Cape Town is definitely one of the coffee capitals of the world. Almost every street in the city has at least two coffee shops on it, even in the middle of the sleepy suburbs. We are known for being coffee connoisseurs, caffeine addicts and coffee lovers of note.
Incredible Cakes and Coffee Shops to Enjoy in Cape Town
But the best part of our coffee shops is they often include incredible food options too, from satisfying all-day breakfasts to delicious lunches and of course, sweet treats and cakes too. In this post, I share my best cake and coffee shops in Cape Town.
I have never been a wine snob but I do hold coffee to very high standards. That said, some of these places offer coffee and hot beverages as a bonus. You will see when the focus is on food (like cakes and sweet treats) rather than coffee.
Note: Coffee shops and/or cake shops are listed below in no particular order.
1) BAARD and CO. Coffee Roasters, Durbanville
June 2025 update: Baard and Co is sadly closing their on-site, physical store in Durbanville after 14 June 2025. Thereafter, they will be operating in an online, off-site capacity; more details to be shared in time.
I consider BAARD and Co. to be one of the best coffee shops anywhere in Cape Town. This small, yet innovative roastery and coffee shop continues to add to its appeal and offerings. Yet, even when I visited in 2021 shortly after their opening, everything ran like clockwork; owners and staff are friendly and the overall atmosphere is great.
But it is definitely the coffee that takes the cake here – although, speaking of cake: they now also offer amazing cakes, desserts, light meals and more too.
Their coffee is incredible and honestly, perfect. BAARD & Co. is a quality, family-owned business – and everything from the coffee to the people to the atmosphere is a vibe.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
I tried the Flat White (always one of my favourite hot beverages) and it was sublime. Perfectly balanced, hot and strong.
Best of all, as they are roasters, you can buy coffee beans – or ask them to grind some for you and take a bag home.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they sell a selection of cakes, pastries and light meals to enjoy with your coffee.
They also make the most amazing, artful sourdough bread this side of the city! If you are a sucker for sourdough like I am, don’t leave without one.
I am still keen to try their sourdough. It sells out like hot cakes and on my last visit, I just missed the last loaf – but I have heard incredible things about it.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
Definitely try one of their pastries or a slice of cake with your coffee.
Website:
Contact details:
+27 (076) 305 0067, baard.co@gmail.com
Address:
5 Pampoenkraal Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, Western Cape
2) Starlings Cafe, Claremont
When I stayed in the Southern Suburbs, Starlings Cafe was on my list for a while. Then, finally, on my last weekend residing that side, I gave them a try and I am so glad I did.
From the road, you would never suspect the hidden oasis of coffee and culinary delights that awaits – but therein lies the magic of good ol’ Starlings.
There is a reason this long-standing cafe is so beloved, everything from the tranquil setting (with cosy indoor seating and a gorgeous garden area) to the coffee and treats makes it a delight from start to finish.
Above all else, Starlings Cafe is a gathering place where you go with friends or loved ones to enjoy a good meal, conversation and peacefulness.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
I can’t recall exactly which coffee option I tried (probably a Flat White) – but it was good. They have a lovely drinks selection, everything from a range of coffees to teas and even kombucha.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they have a hearty breakfast and lunch menu with a wide selection of meals.
They also have cakes, sweet treats and pastries to enjoy.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
Definitely have a slice of cake.
And, if you want something more substantial, people rave about the Eggs Benedict. Visitors also seem to enjoy the Spicy Chicken Harissa Sandwich.
Website:
Contact details:
+27 (072) 051 0491
Address:
94 Belvedere Road, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape
3) Ground Art Caffe, De Waterkant
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This micro coffee bar-meets-art gallery has been one of my favourite Cape Town coffee shops since I first visited them several years ago now, shortly after their opening.
Everything from the hands-on, welcoming staff and owners to the elegant interiors, relaxed outdoor space to the excellent food and coffee make Ground Art Caffe a winner.
And that is before you even consider how much they support local artists through their in-store art gallery. (They present a new exhibition every two months.)
Their setting in lovely De Waterkant is another boon, as this is arguably one of the city’s most peaceful, charming suburbs and well worth a visit.
I also love that they emphasise quality over quantity and source fresh, healthy local ingredients, while also offering some of Europe’s tastiest delicacies. They also have gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
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All their coffee is amazing but I would probably go for the Cortado or Cold Brew for something more unique.
