Cape Town’s coffee culture is deeply woven into the rhythm of daily life. From early-morning espressos before coastal walks to long, lingering brunches in character-filled neighbourhood cafés, the city offers an exceptional variety of places to enjoy good coffee and thoughtful food. What sets Cape Town apart is not only the quality of the coffee, but the sense of place each café offers - shaped by history, creativity, and community.
This guide highlights some of the best coffee shops and cafés across Cape Town, each chosen for its character, consistency, and atmosphere.
In this blog we cover…
- Design-led cafés in De Waterkant – visually striking spaces with creative menus.
- City Centre institutions – award-winning coffee and standout concepts.
- Neighbourhood favourites – relaxed cafés in Clifton, Sea Point and Tamboerskloof.
- Artisan bakeries – sourdough, pastries and baked goods worth planning around.
- Cafés with heritage and heart – places shaped by community and history.
Café Chiffon, De Waterkant
Tucked into the vibrant streets of De Waterkant, Café Chiffon is a refined yet playful cake-and-coffee spot that has quickly become a local favourite. The interior is carefully curated, blending exposed brick, sculptural wall niches, and soft neutral tones to create a space that feels both modern and inviting.
Café Chiffon stands apart for its distinctly Asian approach to desserts, something still relatively rare in Cape Town. The cakes are inspired by East Asian patisserie traditions, prioritising light textures, restrained sweetness, and elegant presentation. Japanese-style cheesecakes, Korean-inspired macaroons, and softly layered sponge cakes feel indulgent without being heavy.
With a menu that changes monthly, Café Chiffon rewards repeat visits while retaining a handful of signature favourites that regulars return for.
📍Address: SHOGF007, Old Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant St, Green Point, Cape Town
Images: @cafechiffon.cpt on Instagram
Truth Coffee, City Centre
Truth Coffee’s uniqueness lies in its unwavering confidence and immersive identity. Long recognised as one of Cape Town’s leading speciality coffee destinations, the café has won multiple international and local awards for its exceptional coffee, reflecting its dedication to quality and innovation.
Known for its immersive steampunk design, the space is filled with metalwork, cogs, and industrial detailing, creating a dramatic setting that is entirely authentic. This experience is reinforced by the fully steampunk-inspired waiter uniforms, which add to the sense of stepping into a carefully imagined world rather than an ordinary café.
The coffee programme is taken seriously, with expertly roasted blends ranging from bold and intense to smooth and balanced. The food menu mirrors this commitment to quality, using locally sourced ingredients and house-made sourdough. Every detail, from the décor to the service, reinforces Truth Coffee’s reputation as a world-class café experience.
📍Address: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Images: @truthcoffee.capetown on Instagram
Clifton Eatery, Clifton
Clifton Eatery is exactly the kind of place you stumble upon once and then return to repeatedly. Set within a converted shipping container in one of Cape Town’s most iconic coastal suburbs, it reflects the relaxed, outdoors-driven lifestyle of Clifton itself.
The coffee is solid, the pizzas are surprisingly excellent, and the carrot cake has developed a bit of a following. It’s perfect for a relaxed morning after the beach or a casual mid-day stop with sea air still clinging to you.
📍Address: 51 Victoria Rd, Clifton, Cape Town
Images: @clifton_eatery_ on Instagram
THE 777 Coffee Shop, City Centre
THE 777 Coffee Shop distinguishes itself through its aviation theme, inspired by the Boeing 777. From airport-style signage to pilot-inspired uniforms, the café leans into its concept without overwhelming the experience.
What keeps it grounded is its focus on quality. Coffee is carefully prepared, the menu is reliable, and sweet treats such as the tiramisu have built a loyal following. The result is a café that feels playful yet dependable, offering something visually memorable alongside a solid coffee experience.
📍Address: 66 Keerom St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town,
Images: @the777coffee_shop on Instagram
The Blue Café, Tamboerskloof
The Blue Café is less a café and more a neighbourhood institution. Trading in various forms since 1904, it’s deeply woven into the fabric of Tamboerskloof. Locals come here to catch up, buy fresh produce, and enjoy simple, well-made food.
What makes it special is its commitment to community; sourcing produce from local residents, delivering orders to neighbours, and maintaining that old-school sense of familiarity that’s increasingly rare. For visitors, the appeal lies in experiencing a café that functions as part of daily life rather than as a destination built around trends.
📍Address: 13 Brownlow Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Images: @bluecafe_ on Instagram
South Yeaster Bakery, Hout Bay
South Yeaster is for people who care deeply about bread and aren’t shy about it. Run by sibling duo Brode and Amber, this artisanal bakery grew from lockdown experimentation into what they affectionately call a “dirty bread cult”.
