traditional side, with plunger coffee, tonic espresso, and orange espresso.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8am – 11pm | 8am – 3.30pm (Sun & Mon)
Where: 117 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
Ellen Jay
With a vibe that could only ever be described as “eclectic”, Ellen Jay prides itself on well-made, authentic dishes and treats, and a maximalist interior design style that ensures every inch of the space has something interesting to look at. On the flip side, the atmosphere is quieter and more intimate, making it great for a little catch-up over good food.
When: Monday – Saturday | 9am – 4pm | 9am – 2pm (Sat)
Where: 9 Constantia Main Rd, Plumstead, Cape Town
Butter
One can only guess the most prominent ingredient in Butter’s menu. Whether it’s buttered toast, buttery flapjacks, buttermilk fried chicken, or a butter burger, this Sea Point is not for the faint of dairy. Luckily, their hot drink menu is not as butyraceous, opting instead for flat whites, cappuccinos, and the ever-popular Vietnamese iced coffee. They do have cocktails on sale, including a “butter white Russian” for those brave enough.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8am – 3pm (Mon – Fri) | 9am – 3pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: 146 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
The Ladder
A trendy Bree Street staple that keeps to its artsy roots with creative events, The Ladder is a clean, minimalist spot that stays on the right side of affordable. Coffee options include the usual, frappuccinos, dirty chais, and green matcha. Their light, nutritious menu is simple, featuring croissants, fruit bowls, tempeh stacks, and burgers.
Bookings can be made by contacting 082 451 1572 (WhatsApp only).
When: Monday – Saturday | 7am – 4pm | 8am – 2pm (Sat)
Where: 136 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Cafe Chiffon
An Asian-inspired dessert cafe and cake boutique, Cafe Chiffon has become a social media sensation for its expertly designed cakes, which can be ordered for any occasion. During the day, regular customers can get a slice of a wide variety of cakes, from spiced chai apple chiffon to Japanese cheesecake, along with more standard pastries and baked goods.
Bakers can look to their socials to catch their next cake decorating workshop, while coffee lovers get to choose from both hot and iced options to go along with their frosting.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7.30am – 5.30pm | 8am – 4pm (Sun)
Where: Old Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant St, Green Point, Cape Town
777 Coffee Roastery
The “Triple 7” as it is called by regulars, 777 is a downtown coffee shop right in the middle of Cape Town’s business district, making it a favoured spot for quick lunches and catch-up meetings. With commercial pilot, business owner, and charismatic barista Bosaqr at the helm, the cafe has a distinct aviation theme, adding a fun quirk to their enthusiast-grade coffee from exclusive, high-altitude farms, beloved sandwiches, and newly added smash burgers.
The space is known for being warm and inviting, with friendly workers and a view of Table Mountain – a reputation which has kept it at a full 5 stars on Google Maps and all other major reviewing sites.
When: Monday – Sunday | 6am – 9.30pm
Where: 66 Keerom St, Cape Town City Centre
Lime Tree Cafe
Labelling itself as a pizzeria, cafe, and a third space, Lime Tree is a do-it-all dining spot with three separate sections to fit every vibe, a deli of homemade treats, and even a Limestone art activity space. With a spacious interior in the Constantia Valley and an aesthetic that’s somewhere between a deli, a pottery studio and a greenhouse, it’s a local favourite.
Their menu offerings are enormous: they have entire sections and pages dedicated to burgers, homemade pastas, grilled seafood, salads, breakfast, and their famous, customisable wood-fired pizzas. For drinks, highlights include a Brazil-hazelnut-flavoured latte, double-cream Swiss-style hot chocolate, and dairy-free frappes.
Reservations can be made on Dineplan.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 8am – 10pm
Where: Sherwood Centre, cnr Children’s Way & Dreyersdal Road, Bergvliet, Cape Town
Mantra Cafe
Those who prefer ocean views, even in the winter, should enjoy Mantra Café in Camps Bay. The atmosphere is quieter and the ambience more intimate, making for a more refined dining experience than a more traditional coffee shop.