They also have hot beverages like matcha, hot chocolate and chai latte, as well as freshly squeezed juices and smoothies.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they have a great all-day breakfast menu, as well as salads and light lunches to enjoy.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
You have to try one of their paninis. I recommend the Backgammon option. It is insanely good and so filling!
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Website:
Contact details:
+27 (021) 418 1331, info@groundartcaffe.co.za
Address:
160 Strand Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, Western Cape
4) Origin Coffee Roasting, De Waterkant
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Another excellent, quality coffee shop in De Waterkant is Origin Coffee Roasting.
This coffee shop has always had a stellar reputation. They have always been one of the more innovative cafes and roasters in Cape Town. In fact, it feels like they set many of the coffee trends we now enjoy across the Mother City.
Started by Joel Singer in 2006, Origin Coffee Roasting has always stood for exceptional, quality roasted coffee from around the world. When I was introduced to this coffee shop in 2014 by my brother, the same was true. Years later, Origin continues to stand out as one of the best in Cape Town.
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Not only does Origin offer its guests great coffee but they also serve many local businesses with coffee and provide barista training (they have trained over 3000 baristas). Their focus remains on providing the widest selection of single origin coffees in South Africa.
Best of all, they also have a great online shop that offers an incredible range of goods from specialty teas to equipment and much more.
Situated in a beautiful brick warehouse, the cafe is relaxing, yet chic and offers a glimpse into the team’s magical world of coffee roasting.
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Note: We had a very positive but brief visit a few years ago. However, people do note that service can sometimes be slow.
I’m usually not too bothered by this in a coffee shop because I never visit one with a mind to rush but just mentioning it for transparency’s sake.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
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Origin offers an excellent range of coffees – from slow brewed options to iced coffees, espressos and much, much more. Personally, I recommend trying one of their African blends.
If you can, also try their tea selection. It includes everything from specialty black teas to herbal and fruit infusions, green teas and rooibos and honeybush infusions too.
Do they serve food:
Yes, in addition to their array of coffees, teas and other beverages, Origin also offers lovely light meals, like breakfasts, lunches, snacks and baked goods.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
I have not personally eaten here but people rave about their breakfasts (especially the eggs benedict) and the bagels. So those would be my first choice.
Website:
Contact details:
+27 (021) 421 1000, info@originroasting.co.za
Address:
28 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, Western Cape
5) Truth Coffee Roasting, CBD
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Another Cape Town great is Truth Coffee Roasting, an artisanal coffee roastery and cafe.
This is another familiar coffee haunt of mine, as Truth was right down the block from both my flat and university campus. And, even as a student, I had a mature taste and love of great coffee.
Part of the appeal at Truth is the fun, vibey atmosphere and quirky, steampunk-themed decor felt in every inch of this popular coffee shop. From Colossus (their vintage Probat coffee roaster) to the brass machinery, grunge furniture and unexpectedly elegant, private booth seating, Truth is like a living, breathing coffee house.
In addition to being one of the most highly rated coffee shops in Cape Town, Truth Coffee also offers training to aspiring baristas through their Truth Coffee Academy.
I have never had a bad experience at Truth. Staff are always friendly and fun, the atmosphere buzzes with contented coffee chatter and the in-store aromas are to die for.
Deservedly, Truth is one of the best coffee shops in Cape Town – and indeed, the world.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
Definitely try their famous Resurrection blend.
I would also go for one of their single origin options – or a Flat White or Cortado.
Do they serve food:
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Yes, they have a freshbar, breakfast and brunch options, patisserie and even Truth After Dark, which offers cocktails, dinner options and live jazz entertainment.
They also sell conscious confectionary chocolates.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
I can’t recall what we ate when we visited for a sit-down meal (on one of my many visits) – but people rave about their breakfasts.
I also like the sound of their Tomato, Basil and Melty Cheese Truth-toasted croissant option. Their pastries also look and sound great!
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Website:
Contact details:
+27 (021) 201 7000
Address:
36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
6) Boston Coffee, Bellville
Boston Coffee is something of a household name in the Northern Suburbs. What started from humble beginnings has grown into a highly popular, successful coffee shop.
They specialise in hand-roasted coffee, made in Boston, Bellville, and the cafe itself is a truly wondrous place to discover more about coffee.
