The coffee culture in Cape Town is strong and vibrant. There is an increased offering of outstanding coffee shops in Cape Town to choose from. I have never considered myself a true ‘coffee snob’, but with so many places serving such good quality coffee, it is hard not to be!
Here are a few coffee shops in Cape Town that are worth a visit – if not for their mastery of single origin coffee, then for a delicious bite to eat …
Malay Coffee Shop
The Malay Coffee Company, perfectly situated in Cape Town’s city centre, gives coffee-lovers something new to try with their Malay-style coffee and daily home-made salomies, sandwiches and sweet eats.
As well as the delightful waft of brewing coffee that hits you as you walk in, freshly baked muffins and a warm, welcoming atmosphere encapsulates this cosy space. The décor interior of the Malay Coffee Company is all hand-made by owner Muneeba Allie’s husband, Rayaan, giving it a homey feel and a personal touch.
The lunch menu consists of Cape Malay-inspired cuisine. The more substantial meals like akhni (similar to biryani), lasagne, and curry can be ordered (preferably the night before), or one can pick up some samoosas, Malay-style koeksisters, and smoked chicken tuna sandwiches for a lighter bite. The food is well-priced and filled with flavour. It is a great option for your morning coffee or a lunch time stop!
Where: 214 Loop Street, City Bowl, Cape Town
Contact: 060 390 0057
Email: malaycoffeeco@gmail.com
Web: https://www.facebook.com/Malay-Coffee-Company-811735122258116/?fref=ts
When can I go? Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm (closed Friday between 12.30pm and 1.45pm)
Check out the top Restaurants in Cape Town
Savour the joy of eating at some of Cape Town’s finest Get our Free Restaurant Guide hereBest coffee shops in Cape Town – Rosetta Roastery
Rosetta Roastery is one of Cape Town’s exclusive single origin roasteries. Sourcing single origin coffee from South and Central America, Africa and Asia. They claim to “source and roast the world’s finest coffees, each as full of character as the people who drink them”. I have to agree! You can either enjoy these one-of-a-kind coffees at their trendy location in the Woodstock Exchange, or you can have them delivered to your door wherever you are in South Africa.
Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or an amateur chicory drinker, this stylish coffee bar aims to introduce you to something new. “Coffees are orchids, not aspirins” I’ll remember that the next time I am on to my third cup of the morning!
Where: 66 Albert Road, Woodstock Exchange, Woodstock
Contact: 021 447 4099
Email: info@rosettaroastery.com
Web: http://www.rosettaroastery.com
When can I go? Monday to Sunday: 9.30am – 5pm
Bootlegger Coffee Company (Sea Point)
If you are an early riser and serious about that first cup of coffee, then look no further than The Bootlegger Coffee Company. If you get there before 8:30am you can enjoy a cuppa for only R14 (Approx $1) I like the sound of that! You might love the coffee so much that you’ll decide to stay for breakfast, which is a wise choice as The BCC food-offering is definitely worth trying.
The menu boasts freshly squeezed juices, homemade Ice Tea and their signature granola, as well as farm-fresh eggs and a variety of other locally produced goodness. You can’t go wrong with their spinach, mushroom and roasted rosa tomato omelette, or the Eggs Benedict with salmon trout.
The list of options doesn’t stop there however. Their lunch and dinner menu offers ample choice. From burgers, open sandwiches and salads, to ribs, fillets and schnitzel – this place has a bit of everything!
My favourite part of their awesome website reads: “Coffee snobs – the blend displays hints of toasted hazelnut, caramel and a subtle touch of dark chocolate. It’s made with perfection, served with love and enjoyed in a glass.”
Where: 39 – 41 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Contact: 021 434 0060
Email: pieter@bootlegger.co.za
Web: https://www.bootlegger.coffee/
When can I go? Sunday to Thursday 6.30am to 10pm; Friday 6.30am to 11pm; Saturday 7.30am to 11pm
Best coffee shops in Cape Town – Truth Coffee
Truth is a themed café, and a rather eye-catching one at that. It is unique in every way! From the staff that wear hats and waistcoats to the mad scientist looking coffee machines – think Sherlock Holmes crossed with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! The coffee is as distinctive as the place. They recommend a “Sunrise Espresso” which consists of a double shot with a dash of orange juice. Truth believes that “coffee in a cup should deliver on the promise of the aromas of freshly ground coffee” – and it does just that. If the Sunrise Espresso isn’t your thing, try their Silky Vengeance (Espresso, cold milk, ice, blended), Potion Coffee (200 ml Straight-up 18 hrs cold brew) or the Battle Brew Coffee (Americano, butter, MCT oil, blended).
They serve signature breakfasts like the Herby Stack Omelette, Truly Scrambled Eggs and French Toast Truth Style; an array of All-day options including an Open Avo Sandwich and a BLT; as well as some delicious lunch dishes like the Steamdog, a burger of your choice, or one of their tasty salads.
Where: 36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Contact: 021 200 0440
Email: info@truthcoffee.com
Web: www.truthcoffee.com
When can I go? Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm; Saturday 8.30am to 6pm; Sunday 8.30am to 2pm
Haas Collective
Haas Collective is now located in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre. And takes great care in sourcing the finest beans from around the world to make a variety of single origin coffees. Coffee-lovers can choose from a complex Haas blend, or an Ethiopian, Guatemalan or Columbian single origin coffee.
As the name suggests, Haas Collective offers more than a delicious cup of coffee, but rather a space where one can appreciate art and collectables as well. Look out for the quirky details on your crockery, made especially for Haas, like ants crawling on your side plate or a skull on a coffee cup.
If that is not enough, you’ll find a variety of mouth-watering breakfasts and lunches on the menu. Try the French toast with cinnamon, banana and honey (with added bacon!). The chicken bunny chow, one of the tapas platters, or a chocolate square to sweeten the deal.
Where: 67 Rose Street, Bo Kaap, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 422 4413
Email: info@haascollective.com
Web: http://www.haascollective.com
When can I go? Monday to Friday 7am-5pm; Saturday & Sunday 8am-3pm
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Crazy about Coffee – was written by Cedarberg Africa
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