With a direct line of sight on the setting sun, they’re one of the few cafés that stay open for dinner, making them a good option for an evening bite. During this time, the menu consists of local seafood favourites, including locally sourced linefish, fresh West Coast mussels, and a hake romesco, alongside steaks and aubergine parmigiana. Breakfast is everything from Matcha & almond milk soaked chia bowls to sourdough sandwiches, while their drinks offering includes Nutella hot chocolate and plenty of fresh-pressed juices.
Reservations can be made on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8.30am – 11:30am (breakfast) | 12pm – late (dinner)
Where: 43 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Hey Stranger
Another CBD favourite, Hey Stranger is the Cape Town location of Father Coffee, a popular cafe brand in Joburg. Their sustainably sourced coffee is a major selling point, with new blends rotated in and out, and options ranging from black tonics with natural sweetener to V60 pour-overs for those who prefer single-origin drinks.
They were recently featured in The Coffee Magazine and nominated for the People’s Choice for Best Coffee Shop in Cape Town by the Luxe Awards. Their menu also includes affordable sandwiches, croissants, bagels, and house-favourite specials.
When: Monday – Saturday | 7am – 4pm | 9am – 2pm (Sat)
Where: 172 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
Clay Café in the City
Clay Café in the City is a ceramic painting venue and tapas bar that invites guests to enjoy a meal while expressing themselves creatively. The space strives to teach like-minded adults to unlock their inner artist, learn new techniques, and just have some fun while exploring, enjoying tapas, and relaxing to relaxing music.
For drinks, they serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate, slushies, and even homemade lemonade. Far from just tapas, they also sell pizzas, gyros, pasta, gourmet sandwiches, and more. Their catalogue of ceramics ranges from simple plates to more intricate designs, all of which can be seen online.
Cost: From R45 per person (studio fee, not including price of item) | Book now on Dineplan.
When: Tuesday – Sunday | 11am – 5pm (Tue) | 11am – 10pm (Wed – Fri) | 9am – 10pm (Sat) | 9am – 6pm (Sun)
Where: 199 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Bread Milk & Honey
Found in the northern part of Somerset West, Bread Milk & Honey is worth the trip out of the city. Equally suited to a cosy workday as to a Sunday with family, the business maintains its family-run atmosphere without sacrificing quality.
Their various menus focus on getting the basics right rather than following trends. Breakfast looks like brioche buns, scrambled eggs, rosti, French toast, and scrambled tofu for vegetarians and vegans. Lunch focuses on sizeable portions at affordable prices, with toasties, wraps, butternut and spinach ravioli, and authentic chicken and prawn curry. Bread Milk & Honey also has an in-house bakery, where guests can order tarts, cakes, muffins, and cheesecake to eat fresh.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 8am – 4pm
Where: 51B Bredell Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town
Ground Art Caffe
Mixing acclaimed coffee with an avant-garde art gallery, Ground Art Caffe is a refined space in the heart of De Waterkant. Their menu prioritises quality over quantity, with hand-rolled bagels, sweet and savoury breakfasts, and soups and pastas available during the winter. Their hot drink options include bulletproof coffee and cold brew, and they also feature the option to add CBD oil to any drink.
On the art side, there is always an exhibition on show, with regular First Thursday events that highlight some of Cape Town’s up-and-coming creatives in a more low-key, inviting setting than a luxurious art gallery. Ground Art is pet-friendly and features vegan dining options for those wanting plant-based alternatives.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7am – 3pm (Mon, Tue & Thu) | 8am – 3pm (Fri) | 7.30am – 2pm (Sat) | 8am – 1pm (Sun)
Where: 160 Strand St, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Secret Forest Cafe
In the heart of Tokai with gorgeous views of Tokai Park’s fynbos, the Secret Forest Cafe is the definition of a hidden gem. Their drinks menu is extremely affordable, including speciality teas, authentic coffees, and smoothies. For dining, their breakfasts, sandwiches, and pastries are traditional but well-made, with some vegan treats and snacks for those just wanting a light bite.
Getting to the cafe from the nearest parking involves a short hike, making any visit an enjoyable outdoor experience (when the weather plays along). Its wide-open fields and little treats also make it a great choice for dog owners, as furry friends are always welcome to come along.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7am – 4.30pm | 7.30am – 4pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: Tokai Lower Plantation, Tokai Forest, Sweet Valley, Cape Town
