An ardent lover of coffee, I will always seek out the side-walk cafes, the little nooks with real espresso machines and run in the opposite direction of burnt filter coffee. As a traveller, I fully understand your pain if you land up at a hotel with only lukewarm filter coffee on offer, so when coming to Cape Town, know that you are in good hands and this is where you should go…
Origin
In Cape Town’s foreshore up the sloping roads of trendy De Waterkant is where you’ll find Origin Coffee. Just a walk past the door and a whiff of the heavenly aromas and you will be sold. Pick the beans you most desire and have them whip up an espresso dream. Enjoy it with fresh daily savoury and sweet snacks. It also houses a superb tea room behind glass doors where you can get a demonstration on how to make the perfect tea from many varieties.
Vide e Caffe
A true household name in South Africa is this Portuguese coffee shop meaning ‘life and coffee’. Even if it wasn’t for their truly delicious lattes and cappuccinos or Portuguese rolls with mozzarella and chorizo, the liveliness of their staff will keep you coming back. Their male staff all have colourful, boisterous personalities and often you can walk into a store with drum beats pulsating through the speakers to see the guys dancing, singing and inviting you in.
After a few visits, they will remember you forever and maybe even your favourite drink if you’re lucky. It truly is the people and the coffee that makes this place an utter gem. You’ll find them all over the city in Kloof Nek Road, Cavendish, Canal Walk, Greenpoint, Camps Bay.
Seattle coffee company
This is an oldie and goodie. After years of continually making the greatest blends, mouth-watering cakes and my favourite: vanilla lattes, Seattle knows quality coffee. It’s a great space to lounge on the couch, grab a book from Exclusive Books (at most branches they are right next door) and enjoy your java. Their baristas know their coffee and you will definitely discover this once you take your first sip. They also have new stores at petrol stations where you can grab superb coffee on the go at any time of day.
Empire Café
I chanced upon this coffee shop through twitter. The owner tweets about the view he has of Muizenberg beach; its waves, sunsets and tides. It’s located on the other side of the railway from Surfer’s Corner and if you sit on the top level, you’ll have a wonderful view of the beach, the surfers and the waves. Their food is top-notch and really just a cherry on the top of their yummy coffee.
The Annex
I love this restaurant mainly for its view over Kalk Bay Harbour. Once you’ve walked through the stone archway off the busy road, climb the stairs and sit down at a wooden table beneath a giant tree, you can view the fishing boats going out to see and the people strolling towards the lighthouse. The coffee is really a great way to enjoy this view and their food is also worth trying.
Cape Town Info
- Accommodation in Cape Town
- Hotels in Cape Town
- Things to Do in the Cape
- Cape Town Places of Interest
