My favourite Cafés in Cape Town
December 2024
Cape Town has felt like a second home to me for nearly a decade. These cafés were among the first places I discovered while getting to know the city and its people. Over the years, they’ve become my sanctuaries, workspaces, and go-to meeting spots with friends. They’ve carried me through countless cups of coffee, flaky pastries, and quiet moments of joy or reflection, on both good and challenging days. Each one holds a special place in my heart, offering its charm and specialities that make it truly unique.
South Yeaster
South Yeaster, run by the dynamic sibling duo Brode and Amber, is my preferred pit stop when coming from a trail run at Constantia Neck or on my way for a beach mission at Llandudno. Nestled in the heart of Hout Bay, it’s a paradise for pastry lovers. Honestly, their Almond Croissant tastes like it’s from another planet. Brode, with his incredible talent, is often seen around the bakery, adding a personal touch that makes every visit feel special. Their bread and pastries are nothing short of legendary. Made from sourdough, they are incredibly light and won't leave you feeling overly full, just happy and satisfied.
South Yeaster has become a beloved stopover for sporty locals; you’ll often spot cyclists, hikers, and runners refuelling alongside families, remote workers, and the occasional happy pup. The bakery offers both indoor and outdoor seating, complete with a cosy fireplace and plenty of space to work from with your laptop. Whether you’re grabbing an almond croissant or settling in for one of their juicy focaccia sandwiches, South Yeaster always feels like a treat.
The Strangers Club
This little oasis has been my favourite spot since I first travelled to South Africa in 2016, and it will always hold the No.1 place in my heart.
The Strangers Club was initially created by my friends Adam and Emma. Today, Emma runs the space solo, pouring her heart into every detail, constantly refining, experimenting, and evolving the experience while staying true to its original soul. Her love, care, and eye for beauty are what keep the spirit of The Strangers Club so alive and inspiring. What began as a small coffee shop with a few curated interior pieces has grown into a vibrant destination, expanding its space and showcasing beautiful African design and a range of local South African brands. Amidst the bustle of Cape Town’s city life, it remains a peaceful escape to relax and unwind. And not to forget: the food is absolutely delicious.
One of my all-time favourites is their Nutty Bowl, a smoothie bowl that tastes like dessert for breakfast. Their menu changes seasonally, always using the freshest ingredients and a lot of love, though some classics (like the Nutty Bowl) stay. I also highly recommend the house salad, super fresh and nourishing.
After breakfast or lunch, I love strolling through the concept space to discover beautiful pieces from local brands like Muse, Lorne, or ROF. In the backyard, you’ll find a little treasure trove of African art, fabrics, and crafts. I recently picked up some colourful Kikoys from Kenya; light, vibrant wraps that are perfect for the next beach day.
It’s also where I met my dear friend Joan, who’s become part of the soul of the café and a very close friend of mine. We’ve shared so many food adventures together in Cape Town, always on the lookout for something new and delicious.
Houtbay Coffee
Hout Bay Coffee, the hidden gem tucked in the heart of Hout Bay, offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that calms you down and lifts your soul. Enjoy an exceptional cup of coffee (I’d say one of the best in town) while relaxing on one of the tree trunk seats by the river. The outdoor seating merges beautifully with nature, giving the space its signature rustic charm.
Their coffee is brewed to perfection, with a strong focus on quality and flavour. And for all the @southyeaster almond croissant lovers: they sell SY almond croissants on Sundays, when South Yeaster is closed 😉.
Another must-try is their almond orange cake, a refreshing and satisfying blend of flavours… It’s to die for. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or settling in for a slow morning, Hout Bay Coffee truly feels like a home away from home.
The café is owned by the fascinating Paul Myburgh, an anthropologist, author, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. In the early 1980s, he spent seven years living with a group of /Gwikwe Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert. His book, The Bushman Winter Has Come, shares the deep life lessons he learned from that time. His presence and story give this place an added depth that you can somehow feel the moment you walk in.
Origin Coffee Roasting
Origin Coffee has been one of my daily go-to spots while living in town. I’ve spent countless hours here, working remotely, having meetings, or simply enjoying the sight of baristas performing their magic behind the counter. As one of Cape Town’s pioneering coffee roasters, this café is a true haven for coffee lovers like me.
Located in a beautiful historic brick warehouse in De Waterkant, a charming and vibrant part of the city, the industrial ambience perfectly complements the café’s character. Joel Singer, the founder, originally from Canada, moved to Cape Town in 1997. His passion for quality coffee and his commitment to bringing together diverse talent from around the world is truly inspiring. He also founded the Origin Barista Academy, which helped lay the foundation for South Africa’s coffee industry. To date, they’ve trained over 3,500 baristas, including five national champions. It’s been amazing to witness how many talented baristas have started at Origin and used it as a launchpad for their careers. I’ve seen a few of them grow over time 🫶🏼
Beyond the coffee, their breakfast and lunch menu is also fantastic. Whether for casual business meetings or a quiet moment with a cup of something special, Origin makes each visit a delight.