The staff are incredibly friendly (almost to the point that it is alarming to be so cheerful and amped for life, ha, ha) but you can see and feel the passion: it’s alive here.
Tucked away in a quiet street, in an unexpectedly small, yet bustling little shop, this corner cafe pulses with good vibes, great food and even better coffee.
Boston Coffee is a really lovely local establishment that sees regular customers and new visitors enjoying it with equal enthusiasm and relish. Hard to fault it, really.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
I tried the Boston Mocha and it was great – but they have such an extensive range of options. Everything from Vietnamese iced coffee to Turkish coffee.
They also offer excellent teas, milkshakes and coffee beans to buy and enjoy at home.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they have incredible sourdough toasted sandwiches, pastries and all-day breakfasts.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
Definitely try one of their famous toasted sourdough sandwiches; they are perhaps as well loved and highly rated as the Boston coffee!
I tried the Mushroom, Feta, Cheddar and Bacon one and it was amazing.
Website:
Contact details:
+27 (066) 374 2420, info@bostoncoffee.co.za
Address:
Corner of Cleveland Street and 12th Avenue, Boston, Bellville, Western Cape
7) The Charles Cafe, De Waterkant
UPDATE: Regrettably, as of 2024, The Charles Cafe and Guesthouse have closed down.
Ever since I visited The Charles Cafe in 2016, shortly after its opening, this has been one of my favourite local cafes.
I love that it is situated in one of the prettiest De Waterkant streets too. There, on the corner, among brightly coloured buildings, the elegant white The Charles Cafe and Guesthouse sits, its wraparound verandah, neatly hidden behind an old pepper tree.
Inside, a tasteful cafe experience awaits, complemented by the equally lovely guesthouse. Good service, a tranquil setting and passionate staff ensure a pleasant experience.
Guests can sit in the garden area, on the scenic rooftop deck or inside the cosy lounge; everywhere is a winning seat here.
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The coffee and organic, local and free-range-style food only add to the quality offering that is Cafe Charles. Again, it’s hard not to love this cheerful city spot.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
A Flat White because I am predictable like that – but it’s a winner. All their coffee is – and so, too, is the coffee art!
They have other beverage and drink options, including good wine.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they serve lovely breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options.
They also have a nice selection of Cape Malay-style and vegan meals that are apparently great.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
Undoubtedly the mushroom risotto. Years later, I still fondly recall their risotto – that’s how memorable a meal it is!
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Website:
www.charles.capetown
Contact details:
+27 (021) 409 2500, hello@charles.capetown
Address:
137 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, Western Cape
8) The Daily Coffee Cafe Willowbridge, Bellville
The Daily Coffee Group has branches spread across South Africa but it is their Willowbridge branch that I wish to highlight. I first visited them in 2019, shortly after their opening and since then, they have consistently brought in good reviews and served good coffee and food with a smile.
Conveniently situated at Willowbridge Shopping Centre, The Daily Coffee Cafe Willowbridge is perfect for a quick coffee or relaxed meal as you go about your day. Alternatively, visit them for a leisurely weekend experience.
The cafe itself is cheerful and tastefully decked out. In my experience, service is good and friendly and they have some great food and drink options.
Best of all, they are child-friendly with some lovely kiddies options available.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
Either the Tin Cup or Con Panna.
They also have other hot beverages like hot chocolate, dirty chai and teas, as well as iced coffees and cold drinks.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they have a wide range of all-day breakfast and lunch options. There are also some lovely wraps, burgers, toasties and fresh delights (like scones, caramel and banana pancakes and more).
Recommended meal or dessert option:
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I have not personally eaten here yet so I cannot comment on the food but it looks and sounds good and generally gets good reviews.
Based off of online reviews, I recommend trying their carrort cake or one of their wraps, as these seem very popular.
Website:
Contact details:
+27 (072) 938 4237
Address:
Shop 10C, Willowbridge Village Shopping Centre, 39 Carl Cronjé Drive, Bellville, Cape Town, Western Cape
9) Charly’s Bakery, CBD
Charly’s Bakery is one of those famous spots in Cape Town that everyone wants to visit or try at least once.
This family business has long been a local institution, famous for its fantastical cake creations, Cookie Monster cupcakes and Charly’s Cake Angels. Even the store building, a brightly coloured Victorian dame in the heart of Cape Town CBD, is a crazy, fun creation.