Their sourdough loaves, croissants, cruffins, and ever-changing monthly menu are all made with serious attention to craft. Baking schedules vary, so it’s worth planning ahead, but the reward is some of the best bread and pastries in the city.
📍Address: 4 The Promenade, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Images: @southyeaster on Instagram
Norfolk Deli, Sea Point
Norfolk Deli feels like a place you’d want to be a regular. Run by husband-and-wife team Chelsy and Marius Theron, everything here is made fresh daily, often using family recipes passed down through generations.
From croissants and breakfast burritos to the now-legendary Funfetti-style birthday cake and the infamous “Crookie” (croissant-meets-cookie), it’s a warm, welcoming stop for locals, travellers, runners, dog walkers, and anyone who appreciates baked goods done properly.
📍Address: 6 Norfolk Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
Images: @norfolk.deli on Instagram
Ground Art Caffè, De Waterkant
Ground Art Caffè blends three things beautifully: coffee, food, and art. The café operates as both a coffee space and a gallery, with rotating exhibitions forming a central part of the environment. It’s a calm, minimalist space that works just as well for focused work sessions as it does for long, thoughtful lunches.
The house African Arabica coffee is micro-roasted using top-scoring beans, producing a naturally sweet and lower-caffeine cup. The interior is intentionally light and minimalist, allowing natural light, mountain views, and artwork to shape the mood. It is a space designed for focus, conversation, and quiet appreciation.
📍Address: 160 Strand St, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Images: @groundartcaffe on Instagram
Montreal Coffee, Sea Point
Tucked just off Main Road, Montreal Coffee blends Cape Town ease with a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. The coffee is excellent, the bagels are a highlight, and the atmosphere encourages you to stay longer than planned.
It’s a favourite with freelancers and locals who appreciate great coffee without pretension. Warm, familiar, and quietly confident; exactly what a neighbourhood café should be.
📍Address: 295 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
Images: @montreal_coffee_ on Instagram
Halō Coffee, City Centre
Located in the foyer of 117 Strand Street, Halō Coffee has quickly built a loyal following. The space is beautifully designed, the service is warm, and the coffee is consistently excellent.
With a menu covering hearty breakfasts and relaxed brunches, it’s equally suited to casual catch-ups and productive work sessions. A genuine community hub in the heart of the city.
📍Address: In the foyer of 117 Strand St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Images: @halo__coffee on Instagram
The KAYA Café, City Centre
The KAYA Café is where art, music, and coffee intersect. With rustic décor and music-themed posters lining the walls, it has a creative, welcoming energy that draws people in.
The coffee programme is strong, with signature drinks such as the KAYA cappuccino and iced chai latte reflecting careful preparation rather than novelty. The result is a café that feels expressive and relaxed, appealing to those drawn to creative spaces with a strong sense of personality.
📍Address: 35 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Images: @thekayacafe on Instagram
Honest Chocolate Café, City Centre
Honest Chocolate is an indulgent escape tucked between Loop and Bree Streets. Set in the historic Commune 1 building, the café feels timeless, with dark wooden floors and a hidden courtyard that leads through to the Secret Gin Bar.
All chocolate is ethically sourced, vegan, and made using traditional methods. From hot chocolates and dairy-free milkshakes to truffles, tarts, and the much-loved banana bread bunny chow, it’s a place that takes pleasure seriously without losing its conscience.
📍Address: 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Images: @honestchocloate on Instagram
Experience Cape Town Beyond the Coffee Cup
Cape Town’s coffee scene offers far more than just excellent brews; it provides spaces full of character, creativity, and community. From the playful aviation-themed décor at THE 777 Coffee Shop to the delicate Asian-inspired desserts at Café Chiffon, each café offers a unique moment to pause, explore, and savour the city’s vibrant culture.
For those planning a stay in Cape Town and looking to experience the city from well-located neighbourhoods close to its best cafés, Nox Cape Town offers a curated portfolio of holiday rentals designed for comfort, style, and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas in Cape Town have the best coffee shops?
The City Centre, De Waterkant, Sea Point, and Tamboerskloof are particularly strong, offering a mix of destination cafés and neighbourhood favourites.
Are these cafés suitable for working remotely?
Yes. Several cafés, including Ground Art Caffè, Montreal Coffee, and Halō Coffee, offer free Wi-Fi and a calm working environment.
Do Cape Town cafés cater for dietary requirements?
Many cafés offer dairy-free milk options, and Honest Chocolate Café provides a wide range of vegan-friendly treats.
Is Cape Town known internationally for its coffee scene?
Yes. Cape Town is widely recognised for its speciality coffee culture, award-winning cafés, and high-quality local roasters.