Chapter 13: Coffee
Cape Town loves its coffee, and these days you can’t walk for five minutes through the city centre and not bump into a trendy coffee shop claiming to serve the finest flat white or the city’s best cortado.
Rosetta Roastery
Indulge in the ultimate coffee experience at this café and brew bar, offering a carefully curated selection of coffee.
Why go?
Here, you'll discover the pinnacle of coffee perfection! Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bree Street, it's the perfect spot to relish meticulously brewed cups while enjoying a range of in-house baked pastries, treats, and light meals.
Details
Bree Street Cafe
a: 97 Bree Street, Corner of Bree and Shortmarket St, Cape Town
w: rosettaroastery.com
t: +27 21 447 4099
h: Monday to Friday, 07h00 – 16h00; Saturday, 08h00 – 16h00; Sunday and Public Holidays, 08h00 – 14h00
Silo District Bar
a: Inside the Yard Restaurant, Silo 4, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
w: rosettaroastery.com
h: Monday to Friday, 07h00 – 16h00; Saturday, 08h00 – 16h00; Sunday and Public Holidays, 08h00 – 15h00
EspressoLab
This passionately-run speciality coffee roastery has a handpicked selection of imported green beans roasted in small batches at low temperatures on the premises. Most of their beans are organic and they offer single-origin beans as well as blends. Escape the Saturday market crowd by ducking in here for a quick fix.
Why go?
The go-to coffee in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. It’s all they do – and they do it very well.
Details
a: 375 Albert Road, Woodstock
t: +27 21 447 0845
w: espressolabmicroroasters.com
h: Monday to Friday, 08h00–16h00, Saturday, 08h00–14h30
Loading Bay
This hip, industrial-looking restaurant and shop draws a very trendy crowd. Grab a croissant and a coffee off the simple menu while browsing the Aesop body products and a selection of imported menswear.
Why go?
The chic restaurant is one of the most pleasant spaces to tap away on one’s laptop. Its centre is a long table with benches, popular for creative meetings.
Details
a: 30 Hudson Street, De Waterkant
t: +27 21 425 6320
w: loadingbay.co.za
h: Monday to Friday: 08h00–17h00, Saturday, 08h00–15h00, Sunday, 09h00–14h00
Truth
This steampunk-inspired fever-dream sits in an old warehouse in the City Centre and is great for anyone fascinated by the history of coffee, original blends, or Cape Town café society.
Why go?
The world’s best coffee shop.
Details
a: 36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
t: +27 21 200 7000
w: za.truth.coffee
h: Monday to Saturday, 06h59–18h00, Sunday, 07h59–16h00
Ground Art Caffe
Ground Art Caffe merges the creative prowess of baristas, chefs, and art curators, offering a unique fusion of culinary and artistic experiences.
Why go?
With abundant natural light and views of Table Mountain, this oasis provides the perfect backdrop for sipping incredible coffee. Whether you seek solace for work or lively conversations with friends, this space offers a harmonious blend of coffee, art, and a simple but irresistible menu.
Details
a: 160 Strand Street, Cape Town
w: groundartcaffe.co.za
t: +27 21 418 1331
e: info@groundartcaffe.co.za
h: Tuesday to Friday, 07h00 – 15h00; Saturday, 07h30 – 14h00; Sunday, 08h00 – 13h00
Pauline’s
An intimate, elegantly designed coffee bar and eatery dedicated to consciously sourced and expertly prepared coffee.
Why go?
This spot invites you to engage in meaningful conversations over a cup of speciality coffee and a tasty treat. It's a sanctuary for daily rituals, interactions, and connections in a warm and welcoming environment.
Details
a: 277 Main Road, Sea Point
w: paulinescoffee.com
t: +27 21 205 4466
h: Monday to Friday, 07h00 – 16h00; Saturday, 08h00 – 16h00; Sunday and Public Holidays, 08h00 – 14h00
Chapter 13/14
Featured image credit: Tyler Nix