For four years, Charly’s Bakery was literally down the road from where I stayed. So, even on a measly student budget, I have made several visits to Charly’s Bakery over the years.
I made memories over cupcakes and hot chocolate; enjoyed takeaway treats and shared the fun with friends and loved ones time and again. I think, in part, that’s, the appeal of Charly’s: seeing it through someone else’s eyes the first time you visit.
While the store offers limited indoor and covered outdoor seating, I recommend Charly’s more as a takeaway/order spot.
They are not geared up for a typical sit-down cafe experience, so don’t expect that. Rather enter the shop, buy some tasty treats (or place an order) – and enjoy your munchies wherever the road takes you.
Although I don’t really recommend them for sit-down, when visiting, you can still enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury goodies, as well as some cold drinks and beverages.
Oh and don’t forget to snap a obligatory selfie or photo outside this colourful building.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
They make a lovely hot chocolate but they also offer locally roasted coffee, tea, cold drinks and juices.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they have a wide array of sweet treats – everything from petit fours to cupcakes and wicked chocolate cake to cake slices, pies and quiches.
Just bear in mind that this is essentially a designer bakery so pricing is higher than your usual coffee or cake spot.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
I would strongly recommend trying their iconic Cookie Monster cupcake. If you can bear to eat him because he’s very cute!
Their wicked chocolate loaf is also pure chocolatey, gooey heaven.
Personally, I also like their chocolate cupcakes.
Website:
Contact details:
+ 27 (021) 461 5181, hello@charlysbakery.com
Address:
38 Canterbury Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, Western Cape
10) Greenery, Wellington Street, Durbanville
2025 update: Please note, as of 16 May 2025, Greenery Cafe is no longer based in Durbanville; they are relocating to the Garden Route.
This cute, tranquil plant shop-meets-cafe is such a fun addition to central Durbanville.
Opened during COVID, this indoor plant shop has quite literally grown and thrived into popular plant store – with the happy, welcome addition of a slightly newer snug, sunny cafe, which serves excellent breakfasts, brunches, lunches and coffee.
Dewaldt and Nicola have worked hard to create a soothing, lush space that bridges the disconnect between soulless city life (where the frantic rat race and concrete jungles prevail), bringing plants and people back together in a harmonious, healing union.
Keep Growing
This streetside store offers a stunning array of stylish, colourful gardening tools (like chunky pot plants and old-fashioned, cutesy watering cans), potting soil and leafy greens, as well as the cosy little side-room cafe.
Upon entering the store, you are enveloped in a sea of green, from which an eyecatching, cheery “keep growing” sign and friendly staff welcome you into a lush, leafy oasis.
The cafe is tastefully but minimalistically decorated, with potted plants, elegant wooden tables and benches and a wall-to-wall mirror (which deceptively makes the cafe appear airy and indeed, larger than it really is).
Plant-Oasis-Meets-Cafe
We visited on a busy Saturday morning for a delicious brunch and coffee, after I had spied Greenery’s gourmet breakfasts out on Facebook.
The experience was, for once, as great as it looked on social media.
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
I recommend trying their perfectly sweetened French Vanilla Mocha or dreamy Biscoff Latte; both are excellent.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they have an amazing array of breakfasts, beverages, juices and lunches.
Honestly, I want to go return and try every breakfast option with time – they are that good!
Recommended meal or dessert option:
Greenery serves an excellent selection of generously portioned breakfasts (they have both savoury- and sweet-options), a range of beverages (everything from French Vanilla mochas to cold-pressed juices) and sandwiches and lunch-style bagels.
Everything is tempting and lives up to the expectation – simply put, their food and drinks are sublime.
For breakfast or brunch (lunch is only served from 11:30 am), I recommend the Classic Eggs Benny (add bacon for a crispy touch) for a savoury option. (This breakfast option comes served on fresh English muffins.)
If, like me, you have an undeniable sweet tooth, you have to try the Fluffy Pancakes Stack.
This is one of the dreamiest, most filling breakfasts I have ever had. The biscoff sauce is so divine I could swim it, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory-style.
Sweet Breakfast of Your Dreams
The fluffy pancake stack (aptly referred to as a pancake tower on the menu) is incredible, fresh and unbelievably fluffy.
