From cosy cafés tucked away in the city centre to chic, Insta worthy spots, the city’s coffee scene is brewing stronger than ever. Here are some of our favourites you have to visit:
Cape Town CBD
Truth Coffee
If you like good coffee served in a gritty and industrial chic environment, then Truth Coffee is the ideal Cape Town coffee shop for you. Walking into Truth Coffee feels like you’re walking into a Victorian futuristic fantasy. Steampunk lovers will be in awe of the bespoke décor. More important than the interior is the coffee: strong, hot and full of flavour.
Location: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre.
Contact: Discover Truth.
Origin
Origin in De Waterkant serves more than just a cuppa. The coffee shop provides you with the full coffee experience. You can sit in on a cupping session and taste the coffee while it’s still fresh and expressive. You can also purchase some of their blends when you visit. Try their famous pastéis de nata.
Location: 28 Hudson St, De Waterkant.
Contact: Find out more information.
Nice Café
You’ve probably heard of Nice Café thanks to their monthly coffee raves that are taking the city by storm. True to its name, the café serves up all the nice vibes: laid-back energy, friendly faces, and delicious coffee. Pair your cuppa with one of their buttery pastries or sandwiches, and you’ve got yourself a top-tier hangout. Perfect for remote working.
Location: 113 Loop St, 60 Corporation St, and 1 A Queen Victoria St.
Website: More information.
Pang Speciality Coffee
Pang Speciality Coffee is a brand born and raised in the heart of Cape Town, with a passion for creatives who love fashion and a great cup of coffee. Enjoy their famous brew with freshly made pastries. The shop also sells merchandise including totes, T-shirts, sweaters and caps.
Location: 93 Wale St, Cape Town.
Contact: Visit here.
Heaven Coffee
Unlike most coffee shops in Cape Town, Heaven Coffee is found in a truly unique location: inside a church. This Cape Town institution is situated at the entrance of the Central Methodist Mission, showcasing some of the most glorious architecture and stunning stained-glass windows. Their coffee is as heavenly as the setting, and a match made in heaven when paired with freshly baked goods. It’s the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy a peaceful moment with your brew.
Location: 151 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre.
Contact: Call 072 884 2057.
Espressolab
Named one of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops this year, Espressolab, located in Woodstock and Green Point, is what coffee dreams are made off. If your vibe is minimalist with a slight edge, this café, bakery and coffee atelier serves a diverse range of espresso and filter-based drinks, alongside a few innovative speciality coffee beverages. Their coffee is sourced from an array of botanical varieties, processes, and topographical regions, providing curious coffee drinkers an opportunity to sample a selection of flavours. Pictures are a must!
Location: The Quarter, 8 De Smidt Street, Green Point 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock.
Contact: Visit here.
Northern Suburbs
Ristretto Society Café
Situated in the heart of Goodwood, this coffee shop is the epitome of modern chic. As you step inside, you’re greeted with incredible aromas and friendly service. Enjoy your cuppa with their famous crookie and other freshly baked goodies. You can also take home some of their roasted coffee.
Location: Corner of Riebeek &, Haarlem St, Tygerdal.
Website: Details here.
Boston Coffee
This Bellville store serves up delicious cups of coffee daily, with beans roasted onsite to ensure the freshest brew. Feeling peckish? Enjoy their range of sourdough toasted sandwiches, hearty breakfasts, and freshly baked pastries and breads.
Location: Cleveland St, Boston.
Website: Learn more about Boston Coffee.
Baard and Co. Coffee Roasters
Baard and Co. is a charming coffee shop located in Durbanville, where the coffee menu boasts an impressive array of choices—from Americano and espresso to cortado, red cappuccino, and flat white. Enhance your coffee experience with their freshly baked delights, such as cheesecake, banana bread, and croissants.
Location: Pampoenkraal Ln, Durbanville.
Website: Discover more.
Southern suburbs
I Love Coffee group
When I Love Coffee launched in Cape Town in June 2016, they didn’t just open a café, they started a movement. As the first coffee shop in South Africa run by the Deaf and hard of hearing community, they’ve created something truly special: a space where coffee is a language of connection. Their aim is to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities using one thing we all understand: a great cup of coffee. Every cup tells a story of empowerment, inclusion, and about defying the odds.
Favourites on the menu include rich cappuccinos, velvety lattes, and perfectly poured flat whites — all made with skill, heart and a whole lot of love.
Location: 103 Garfield Rd, Claremont.
Website: Find out more.
The Backyard Café
Tucked away in a charming garden oasis lies The Backyard Café. The team is passionate about their space, and they love it most when it’s buzzing with friends, families, and familiar faces coming together over good coffee and conversation.
The coffee menu means business, with espressos, cortados and comforting classics like cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas. Go for brunch on a warm day and take in nature in all its glory.
Location: 4 Sol Cohen Rd, Heathfield.
Website: More information.
The Hans & Lloyd Coffee Co.
The Hans & Lloyd Coffee Co. are boutique coffee shops located in Newlands and Muizenberg. The idea was born from the love of good coffee and the surfing life. The coffee menu is simple and perfect to go with their expansive food selection. Opt to sit in the shop, beautifully decorated with surfing-inspired touches, where the relaxed coastal vibe perfectly complements every cup.
Location: 113 Loop St, 60 Corporation St, and 1 A Queen Victoria St.
Website: More here.
Siki’s Kofee
Siki’s Kofee isn’t just your average coffee stop, it’s where culture, creativity, and community come to life. Born in the heart of Khayelitsha, this vibrant café is all about brewing purpose into
every cup. Founder Sikelela Dibela is on a mission to spark connection, empowerment, and change-one coffee at a time. Pull in for one of their signature brews and see why Siki’s has become a local legend. You’ll also find them spreading the love at their Cavendish Square branch in Claremont.
Location: 7 Ntaba Street, Khayelitsha, and 1st floor in front of Mr Price, Cavendish Square
Website: Learn more.
IMBIZO
IMBIZO is an authentic, all-African artisan coffee roastery and distribution company that’s making a bold mark in the coffee industry. With a deep commitment to quality and heritage, IMBIZO sources only premium Arabica green coffee beans from across the African continent.
The coffee options are plenty and affordable.