For their price, these breakfasts are beautifully plated, taste incredible and offer a decidedly filling breakfast or brunch.
Service is wonderful. Their small team of staff (and Nicola, if you bump into her) are hugely welcoming, friendly and efficient.
This is a true 10/10 food experience in every sense – from ambience to food- and drink-offerings to service quality assurance.
Add to that a charming urban jungle in their plant store – and you have a Northern Suburbs gem.
Website:
Contact details:
info@greenery.capetown
Address:
Greenery, 14 Wellington Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, Western Cape
11) Maria’s Greek Café
As one of Cape Town’s oldest and most beloved cafes, I cannot have a post on coffee shops or cafes without including Maria’s Greek Café.
Since the 1950s, Maria’s has been charming Capetonians with its delightful Greek-style cuisine, cosy interior- and exterior-seating and historic setting in Gardens’ Dunkley Square, one of the oldest parts of the Mother City.
With beautiful flowers in the window, a sunny courtyard and cosy, wooden tables (set amid a light, sunny old building), Maria’s offers all the charm and beauty for a café experience or fun food date.
Not to mention the café offers an incredible culinary array, as well as lovely hot beverages, freshly squeezed juices, local wine and cocktails too.
Pricing is competitive and a bit higher than normal café fare but it is worth every penny – and you will definitely be back for more of their friendly service, peaceful vibe and divine food!
Recommended coffee/hot beverage:
I recommend the traditional Greek coffee. It’s a small but aromatic, strong cup of coffee that really hits the spot.
Do they serve food:
Yes, definitely. Maria’s Greek Café has a mouthwatering array of mains, burgers and pitas, sweets, mezethes (meze), salads and sides.
Booking is not essential, but I strongly recommend it.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
It’s pretty hard to choose a meal off Maria’s menu because everything looks, sounds and tastes amazing.
However, I recommend the delicious, hearty Yiouvetsi Chicken. It is honestly one of the tastiest dishes I have had.
If seafood is more your thing, try the equally tasty Kalamari Patagonica.
Website:
No website but check out their Facebook page.
Contact details:
+ 27 (021) 461 3333, info@marias.co.za
Address:
Maria’s Greek Café, 31 Barnet Street, Dunkley Square, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape
12) Shakespeare’s Restaurant
Update: Regrettably, as of March 2023, Shakespeare’s has closed their doors.
A restaurant dedicated to The Bard? Sign me up! This boutique-style restaurant in Durbanville may trade more as a restaurant than traditional café but they have all the cosy ambience, opulent elegance and café-style fare to work for this list.
Shakespeare’s focuses heavily on experiential dining – which is evident in everything from their afternoon tea experience to the quirky, fun and entirely William Shakespeare-themed decor that adorns this eatery.
Service is professional and friendly without being too clingy – although, in my experience, they do need to work on their bookings and admin side of things a bit.
Do they serve food:
Yes, they offer everything from gourmet breakfasts (think Ostrich Benedict or Croque Monsieur/Madame) to gentle starters, meaty mains and of course, some sweet endings too! (Proving not everything has to end in tragedy…)
Their afternoon tea is another excellent option and is ideal for two sharing, although you do need to pre-book it.
Booking at Shakespeare’s is strongly advised.
Recommended meal or dessert option:
Based on personal experience, I recommend their afternoon tea for two sharing. This offers a delicious selection of four sweet and savoury eats, alongside bottomless tea or coffee. (Or you can mix it up and try both during your experience.)
Their tea options are a bit limited (there is only a choice of Ceylon, Earl Grey or rooibos). However, everything is served in beautiful porcelain tea sets so you really do get the full afternoon tea experience. As a bonus, their coffee is excellent too.
To me, it’s good value for money though, especially as Shakespeare’s is a bit on the pricey side. They definitely tick the box when it comes to excellent food – of both a sweet and savoury nature!
Website:
Check out their Facebook page.
Contact details:
+ 27 (021) 569 0244, info@shakespeares.co.za
Address:
Shakespeare’s Restaurant, Heritage Square, Corner of Vrede and Gladstone Streets, Durbanville, Cape Town, Western Cape
In Closing
These are just some of the best coffee and/or cake shops that you can enjoy in the Mother City.
Are there any others that you recommend me adding to this list? 🙂
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